Cutigliano Chestnut Festival

The chestnut, the soul of the Pistoia Apennines

In the heart of the Pistoia mountains, the medieval village of Cutigliano — now part of the Municipality of Abetone Cutigliano, in the province of Pistoia (Tuscany) — dedicates an entire autumn weekend to the fruit that for centuries has fed and defined these communities: the chestnut. The Chestnut Festival began in 2002 and, edition after edition, has become one of the most beloved events of the Apennine autumn, attracting visitors from all over Tuscany and neighboring Emilia.

A tradition that tells the story of the land

Here, the chestnut is more than just a food product: it is memory, landscape, and identity. The groves of centuries-old chestnut trees surrounding the village, the metati (ancient stone buildings used for drying), and the old mills that ground the fruits to produce precious flour make up a rural supply chain that the festival proudly showcases. During the event, guided tours of the groves, drying huts, and mills are organized to discover firsthand how chestnut processing was — and in part still is — carried out.

Flavors of mountain peasant cuisine

The delicious heart of the festival lies in the food stalls featuring typical chestnut-based products: necci (thin chestnut flour waffles), castagnaccio (chestnut cake), roasted marroni, and other specialties made from local sweet flour. It is the humble mountain cuisine that nourished generations and returns to the table today, accompanied by products from the markets set up along the streets and squares of the historic center.

Markets, crafts, and folklore

Along the village streets, you will find markets with local crafts and regional products, while in the afternoon, ancient craft demonstrations and folk performances come to life. There is no shortage of cultural moments — conferences and initiatives dedicated to chestnut cultivation — and activities designed for children and families, making the festival an event suitable for everyone.

A village to experience in autumn

Visiting Cutigliano during the Chestnut Festival also means discovering one of the most beautiful villages in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with its medieval historic center, the Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna, and views of the woods painted in autumn colors. The event is part of an October full of activities in Cutigliano, the month of mushrooms and chestnuts, and represents the ideal opportunity to combine good food, nature, and tradition.