Orte Artichoke Festival

An artichoke that tells the story of a land

The Orte Artichoke Festival is the spring celebration of the town of Orte, located in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia area and the Lazio region. At the heart of it all is the Orte artichoke, a local spring variety recognizable by its spherical, globe-shaped heads that are completely thornless. It comes in two types: one similar to the Romanesco variety and another akin to the Montelupone artichoke. Nearly forgotten for years, this crop has been revived by producers united in the Horti in Tiberi association, who have turned it into a true symbol of identity for the town overlooking the Tiber.

Two stages: the Tour and the Village

The event's format is well-established and unfolds in two distinct phases. The first is the Orte Artichoke Tour: for about ten days, restaurants, trattorias, and farmhouses in Orte offer menus and dishes built around the artichoke, ranging from traditional Lazio recipes to more creative interpretations. It is a clever way to involve the entire local economy and help visitors discover the product in its natural context: at the table.

The second phase is the Festival itself, hosted in the Artichoke Village set up in the Molegnano parking lot, just a short walk from the Orte Scalo station. Here, for several consecutive days, you will find food stalls, producer stands, live cooking shows with local chefs and star guests, meetings and conferences on the history and cultivation of the artichoke, as well as a bar and a music area that keeps the evenings lively until late.

More than just food

One of the most successful elements of the event is its ability to go beyond the simple food stall. Alongside the dishes, there are activities designed to help visitors experience the agricultural and river landscape surrounding Orte:

• Horseback excursions through the artichoke fields, in a program dubbed «Artichoke in the Saddle»;
• Walks along the Tiber, starting early in the morning, to discover the stretch of river that laps the Orte territory;
• Vintage Vespa and motorcycle rallies, with tourist itineraries through the Tuscia region;
• Concerts, tribute bands, and DJ sets every evening in the Village;
• Guided tastings and cooking workshops open to the public.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by the Horti in Tiberi association, which brings together local artichoke growers, in close collaboration with the Pro Loco of Orte. The event enjoys the support of the Lazio Region and ARSIAL, the regional agency for agricultural development and innovation, as well as the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture. This recognition has brought the Orte artichoke to the attention of national media, with television reports dedicated to the town and its signature crop.

Why it's worth the trip

Orte is one of the most scenic villages in lower Tuscia: a historic center of tuff stone perched on a spur, with medieval alleys, ancient churches, and a system of underground tunnels open to visitors. Combining a visit to the village with a day at the Artichoke Village means merging heritage and gastronomy into a single trip, especially since the location of Orte Scalo—a railway hub between Rome, Florence, and Terni—makes it one of the most accessible Lazio festivals without a car. Entry to the Village is free: you only pay for what you consume at the stands, with typical village festival prices.