Viverbe - Piedmontese Nursery and Medicinal Herb Exhibition

Viverbe, the green heart of Pancalieri

Every September, the small town of Pancalieri, in the province of Turin, transforms into the Piedmontese capital of medicinal plants with Viverbe, the Piedmontese Nursery and Medicinal Herb Exhibition. Now in its 45th year, it is one of the longest-running and most iconic nursery events in Piedmont. Established in the early 1980s, it has spent decades celebrating the deep bond between this lowland village and the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal herbs.

Pancalieri, the Italian capital of mint

For over a century, Pancalieri has been known as the Italian capital of mint. Here, the prized peppermint is grown and distilled, and much of the exhibition revolves around this tradition. During Viverbe, visitors can attend fascinating mint distillation demonstrations, while the Mint Museum opens its doors to share the history of this crop that has made the town famous far beyond the borders of the Turin province and the Piedmont region.

The Herb Village and the market

The beating heart of Viverbe is the Herb Village set up in Piazza San Nicolao, where nurserymen and producers display medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants. Alongside the village, a large market of local and artisanal products comes to life, featuring food and wine stalls, regional excellence, and workshops dedicated to greenery and gardening.

Culture, sports, and entertainment

Viverbe is about more than just botany: the program weaves together historical and photographic exhibitions, the national literary competition PoeticaMenta inspired by mint, flag-waver and musician performances, vintage car and Vespa rallies, tournaments, and running races like the StraViverbe, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the village sky. Evenings are enlivened by the local Pro Loco kitchens, serving traditional Piedmontese dishes.

A community celebration

Organized by the Municipality of Pancalieri in collaboration with the Pro Loco and supported by the Metropolitan City of Turin, Viverbe is a free, popular festival that attracts thousands of visitors, gardening enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers every year. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Piedmont, amidst the scent of mint, rural traditions, and the warmth of the local community.