Giglietto and Monti Prenestini Delicacies Festival

A biscuit that tells the story of a city

The Giglietto and Monti Prenestini Delicacies Festival is the event through which Palestrina, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, celebrates its most iconic product. The Giglietto is a dry biscuit made with only three ingredients—flour, sugar, and eggs—molded into the characteristic shape of a lily, the emblem of the Barberini family who once ruled the city. Tradition dates it back to the 17th century: according to local lore, the Barberini cooks discovered this specialty during their French exile at the court of Louis XIV, later bringing the recipe back to Palestrina. Since 2014, the Giglietto has been a Slow Food Presidium and is recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product of the Lazio region.

The historic center becomes a culinary trail

For four days, the ancient streets and squares of the historic center, at the foot of the monumental Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, fill with stalls, long tables, and tasting stations. Alongside the Giglietto, visitors can discover other delicacies from the Monti Prenestini: fresh pasta and gnocchi, legume soups, local cured meats and cheeses, grilled meats, olive oil, and preserves, paired with regional wines—from Cesanese to Zagarolo wine—and local craft beers.

More than just food

The festival began as a gastronomic showcase but has evolved over the years into a well-rounded cultural event. The program alternates between:

• live music in the squares, featuring local bands and traveling groups;
• street performances and entertainment along the food and wine route;
• art and traditional craft exhibitions in various spaces throughout the center;
• workshops and activities dedicated to families and children;
• tours and special openings related to the city's historical heritage.

A festival built by the community

The event is the result of the hard work of the Giglietto Committee, the Pro Loco Palestrina APS, local associations, and dozens of volunteers, with the support of the Municipality of Palestrina. It is part of the Estate Prenestina (Prenestina Summer) program, which accompanies the city from June to September with events such as the Gnocchetto Festival, the Taverne del Palio, and the Palio di Sant'Agapito. Over the years, the festival has far exceeded its local roots, attracting thousands of visitors from the Rome metropolitan area and neighboring provinces.

Why it's worth the trip

Palestrina is just over thirty kilometers from Rome and is easily reachable for a day trip. Visiting during the festival means combining the discovery of one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Lazio—the Hellenistic sanctuary and the National Archaeological Museum of Palestrina with its famous Nile mosaic—with an evening of authentic flavors in a historic center illuminated and lively until late. Admission is free: you only pay for what you taste at the stands.