Sagra del Crostolo

A festival that smells of embers and tradition

On the last weekend of August, the centre of Urbania — the ancient Casteldurante, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in Marche — fills with the unmistakable aroma of crostolo cooked over embers. The Sagra del Crostolo is one of the most cherished gastronomic events in the Montefeltro area: a popular festival that centres on a simple, iconic dish, around which three days of conviviality, music, and markets revolve.

What is crostolo

Crostolo is a rustic and crumbly flatbread from the traditional peasant cuisine of Urbania, prepared with flour, eggs, lard, and milk and cooked over embers. Its deliciousness has earned it the DE.CO. (Denominazione Comunale - Municipal Designation) recognition, which protects its recipe as a typical product of Urbania. It is enjoyed on its own, still warm, or stuffed: in a savoury version with cured meats, local pecorino cheeses, and wild herbs, or in a sweet version with honey, jam, and dried fruit. It is the heart of a simple cuisine, made with a few genuine ingredients and ancient flavours.

Three days of celebration in the square

The event takes place in Piazza Arnaldo Violini and the Cinema Lux car park area, transformed for the occasion into a large convivial space. Alongside the food stands where crostolo is served in many variations, the programme features live music, DJ sets, dancing, dance performances, workshops and activities for children, and craft markets. There is also a charity raffle to support local associations. Among the new features in recent editions, meat grills are served on Saturdays and Sundays.

Organisation and local identity

The festival is organised by the Pro Loco Casteldurante in collaboration with the Municipality of Urbania. It is an event rooted in the life of the town, combining the promotion of a DE.CO. product with the pleasure of gathering in the square at the end of summer. For visitors to Montefeltro, it is also an opportunity to discover Urbania, a city of art famous for its ceramics, the Ducal Palace, and the tradition of La Befana.

An event for families and the curious

With free admission and an informal atmosphere, the Sagra del Crostolo is perfect for families, groups of friends, and tourists looking for authentic flavours. You can eat outdoors, dance until the evening, and take home the genuine taste of one of the most representative specialities of Urbania's cuisine.