Mangialonga of Labro

A walk you can taste

The Mangialonga of Labro is a non-competitive food and wine walk that brings the small village of Labro, in the province of Rieti, Northern Lazio, to life every summer. The format follows the popular Italian mangialonga tradition: you walk for a few hours through nature, but the route is punctuated by tasting stops, ensuring your efforts are always rewarded with a plate of food and a glass of wine. Here, however, the setting makes all the difference, as Labro is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in upper Lazio, perched on a rocky spur overlooking Lake Piediluco and the Reatini Mountains.

The route, between Lazio and Umbria

The path follows a section of the St. Francis Way, the historical and spiritual itinerary that connects the Franciscan sanctuaries of the Rieti Holy Valley to Umbria. From the village square, the route descends towards the Umbrian border with a medium-to-easy difficulty level, suitable for those who are not regular hikers, provided they are in good physical condition and have appropriate footwear. The real highlight comes mid-day: arriving at the shores of Lake Piediluco and taking a boat trip to the Madonna della Luce harbor, offering a perspective of the lake that cannot be seen from land.

The food

The convivial lunch that concludes the walk is the most anticipated moment. The Pro Loco focuses on typical products from the Rieti area and the region straddling the two borders: local cured meats and cheeses, traditional peasant-style first courses, and homemade desserts, all accompanied by local wines. Live music turns the stop into a true village festival before the return trip to Labro via shuttle service.

Why it's worth the trip

• An authentic village: Labro has only a few hundred inhabitants and preserves an intact medieval urban layout, with stone alleys, the Nobili Vitelleschi Palace, and a view that sweeps across the lake.
• A slow format: no races, no stopwatches, just the rhythm of the group and the stops.
• Lake Piediluco: one of the most evocative bodies of water in Central Italy, framed by woods.
• Limited numbers: booking is mandatory and spots are limited, which ensures an intimate and family-friendly atmosphere.

Who organizes it

The event is entirely managed by the Pro Loco of Labro, with the involvement of local volunteers and operators from the lake area. It is a community event, without intrusive sponsors, which funds the association's other activities each year and helps promote a corner of Lazio often overlooked by tourist flows heading towards Rome or the volcanic lakes of the Viterbo area.

Tips for participants

As this is a walk with lunch included, booking must be done in advance: boat and table spots are limited, and in recent years, registration has closed quickly. Comfortable clothing, light hiking shoes, a hat, and a water bottle are recommended. Families with children can participate, though they should consider the overall length of the day, which runs from early morning until the early afternoon.