Franciscan Dinner

An evening in the Franciscan convent cloister

The Franciscan Dinner is one of the most characteristic summer events in Mezzolombardo, located in the heart of the Piana Rotaliana, in the Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, on a warm July evening, the evocative cloister of the Convent of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate opens its doors to welcome guests to long tables, in a simple and intimate atmosphere that recalls the spirit of Saint Francis.

The Franciscan spirit at the table

The offering is a simple dinner, just as it was done in the past and as Franciscan tradition dictates: a few genuine dishes, sharing among diners, and the company of the friars. The evening is punctuated by Franciscan songs and texts and, in historical editions, by Gregorian chants accompanying the courses. It is not just a gastronomic moment, but an opportunity to enter the convent's usually restricted outdoor spaces and to chat with the religious community in a welcoming and familiar setting.

The flavors of Trentino cuisine

The menu draws from the traditional cuisine of Trentino and the Piana Rotaliana. Featured dishes include smacafam served with local cheeses, strangolapreti, and strudel for dessert, along with coffee and water. Local wine is a must, with Teroldego Rotaliano, the red wine symbol of the area, acting as a historical protagonist of the evening alongside the conviviality that defines the event.

• Smacafam and local cheeses
• Strangolapreti
• Strudel
• Coffee and water
• Local wine

The convent and its history

The Convent of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in Mezzolombardo, with its 17th-century church and the cloister carefully restored in 1995, provides the ideal setting for an event with such a unique spirit. Crossing its walls for an evening means rediscovering a place of reflection and history, in the center of a town dedicated to viticulture and peasant tradition.

A charity event

The Franciscan Dinner is organized by the Pro Loco Mezzolombardo in collaboration with the friars' community. The entire proceeds of the evening are donated to the Convent, giving the initiative a charitable value that complements its cultural and gastronomic significance. Reservations are mandatory, and given the convivial format, it is often recommended to book an entire table.