Roasted Chestnut and Olive Oil Festival

An autumn celebration at the foot of the Monti Lepini

The Roasted Chestnut and Olive Oil Festival is one of the most beloved autumn traditions in Maenza, a small town in the province of Latina, Lazio. Perched on the slopes of the Monti Lepini and overlooked by the Baronial Castle that once hosted Saint Thomas Aquinas, the village opens its cobblestone streets for an event celebrating the season's two iconic products: chestnuts from the surrounding woods and extra virgin olive oil fresh from the mill.

The heart of the festival is Piazza Santa Reparata, which transforms into a lively open-air gathering spot where gastronomy and entertainment blend seamlessly. The scent of chestnuts roasting over open fires guides visitors along the path, while food stalls showcase home-style cooking rooted in simple ingredients and bold flavors.

The oil of the Colline Pontine

Maenza is part of the production area for Colline Pontine PDO extra virgin olive oil, one of southern Lazio's most renowned products, primarily derived from Itrana and Carboncella cultivars. It is no coincidence that the village's Baronial Castle has previously hosted the awards ceremony for the provincial «L'Olio delle Colline» competition. During the festival, extra virgin olive oil tastings allow visitors to sample the new oil in its purest form—drizzled over toasted homemade bread—and learn from local producers how to distinguish an intense fruity profile from a more delicate one.

What to eat

The food stalls offer a chestnut-based menu that goes far beyond classic roasted chestnuts: soups, pasta dishes seasoned with new oil, and desserts and baked goods prepared by the Pro Loco volunteers. Alongside traditional dishes, you will find typical products from the Lepini region, including cheeses, cured meats, and wine from local wineries.

• Chestnuts roasted over an open fire in the square
• Guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil
• Bruschetta with new oil and local specialties
• Hot dishes and chestnut-based desserts
• Craft stalls and local producers

Music, families, and village atmosphere

The event balances culinary delights with entertainment. The opening evening is traditionally dedicated to live music and DJ sets, with bands and tribute acts enlivening the square until late; the 2025 edition featured Loschi Individui, an 883 tribute band. The following day is designed primarily for families, featuring children's entertainment, workshops, and outdoor activities like the Pony Games, which have become a highlight for the little ones in recent years.

The atmosphere is that of a genuine village feast: no elaborate choreography, just an entire village coming together through the volunteer work of the Pro Loco of Maenza, with the support of the Municipality. It is also the perfect opportunity to explore the medieval historic center, climb up to the Baronial Castle, and take in the view stretching toward the Pontine plain.

Why it's worth the trip

For visitors coming from Rome, Latina, or Frosinone, Maenza offers a perfect autumn day trip: a compact village, remarkable historical heritage, honest cuisine, and two products—chestnuts and oil—that are not staged for tourists, but are the concrete result of hard work in the woods and olive groves of the Monti Lepini. It is one of those festivals where you will likely head home with a few bottles of new oil in your trunk.