San Polo da Gustare

An autumn festival in the heart of the Lucretili Mountains

San Polo da Gustare is the annual October event that brings the medieval village of San Polo dei Cavalieri to life. Situated at an altitude of 651 meters within the Lucretili Mountains Regional Natural Park, about thirty kilometers from Rome, the festival celebrates the village's flavors, traditions, and heritage. Steaming roasted chestnuts in the square, local artisanal products, themed menus in village restaurants, and the extraordinary opening of the Orsini Cesi Borghese Castle transform the historic center into a showcase for the Tiburtine and Lucretili region.

A tradition born in 2011

The first edition took place in 2011, initiated by the Pro Loco San Polo with the patronage of the Lucretili Mountains Park. Over the years, the festival has grown to become the signature autumn event for the community. In 2025, it reached its fourteenth edition and, for the first time, expanded to two days instead of one—a sign of revitalization for a community dedicated to keeping its traditions alive. The event is now promoted by the Municipality of San Polo dei Cavalieri with the support of the Lazio Region and ARSIAL, the regional agency for agricultural development and innovation.

Chestnuts, cillitti, and local specialties

The star of the show is the chestnut, served as roasted treats in the square on Sunday afternoon. Alongside it, the region's finest offerings take center stage: extra virgin olive oil from local farms, traditional biscuits and sandwiches, farmers' market stalls, and above all, cillitti—the handmade pasta typical of San Polo dei Cavalieri, featured in dedicated tastings that showcase the art of its preparation. Local restaurants participate with themed menus highlighting authentic sampolese recipes.

The Orsini Cesi Borghese Castle

During the festival, the ancient doors of the Orsini Cesi Borghese Castle open to the public. This fortress, which dominates the village, tells the story of its medieval and Renaissance past. Free guided tours are organized in limited groups throughout the morning and afternoon, with mandatory reservations. It is one of the most precious opportunities of the year to explore the interior of the manor.

Music, brass bands, and street performers

The festival's soundtrack is provided by the Concerto Bandistico San Polo dei Cavalieri 1863, the town's historic band, which performs in the square on Sunday morning. In the afternoon, street artists, musical groups, and entertainment for children take over, with rides and activities in Piazza Santa Liberata. The religious dimension is also present, with Mass at the Church of San Nicola di Bari marking the start of the festivities.

San Polo dei Cavalieri and its surroundings

San Polo dei Cavalieri is part of the Metropolitan City of Rome and overlooks the Aniene Valley, just a few kilometers from Tivoli. For both the Municipality and the Lazio Region, the festival serves as a tool to promote local heritage: the village, the castle, the Lucretili Mountains Park, and a mountain agricultural tradition centered on chestnuts and olives. A weekend at San Polo da Gustare is the most genuine way to discover this corner of Lazio, just a stone's throw from Rome.