Festival of Pizza Under the Fire
The focaccia cooked under the embers, queen of summer in Montefranco
About Pizza Under the Fire
The pizza born under the fire
The absolute protagonist is her: the "pizza sotto lu focu", a simple focaccia made only of flour, water, and salt, cooked as it used to be, under the embers and ash of the hearth. An ancient peasant dish that in Montefranco has become a symbol of identity and celebration, offered in many variations: from the simple version to the stuffed one, up to more recent proposals like pizza with mortadella.
A village festival in Valnerina
The festival is held in Montefranco, a small village in Valnerina in the province of Terni, overlooking the Nera gorge. For about two weeks, between July and August, the village comes alive every evening with food stalls, communal tables, live music, and entertainment, in a convivial atmosphere that is the true heart of the event. The organization is handled by ASD Montefranco, which attracts thousands of participants every year.
Not just gastronomy
In addition to food, the festival offers musical evenings, entertainment, and cultural initiatives that enhance the history and memory of the village. The event is also an excellent opportunity to discover Valnerina, its waterfalls, its trails, and nearby villages such as Ferentillo and Arrone.
Pizza Under the Fire — edition 2026
In 2026, Montefranco is preparing once again to celebrate its "pizza sotto lu focu", the focaccia cooked under the embers that has enlivened the village's summer for years. The festival, managed by ASD Montefranco, is expected to take place over approximately two weeks between July and August, with evening food stalls, live music, and entertainment.
The precise dates and the schedule of evenings for the 2026 edition have not yet been published. For updates, please refer to the official Facebook page of the festival.
Programme Pizza Under the Fire 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been announced. Traditionally, the festival features the opening of food stalls every evening with pizza under the fire in its various versions, accompanied by musical evenings and entertainment, as well as cultural initiatives related to the village's history. Dates and program will be communicated by ASD Montefranco on their official channels.
Practical information — Pizza Under the Fire
How to get there
Montefranco can be reached by car from the SS209 Valnerina, exiting from the SS3 Flaminia or the E45 near Terni. The nearest train station is Terni, from which buses depart for Valnerina.
When
Between mid-July and the first days of August, generally for about two weeks, mainly in the evening.
Tips
For updated times, menus, and dates, it is advisable to follow the official Facebook page "sagradelapizzasottolufocu".
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Where does it take place — Pizza Under the Fire
Montefranco