Morlupo City of Oil

A village in the Roman countryside sharing its story through oil

Morlupo City of Oil is the event through which the Municipality of Morlupo, in the province of Rome (Lazio Region), puts its most representative product center stage: extra virgin olive oil. The event takes place over one busy spring day, when the oils from the new harvest are ready to be tasted and discussed. The event's name reflects the territory's membership in the national network of 'Città dell'Olio' (Cities of Oil), which brings together Italian municipalities with an olive-growing vocation committed to protecting the landscape and olive culture.

The setting: the Convento di Santa Maria Seconda

The event is held at the Convento di Santa Maria Seconda, an ancient Franciscan site nestled in the greenery just outside the town of Morlupo. It is a place that combines spirituality, silence, and agricultural landscape: olive trees, centuries-old holm oaks, and cloisters provide a natural backdrop for a day dedicated to the land, farming labor, and nutrition. Guided tours of the convent complex are an integral part of the program, allowing visitors to discover a heritage often little-known even to those living in the northern area of the Roman province.

What to expect in the program

The day's structure alternates between in-depth sessions and social moments. It begins in the morning with Holy Mass and institutional greetings, followed by sessions dedicated to the history and culture of the olive tree, the characteristics of Lazio's oils, the relationship between diet and health, olive tourism, agroecology, and environmental protection. Non-specialist visitors can simply wander among the stalls: the formula remains that of a very accessible village festival.

• Guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil with expert tasters
• Market exhibition featuring the display, tasting, and sale of local food and wine products
• Craft market along the event route
• Practical olive pruning demonstrations by industry technicians
• Guided tours of the Convento di Santa Maria Seconda
• Workshops and activities for children, designed for families
• Shows and entertainment linked to local traditions

Why Lazio's oil deserves attention

The area north of Rome, between the Tiber Valley and the Soratte hills, has an ancient olive-growing tradition that is less publicized than those of Tuscany or Puglia. The oils produced here are often obtained from local cultivars and small family-run mills, with limited production that rarely reaches large-scale distribution. A day like this is therefore one of the best opportunities to taste and buy directly from the producer, comparing different fruity profiles and understanding, with the help of those leading the tastings, what distinguishes a quality extra virgin oil from an anonymous one.

Organizers

The initiative is promoted by the Municipality of Morlupo with the contribution of ARSIAL (the regional agency for the development and innovation of agriculture in Lazio) and the Lazio Region, in collaboration with numerous institutional, associative, and productive entities in the area. The stated goal is twofold: to enhance local agri-food heritage and to create a moment of real encounter between citizens, experts, producers, and institutions.

Who is it for?

It is a family-friendly event perfect for a Sunday outing: arrive in the morning, browse the stalls, have lunch with local products, visit the convent, and head back in the afternoon. Its close proximity to Rome (just over thirty kilometers) makes it a convenient destination even for those who want to discover the villages of the Roman countryside without long journeys.