Gnocchi Festival and Rioscuro Waterfalls

A village, a stream, and a delicious tradition

The Gnocchi Festival and Rioscuro Waterfalls is a spring event held in Cineto Romano, a small village in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the heart of the Lucretili Mountains. The event stems from the union of two local highlights: the natural allure of the Rioscuro Waterfalls and the conviviality of a village festival dedicated to gnocchi. The result is a day that combines hiking, scenery, and fine dining just a few kilometers from the capital.

The Rioscuro Waterfalls

The waterfalls are located along the Rioscuro stream, within the municipality of Cineto Romano, nestled in a lush, vegetation-rich gorge. Recognized by regional decree in 2018 as a site of significant environmental interest, they offer a series of waterfalls immersed in greenery, reachable on foot via a scenic trail. The itinerary, proposed and accompanied by the Nomos Trek Association, runs from Cineto Romano to the Riofreddo area, covering about 11 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 500 meters and moderate difficulty, suitable for those with basic hiking experience.

The village festival

At lunchtime, the hike meets the gnocchi festival, the gastronomic heart of the event. The traditional menu offers bruschetta, gnocchi with meat sauce (with a truffle mushroom alternative), sheep arrosticini, grilled sausage, bread, and a choice of water or wine. It is the perfect opportunity to savor the typical products of the Lazio hinterland in a festive atmosphere, sitting together after the walk among the genuine flavors of this corner of Sabina.

Nature, hiking, and community

More than just a festival, the event is a way to rediscover an authentic territory: the small towns of the Lucretili Mountains, the trails following the watercourses, and a peasant gastronomy rooted in tradition. The formula that combines a guided hike and a festival makes the day perfect for families, trekking enthusiasts, and curious visitors looking for a day trip just outside Rome.

How to participate

The event is organized by the Nomos Trek Association, led by environmental hiking guide Marco Marini. Participation in the hike requires booking and a valid membership card; lunch at the festival is optional and has a separate cost. Appropriate trekking gear is recommended: hiking boots, windbreaker, and layered clothing, as well as a sufficient supply of water.