Pereto Gastronomic Walk

A journey of flavors through the stones of Pereto

Every summer, the village of Pereto, a small town in the province of L'Aquila overlooking the Piana del Cavaliere, comes alive with the Gastronomic Walk: not just a static food festival, but a true culinary trail that winds its way through the ancient stone alleys of the historic center. The journey begins in Piazza del Castello, at the foot of the medieval fortress that dominates the town, and from there, walkers climb through narrow streets to reach "taste stations" set up among arches, staircases, and small squares.

What to taste

The menu is a tribute to the rustic cuisine of the Marsica region and inland Abruzzo. Along the route, you will find sagnozzi (the local handmade pasta), pecora alla cottora (stewed sheep cooked according to pastoral tradition), vegetable-stuffed pizza, a selection of local cheeses, seasonal fruit, and dry pastries, all accompanied by water and wine. A dedicated children's menu is also available for families exploring the walk with little ones.

Music and atmosphere

Adding to the convivial atmosphere is a roving band that follows the crowd along the route, providing live music to accompany the tastings. This is the essence of the event: eating while walking, in a continuous blend of gastronomy, village exploration, and local celebration. In recent editions, the Pro Loco has also introduced a shuttle service to facilitate access to the historic center, which can be challenging to reach by car.

Pereto, the "Gateway to Abruzzo"

The setting is a huge part of the event's charm. Pereto sits at an altitude of about 800 meters on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio and is nicknamed the "Gateway to Abruzzo." Its historic center is a maze of stone alleys, staircases, and small squares that climb up to the castle with its 13th-century towers, once owned by the Colonna family. Walking the Gastronomic Walk means exploring one of the most evocative villages in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo.

A Pro Loco event

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Pereto "Manolo Iacuitti", which coordinates volunteers, chefs, and tasting stations along the route every year. It has become a staple of the Pereto summer calendar, attracting visitors from neighboring towns in the Marsica region and the nearby Turano area.