Saint Thomas Aquinas Fair (Patron Saint's Fair)

A fair born around a local saint

For Priverno, Saint Thomas Aquinas is not just an abstract name from a philosophy textbook: he is the city's patron saint and, above all, the man who spent his final days here. The 'Doctor Angelicus' died in 1274 at Fossanova Abbey, the Cistercian jewel located in the village of the same name, just outside the town center. Over the centuries, this connection has inspired a patron saint festival that, as is common in southern Lazio, combines religious observance with a large popular fair: merchants, producers, artisans, and visitors fill the streets of Priverno for an entire weekend in early March.

Where it takes place

The fair spreads throughout the historic center of Priverno, while the artisan market organized by the Pro Loco is held in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, in front of the Covered Market of the Mattatoio. The second focal point of the festival is the village of Fossanova, a few kilometers away, where the abbey hosts the solemn mass and guided tours of the sites related to Saint Thomas. First-time visitors discover two complementary sides of the city: the lively, commercial atmosphere of the square and the silent, monumental beauty of the Cistercian complex.

What to expect

• Traditional fair along the streets of the town center, featuring various goods, agricultural equipment, clothing, and sweets;
• Artisan market by the Pro Loco in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, dedicated to local crafts and handmade goods;
• Typical products from the Pontine territory and the Lepini Mountains, from extra virgin olive oil and cheeses to the famous local bazzoffia;
• Solemn mass at Fossanova Abbey and services in the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, which houses the saint's relic;
• Sacred and polyphonic music concerts in the Church of San Tommaso;
• Guided tours of the Medieval Museum of Fossanova and the "Carlo Cicala" Archaeological Museum.

The setting: Priverno and the Lepini Mountains

Priverno is located in the province of Latina, in the Lazio region, sitting on the southern slopes of the Lepini Mountains, where the hills descend toward the Pontine plain. It is a city of ancient origins—the ancient Roman Privernum, whose ruins can be visited nearby—and it preserves a medieval center clustered around the town hall square. For the local community, the patron saint's fair is one of the few annual events that truly marks the calendar: people return to town, gather together, and browse the stalls just as they did when they were children.

A cultural event

In recent years, the celebrations for Saint Thomas have taken on a broader scope, including book presentations, conferences, and itineraries dedicated to the philosopher. The 2024 and 2025 commemorations—marking the anniversary of his death and the 800th anniversary of his birth, respectively—brought scholars and pilgrims to Priverno, solidifying a format that blends the fair, liturgy, and cultural offerings. The result is a festival that can be experienced on multiple levels: as a local market, a devotional pilgrimage, or an art tour of the abbey.

Who is it for?

It is a cross-generational event with free access to its main parts: families wander through the stalls, history and architecture enthusiasts head to Fossanova, and those seeking genuine flavors find producers from the Lepini area. Being held in early March, before the main tourist season in Lazio begins, it is also a perfect excuse to discover a territory that remains in the shadow of more famous coastal destinations during the summer.