Grigliata sotto le Stelle

The Grigliata sotto le Stelle in Acquapendente

In the summer calendar of Acquapendente, a village in the Upper Tuscia area of the Viterbo province (Lazio), the Grigliata sotto le Stelle holds a special place. For three consecutive evenings in July, the evocative Orto dei Frati di San Francesco, located next to the ancient cloister, fills with long tables, the scent of charcoal grills, and music. It is the festival that, more than any other, captures the community spirit of this Val di Paglia town, situated on the border between Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria.

A festival born from solidarity

The event is rooted in the commitment of the AVIS of Acquapendente, which for years organized the grill as a moment of conviviality and a way to raise awareness for blood and plasma donation. Around the tables, between courses, people have always discussed the importance of giving and community; participating meant supporting the association's activities. After ten editions, the event is now a classic of the local summer, and in 2026 it returns thanks to the efforts of the Sporting Club Acquapendente, confirming how deeply rooted it is in the town's social fabric.

What to eat

The absolute star is the grilled meat, cooked outdoors according to the rural traditions of Tuscia. In past editions, the menu featured penne all'amatriciana, sausages, pancetta, pork neck steaks, and beans, in a gastronomic journey curated with the help of local merchants. Everything is paired with wines and the genuine flavors of a border territory where Lazio cuisine meets Tuscan and Umbrian influences.

• Grilled cuisine prepared on-site
• Typical dishes from the Viterbo Tuscia tradition
• Live music every evening
• Convivial atmosphere under the stars in the greenery of the Orto dei Frati

The atmosphere

As evening falls, the Orto dei Frati di San Francesco becomes a welcoming and festive place: long tables, soft lights among the trees, and the backdrop of live music create a simple and authentic atmosphere that attracts families, young people, and visitors traveling along the Via Francigena, of which Acquapendente is a historic stop.

Part of R-Estate ad Acquapendente

The Grigliata sotto le Stelle is part of the R-Estate ad Acquapendente program, the rich summer festival that enlivens the historic center and surrounding hamlets from late June to early September with concerts, theatrical performances, book presentations, traditional parties, and food festivals. It is a hub that accompanies residents and tourists throughout the summer, culminating in late August with the celebrations for the patron saint, Saint Hermes.

Acquapendente and Tuscia

Visiting Acquapendente during the grill festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic villages in the Viterbo area: the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre with its crypt, the medieval alleys, and the natural treasures of the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve. A corner of Lazio still off the beaten path, perfect for combining good food, history, and nature.