Volpina Pear and Aged Cheese Festival

An Autumn Feast in the Brisighella Hills

The Volpina Pear and Aged Cheese Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events of late autumn in the Romagna region. It takes place in Brisighella, in the province of Ravenna, a medieval village in Emilia-Romagna recognized among the most beautiful villages in Italy and dominated by its three hills with the Clock Tower, the Manfrediana Fortress, and the Monticino Sanctuary. For one Sunday, the historic center transforms into a grand market of flavors, where autumn fruits and typical hill products become the stars.

The Two Star Products

At the heart of the festival are two local excellences, linked to centuries-old peasant traditions of the Lamone Valley:

• The Volpina pear: An ancient and rustic variety, with small, round, and hard fruits. It is not eaten raw but must be cooked, and it is offered in many different ways: boiled in water, cooked in wine, baked, or transformed into desserts like strudel.
• The aged cheese: A local pecorino cheese aged according to a traditional method in the gypsum caves and pits that characterize the Brisighella area, from which it derives intense aromas and a flavorful paste.

The "Four Festivals for Three Hills" Cycle

The festival is not an isolated event: it is part of the "Four Festivals for Three Hills" event series, which each year, along the Sundays of November, dedicates an event to a different local product. Alongside the Volpina pear and aged cheese, the other Sundays celebrate the Mora Romagnola pig and its cured meats, the truffles from the Apennine woods, and finally, Brisighella extra virgin olive oil, with the renowned "Brisighella" (D.O.P. mark) and "Nobil Drupa" cultivars. It is a true symphony of flavors that makes Brisighella a delicious destination for the entire month.

Atmosphere and Day's Program

During the festival, the historic center hosts a colorful market of autumn fruits and typical hill products, while in Via Fossa, a food stand is set up with themed menus, where surprising sweet and savory combinations are explored. The day is enlivened by folk music ensembles, games, and attractions for children, in a friendly and convivial atmosphere typical of Romagna festivals. A walk through the alleys, the famous Donkey Alley, and the village squares completes the experience, combining taste, tradition, and landscape.