Peach Festival
The historic peach festival of Castel Gandolfo, on Lake Albano in the Castelli Romani area
About Peach Festival
The signature festival of Castel Gandolfo
The Peach Festival is the most cherished and representative event of Castel Gandolfo, a village in the Castelli Romani area overlooking the picturesque Lake Albano, in the province of Rome, Lazio. It is an appointment that draws thousands of visitors every summer and has been officially recognized by the Municipality as a historic and folkloric heritage of the city.
A tradition born in 1929
The event has its roots in the 1920s, when the hills surrounding the lake were covered in vast blooming peach orchards, creating a sea of pink across the landscape. The first official edition dates back to 1929; since then, the festival has celebrated the crop that made the territory famous and the deep bond between the community and its land.
The 'pizzutta' peach
The absolute star is the local peach, particularly the 'pizzutta' variety (also known as 'Aiale' or 'Super Berta'): a fruit with yellow flesh and a characteristic red pit, known for its intense, sweet flavor—a true symbol of the agricultural vocation of the Castelli Romani.
A festival spread across the territory
The festival is not concentrated in a single square but is distributed throughout the various districts and hamlets of Castel Gandolfo: the Lungolago, the Le Mole amphitheater, the Laghetto, Pavona, San Paolo, and the historic center. Every evening, free peach tastings are offered, accompanied by concerts, group dances, shows, and family entertainment. A market and food area liven up the Lungolago for the entire duration of the event.
Culture, entertainment, and devotion
Alongside the gastronomic aspect, the Peach Festival weaves together moments of culture and tradition: folkloric processions with flag-wavers, free guided tours of the village and the lake view, live concerts, and the traditional blessing of the peaches, which unites popular celebration with the community's religious devotion. This mix makes the event an authentic experience of the Castelli Romani.
Why visit
Attending the Peach Festival means discovering one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio, the historic summer residence of the Popes, in a festive atmosphere that combines genuine flavors, music, art, and lake scenery. An ideal opportunity for a summer trip just a few kilometers from Rome.
Peach Festival — edition 2026
90th edition: a week of celebration
The 2026 edition of the Peach Festival celebrates the 90th anniversary of the event with a program spanning seven days, from July 20 to 26, 2026, involving the entire territory of Castel Gandolfo. The 'widespread' formula brings the festival to various neighborhoods and hamlets, with events following one another from the Lungolago to the historic center.
An event organized by the City of Castel Gandolfo
The festival is organized by the municipal administration, led by Mayor Alberto De Angelis Mayor Alberto De Angelis, with the support of the Lazio Region. The free peach tastings are made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Fondazione BCC Castelli Romani e del Tuscolo.
Programme Peach Festival 2026
90th Edition Program (July 20-26, 2026)
- July 20-25 - Lungolago: opening of the market and food area, active daily.
- Every evening from 7:00 PM - in various locations (Lungolago, Le Mole, Laghetto, Pavona, San Paolo): free peach tastings, concerts, group dances, and entertainment.
- July 25 - Piazza della Libertà: musical show "Easy Pop - The History of the Juke Box".
- July 25-26 - Historic center: guided tours, children's entertainment, religious celebrations, and the traditional blessing of the peaches.
- July 26 - Piazza della Libertà: closing concert with the "Spider-Max - 883 Tribute Band".
The detailed program with times is published by the Municipality of Castel Gandolfo and local media outlets.
Highlights Peach Festival 2026
- 90th edition: marking 90 years of the festival
- A week of widespread events throughout the municipal territory
- Free peach tastings every evening
- Market and food area on the Lungolago of Lake Albano
- Closing concert with the 883 tribute band
- Traditional blessing of the peaches in the historic center
Prices Peach Festival 2026
Practical information — Peach Festival
How to get there
By car: from Rome, take the Via Appia (SS7) or the A1 motorway, exit at Monte Porzio Catone, then follow signs for Castel Gandolfo. By train: take the regional FL4 line (Rome Termini-Albano Laziale) to the Castel Gandolfo station. The hamlets of Pavona and San Paolo are served by their respective stations on the Rome-Velletri line.
Admission and costs
Admission is free for all events. Peach tastings are offered free of charge every evening.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the village are free but reservation is mandatory: tel. +39 328 2250708 - [email protected] (Visit Castel Gandolfo APS).
Tips
Arrive early on concert evenings to secure a spot. The historic center is easily explored on foot; parking is available near the Lungolago and the hamlets.
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Where does it take place — Peach Festival
Lungolago, centro storico e frazioni (Le Mole, Pavona, San Paolo)