The village of Ciciliano celebrates fried pizza amidst narrow alleys, local flavors, and live music
The Fried Pizza Festival is a culinary celebration that brings the historic center of Ciciliano to life—a village in the Monti Prenestini within the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the heart of Lazio. Launched in 2025, the event immediately won over residents and visitors alike, turning the village alleys into a gourmet trail smelling of freshly fried dough from lunch until late at night, including a delicious afternoon snack.
The absolute star is fried pizza in all its forms: simple, highlighted by the fragrance of the golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside dough; or stuffed, featuring traditional fillings and bolder, more creative combinations. There are also sweet versions to round off the meal on a sugary note. Among the offerings, a special menu designed for guests includes a stuffed pizza, a pizza with Nutella, and a glass of water or wine: a simple and delicious way to savor the soul of the festival.
The culinary experience is paired with musical entertainment: the village streets are filled with the notes of the Scoppoletta Band, with live performances that accompany the day and create that cheerful, carefree vibe typical of village festivals. Strolling through the stone houses of Ciciliano, with a paper cone of fried pizza in hand and music in the background, is the best way to experience the event.
Beyond the festival, Ciciliano is worth a visit for its compact historic center, dominated by the castle and overlooking the hills that slope down toward the Aniene Valley. Its location, a short distance from Tivoli and the main attractions of the Monti Tiburtini and Prenestini, makes the festival an excellent opportunity to combine good food with local tourism.
The Fried Pizza Festival is an event suitable for everyone, including families: an authentic experience that tells the story of Lazio's gastronomic tradition through one of its most beloved and popular dishes.
The second edition of the Fried Pizza Festival was held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Ciciliano, in the province of Rome. The village celebrated fried pizza in all its variations, from simple versions to stuffed, sweet, or gourmet ones.
For the occasion, a special menu was offered, including a stuffed pizza, a pizza with Nutella, and a glass of water or wine. The stands remained open for both lunch and dinner, while live performances by the Scoppoletta Band brought the day to life. Free parking, a camper area, and card payment (POS) were available to visitors.
Ciciliano is located in the Metropolitan City of Rome, on the slopes of the Monti Prenestini. By car, it can be reached from the A24 Rome-L'Aquila motorway (Vicovaro-Mandela exit) or from the Via Tiburtina Valeria, continuing inland. From Rome, the journey takes about an hour.
There is ample free parking and a dedicated area for campers near the historic center.
You can pay by card (POS) at the stands. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to navigate the stone alleys of the village. The event takes place outdoors: it is best to check the weather forecast before leaving.
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Centro storico di Ciciliano