Very Slow
The slow weekend of taste, nature, and culture in Castel San Pietro Terme
About Very Slow
Very Slow, the spring of flavors in Castel San Pietro Terme
Very Slow is the event that, every spring, transforms the historic center of Castel San Pietro Terme, in the Province of Bologna, into a large, widespread laboratory dedicated to taste, nature, and culture. Born under the banner of the Cittaslow philosophy, the international network of "cities of good living," the event celebrates the valorization of gastronomic excellences, the territory, and a sustainable and conscious lifestyle.
A market fair between Cittaslow and Cities of Oil
The heart of the event is the Very Slow Fair, a market fair that for two days invades the squares and streets of the center with typical products from Italian cities belonging to the Cittaslow and Città dell'Olio networks. Visitors meet producers, farms, wineries, and beekeepers directly, in a journey that dialogues taste, sustainability, and local identity. Great attention is paid to De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale) products, a symbol of the link between food and the local community.
Tastings, workshops, and experiences
Very Slow's program is very rich and designed for all ages. Among the most popular offerings are:
- wine tastings led by sommeliers, with local wineries and dedicated shuttles to the vineyards;
- pasta-making workshops to discover traditional handmade pasta techniques;
- events on honey and biodiversity, in collaboration with the National Honey Observatory;
- craft beer tastings paired with slow cooking by chefs;
- workshops for children dedicated to composting, bees, and nature.
Through the vineyards, on foot, and by bike
Very Slow is also an opportunity to experience the landscape of the Sillaro Valley and the Bolognese hills at a slow pace. Cycling tours through the vineyards such as "Aperiregaz" and "Castello in vigna" are planned, as well as urban trekking to discover historic courtyards and the suggestive "Trekking col treno" which connects Bologna to Castel San Pietro Terme with a long walk of about 19 kilometers.
Shows and culture in the historic center
The town's squares come alive with street bands, itinerant music performances, art exhibitions, and comedy events at the Teatro Cassero. The inauguration, in Piazza XX Settembre, is accompanied by a band and guests from the culinary world, in a convivial atmosphere that unites residents and visitors.
An event by the Municipality and the Pro Loco
Very Slow is promoted by the Municipality of Castel San Pietro Terme together with the Pro Loco Tourist Association, the National Honey Observatory, the Bartolomeo Scappi Hotel Institute, and numerous local producers, wineries, and restaurateurs. The event is one of the most characteristic spring appointments in Emilia-Romagna for those who love slow tourism and quality food culture.
Very Slow — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Very Slow enlivened the historic center of Castel San Pietro Terme on the weekend of April 18th and 19th, confirming the formula that combines the large market fair of Cittaslow and Cities of Oil products with taste and nature experiences. The inauguration, on Saturday morning in Piazza XX Settembre, featured the participation of master pasta maker Beniamino Baleotti. The program included pasta-making workshops, wine tastings with sommeliers, events on honey and biodiversity, cycling tours through vineyards, urban trekking, and a comedy show at the Teatro Cassero. A bonus event, "Slow Sloorp," was held on Wednesday, April 22nd, organized by the Bartolomeo Scappi Hotel Institute.
Programme Very Slow 2026
Saturday, April 18th
- 8:00 AM — "Trekking col treno": a walk of about 19 km from Bologna to Castel San Pietro Terme
- 10:30 AM — Inauguration in Piazza XX Settembre with band and Beniamino Baleotti
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM — Very Slow Fair, market fair in the historic center
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM — Exhibition "Scart. Ri-nascita. Trama di donne" and "Piazzetta del gusto" in Piazza Acquaderni
- 3:00 PM — "Aperiregaz", cycling tour with a stop at a winery
- 3:30 PM — Pasta-making workshop with Beniamino Baleotti
- 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM — Tasting of "Claterna" craft beer with slow cooking
- 9:00 PM — Comedy show at the Teatro Cassero
Sunday, April 19th
- 8:30 AM — "Castello in vigna", cycling tour among wineries, and trekking along the Lungosillaro
- 11:00 AM — Children's workshop "From compost to bloom"
- 3:00 PM — Children's workshop "Bees, honey, and biodiversity"
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM — Meeting on nationally relevant De.Co. products with tastings
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM — Aperislow with DJ set and slow cooking
Wednesday, April 22nd
- 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM — "Slow Sloorp – Delizie su misura", Mediterranean cooking workshop in Piazza XX Settembre
Highlights Very Slow 2026
- Market fair of Cittaslow and Cities of Oil products
- Pasta-making workshop with master pasta maker Beniamino Baleotti
- Wine tastings with sommeliers and shuttles to wineries
- Cycling tours through vineyards and urban trekking
- Events on honey and biodiversity with the National Honey Observatory
Prices Very Slow 2026
Practical information — Very Slow
How to get there
Castel San Pietro Terme is located along the Via Emilia, about 25 km from Bologna. By train: Castel San Pietro Terme station is served by the Bologna-Rimini line, with frequent connections. By car: take the Castel San Pietro Terme exit from the A14 Bologna-Imola highway. The nearest airport is Bologna Marconi.
Admission and hours
Admission to the fair and most activities is free. Some workshops, tastings, and guided tours may require booking or a fee. The event typically takes place on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Information
The Pro Loco Info Point in Piazza XX Settembre provides the updated program and all useful information during the event days.
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Where does it take place — Very Slow
Centro storico di Castel San Pietro Terme
Piazza XX Settembre, 40024 Castel San Pietro Terme