Cordicelle Festival

The Cordicelle Festival

In the heart of summer, the small town of Collalto Sabino, perched at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters in the Turano Valley, in the province of Rieti (Lazio), pays tribute to one of its most authentic gastronomic treasures: cordicelle. The festival, organized by the Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality, brings the village to life with an evening of tastings, music, and conviviality, drawing visitors from across the Sabina region and the nearby provinces of Abruzzo.

Cordicelle, the rope-shaped pasta

Cordicelle is an ancient, rustic pasta made by hand using only flour and water, worked into thin, long strands that resemble small ropes or cords, hence the name. They are served with tomato sauce, porcini mushrooms from the surrounding woods, or a rich meat ragù, accompanied by stewed mountain herbs. It is a dish that tells the story of the peasant culture of these mountains and the wisdom of the hands that have passed the recipe down through generations.

One of Italy's most beautiful villages

The event takes place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the heart of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, dominated by the imposing Baronial Castle, a fortress that controlled the ancient imperial barony of Collalto since the Middle Ages. Strolling through the stone alleys, carved portals, and historic squares while tasting cordicelle offers an experience suspended in time, blending history, nature, and flavor.

Typical products and the nature of Sabina

During the festival, markets showcase local products and crafts, particularly those from the Monti Navegna and Cervia Nature Reserve, which surrounds the village with its forests and lakes. The festival is also an opportunity to discover a corner of Lazio still untouched by mass tourism, where rural identity and good food remain the protagonists.

Music and atmosphere

Gastronomy is complemented by live music, with traveling bands animating the streets of the historic center, and open-air photo exhibitions. As evening falls, amidst the village lights and the scent of freshly dressed pasta, Collalto Sabino transforms into a natural stage of tradition and joy.