The Artisans of the Castle – Market at Orsini Castle

An artisan market in the heart of Tuscia

In Soriano nel Cimino, a village in the province of Viterbo nestled on the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, the Orsini Castle hosts a series of monthly markets dedicated to artistic craftsmanship from March to September. The event, known as The Artisans of the Castle and in its variations The Castle Court and At the Castle Court, is held every third Sunday of the month and attracts artisans, creatives, and visitors from across the Tuscia region and Lazio. The event's motto, "where hands tell stories," perfectly captures its spirit: celebrating creative talent, local traditions, and the region's culinary excellence.

Orsini Castle, an exceptional setting

The 13th-century fortress that dominates the village, commissioned by the Orsini family, is one of the iconic monuments of the Viterbo Tuscia. During the market, its spaces open up to exhibitors, turning courtyards and squares into a true open-air market. Strolling among the stalls is also a great way to discover the medieval historic center of Soriano nel Cimino, with free guided tours of the village offered during select dates.

What to find at the stalls

The heart of the event is the artistic craft market: items made entirely by hand, unique and personalized pieces, alongside antiques, art, crystals, and local food and wine products. Each date is enriched by a side program that changes from month to month:

• art exhibitions and temporary displays;
• tastings of typical products and Tuscia wines, with specialties like the local sutrine sorianesi;
• creative workshops for adults and children;
• musical events and live performances;
• astronomical observations of the starry sky on summer evenings;
• animated readings for children hosted by the Municipal Library.

Themed events and families

Some Sundays take on a special character: the season opening coincides with the Spring Festival, while in April the market was joined by a vintage car rally organized by the Veteran Car Club Viterbo, and in May by a traveling theatrical performance through the castle halls. The family dimension is central: creative workshops, storytime, and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

A formula that follows the seasons

In the spring months, the market takes place during the day, generally from 10:00-10:30 AM to 6:00-6:30 PM. With the arrival of summer, the event transforms into an evocative evening version, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, when the illuminated castle walls and astronomical observations provide a unique atmosphere.

Organization and community

The event is promoted by the Pro Loco of Soriano nel Cimino with the patronage of the Municipality of Soriano nel Cimino, in collaboration with local associations such as Le Maschere Danzanti, which manages the food area featuring local products. For the village, already famous for its historic Autumn Chestnut Festival, these markets represent a common thread that enlivens Orsini Castle throughout the warmer season, confirming Soriano nel Cimino as one of the most vibrant destinations in the province of Viterbo and the Lazio Region.