Peperino in Fiore
The 'hanging village' of Vitorchiano transforms into a sprawling garden of stone, flowers, and tradition
About Peperino in Fiore
When stone meets flowers
Peperino in Fiore is the annual spring festival that dresses up Vitorchiano, the famous 'hanging village' of the Tuscia region, perched on a spur of peperino rock just a few kilometres from Viterbo. For four days, between late May and early June, the medieval historic centre becomes a sprawling garden: floral arrangements created by residents, scenic displays, and works in peperino and wrought iron colour the alleys, staircases, and squares, creating an exhibition route that is both an art show and a walk through heritage.
A tribute to the stone that defines Vitorchiano
Peperino is the grey magmatic rock, speckled with dark inclusions, typical of the Vitorchiano and Soriano nel Cimino area. For centuries, it has been the raw material for local stonemasons and sculptors, shaping the houses, portals, fountains, and coats of arms of the village. The event began as a market exhibition dedicated to this stone and its craftsmanship, later evolving into a broader event where ancient artisan and artistic traditions meet the colours and scents of spring. In 2026, the festival reached its twenty-second edition, confirming its status as a key event for the tourism promotion of the Municipality of Vitorchiano and the entire Tuscia region in northern Lazio.
What to experience during the festival
The programme weaves together art, nature, gastronomy, and entertainment. Recurring experiences include:
- Floral installations spread throughout the historic centre, curated by residents, associations, and florists;
- Exhibitions dedicated to the craftsmanship of peperino and its forms;
- Thematic trails featuring antiques, handicrafts, and local flavours, exploring the roots and memory of the village;
- Special openings of historic sites such as the Municipal Historical Archive, the Sant'Agnese Complex, and the Artists' Tower;
- Food stalls offering typical products of the Tuscia region;
- Concerts, parades, and evening shows for all ages.
The hanging village and the Moai
Visiting Peperino in Fiore is also the perfect opportunity to discover Vitorchiano, listed among the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy'. Its medieval walls, panoramic viewpoints overlooking the gorge, historic churches, and the famous Moai—the only statue of its kind outside Easter Island, carved in peperino in 1990 by eleven Maori from the island—create a collection of photogenic vistas that, during the festival, are enriched with flowers and colours.
A community celebration in the heart of Tuscia
Organised by the Pro Loco of Vitorchiano—the true driving force behind the event—together with the Municipality, local associations, and businesses, Peperino in Fiore is first and foremost a community celebration. Months of collective preparation culminate in a weekend that attracts visitors from all over Lazio and beyond. For those looking for a getaway filled with beauty, photography, and the authentic atmosphere of the Viterbo province, it is one of the most evocative spring events in the region.
Peperino in Fiore — edition 2026
Peperino in Fiore 2026: the 22nd edition
From 30 May to 2 June 2026, coinciding with the Republic Day long weekend, the 'hanging village' of Vitorchiano hosted the twenty-second edition of Peperino in Fiore. The historic centre was transformed into a sprawling garden, where the grey peperino stones met the chromatic explosion of spring: breathtaking floral installations, works in peperino and wrought iron, and floricultural, artisan, and food stalls along the alleys and squares.
A successful edition
At the end of the event, the Municipality of Vitorchiano reported a true social and tourism success, with an ever-increasing number of visitors, thanking the Pro Loco—the 'true and tireless engine' of the event, led by president Massimiliano Borzacchini—along with the associations, local businesses, the Civil Protection, and the citizens of the historic centre. Among the most appreciated moments were the initiatives with the 'Don Lorenzo Milani' secondary school, such as the 'Garage in Exhibition' display and the 'Cartoon Fashion' parade.
Programme Peperino in Fiore 2026
The 2026 programme
The days began at 10:00 AM with the inauguration of the stalls and art trails, including the exhibition 'Peperino and its forms', dedicated to the local stone's craftsmanship. Simultaneously, sites of great historical value were open to visitors, such as the Municipal Historical Archive, the Sant'Agnese Complex, and the Artists' Tower, while three thematic itineraries guided visitors through Antiques, Handicrafts and Flavours, and Roots and Memory.
At noon, food stalls opened with typical products of the Tuscia region, reopening at 7:30 PM for the evening. Evening highlights included: Monday, 1 June, at 7:00 PM, the Church of San Giovanni in Piazza Umberto I hosted the 'Mariam Matrem' concert by the Chorando ensemble, followed at 9:30 PM by the 'Flowers, Brides and Peperino' parade, a story of the evolution of the wedding dress from 1947 to today. The programme also featured the 'Garage in Exhibition' display and the 'Cartoon Fashion' parade with students and teachers from the 'Don Lorenzo Milani' school.
Highlights Peperino in Fiore 2026
- Floral installations spread throughout the historic centre
- 'Peperino and its forms' exhibition on stone craftsmanship
- Three thematic trails: Antiques, Handicrafts and Flavours, Roots and Memory
- Openings of the Municipal Historical Archive, the Sant'Agnese Complex, and the Artists' Tower
- 'Mariam Matrem' concert by the Chorando ensemble in the Church of San Giovanni
- 'Flowers, Brides and Peperino' parade: wedding dresses from 1947 to today
- Food stalls with the flavours of the Tuscia region
Practical information — Peperino in Fiore
How to get there
By car: From Rome, take the A1 motorway and exit at Orte, then follow the Orte–Viterbo expressway and take the Vitorchiano exit; the village is about 8 km from Viterbo. During the festival, follow the signs for parking areas near the town.
Entry and opening hours
The event takes place throughout the day, from morning until the evening shows. For updated schedules, access information, and shuttle services, please consult the official channels of the Municipality of Vitorchiano and the Pro Loco.
Tips
The historic centre is pedestrian-only, featuring stone alleys and staircases: comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Don't miss the Moai and the viewpoints overlooking the gorge.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Peperino in Fiore
Borgo medievale di Vitorchiano
Centro storico, 01030 Vitorchiano