I Gironi dell'Antipapa

A journey through the alleys of the ancient village

I Gironi dell'Antipapa is the event that brings Corvaro to life every spring. This charming hamlet in the municipality of Borgorose, located in the heart of the Cicolano region in the province of Rieti (Lazio), is uniquely structured: its alleys climb in an elliptical shape toward the castle, creating a series of concentric "circles"—a stone labyrinth that visitors explore, guided by enticing aromas and music.

The story of Antipope Nicholas V

At the center of the village stood the home of Pietro Rinalducci (or Rainalducci), born in Corvaro in 1258. A Franciscan friar, he was elected antipope in 1328 under the name Nicholas V, holding the office until 1330 during the conflict between Emperor Louis the Bavarian and Pope John XXII. The figure of this contested pontiff, one of the most fascinating and debated in local history, serves as the central theme of the entire event, blending historical memory with conviviality.

The food and wine trail

The heart of the event is a food and wine trail set up along the alleys and inside the village cellars. Old cellars and historic houses are opened and transformed into tasting stations, where visitors can sample traditional Cicolano dishes and local products from the Rieti area. A brochure with a complete map of the route guides visitors from station to station, from the entrance of the village all the way to the castle.

• Gastronomic stations featuring traditional dishes and local products
• Historic cellars opened along the route
• Live music and entertainment throughout the alleys
• Costumed performers organized by the Capulaterra association

Culture and entertainment

Alongside the culinary offerings, recent editions have enriched the program with a historical symposium dedicated to Antipope Nicholas V and a theatrical performance, created in collaboration with the Capulaterra association, which has been bringing the village to life with cultural, costumed events for years. Scholars, historians, and local officials take turns shedding light on a story that remains partially unknown, restoring an important piece of identity to Corvaro.

A village brought back to life

Promoted by the municipal administration of Borgorose with the patronage of the Lazio Region, the event was created to revitalize the ancient village and enhance its historical and landscape heritage. In a single evening, the alleys of Corvaro fill with lights, flavors, and stories: an opportunity to discover one of the most authentic corners of the Cicolano region and its history linked to a pope who was never officially recognized.