When the hills turn gold and the air smells of woodsmoke, something ancient stirs in Italy’s mountain villages. It’s not just the change of season, it’s chestnut time.
All across the country, from Tuscany to Calabria, locals gather in cobbled piazzas to roast, toast, dance, and share the humble fruit that once fed generations. These aren’t tourist shows. Italy’s chestnut festivals are heartfelt celebrations of history, harvest, and survival.
Why Chestnuts Matter More Than You Think
For centuries, chestnuts were the lifeblood of rural Italy. In poor mountain regions, they were called “il pane dei poveri”, the bread of the poor.
Dried, milled into flour, boiled, roasted, or preserved in syrup, chestnuts weren’t just food, they were sustenance through winter.
Today, the tradition lives on not out of necessity but out of pride. Each festival is a way of honouring the resilience of a people and the richness of the land.
Where to Go: 4 of the Most Beloved Chestnut Festivals in Italy
Marradi (Tuscany)
Set in the Mugello hills northeast of Florence, Marradi is one of Tuscany’s chestnut capitals. The Sagra delle Castagne fills the medieval streets with roasting fires, chestnut beer, and traditional music. Ride the vintage steam train from Faenza for a magical arrival.
Cuneo (Piedmont)
This town hosts one of Italy’s largest chestnut festivals, blending Alpine charm with culinary excellence. Local chefs create everything from chestnut gnocchi to creamy desserts. Bonus: Cuneo’s backdrop of snow-capped peaks in November is unforgettable.
Soriano nel Cimino (Lazio)
Not far from Rome, this lesser-known festival has a Renaissance flair. Alongside chestnut dishes, there are flag-throwing shows, medieval costumes, and reenactments. A great option for combining history with food.
Roccamonfina (Campania)
In the volcanic foothills near Caserta, this ancient village roasts chestnuts grown in mineral-rich soil. Expect street food, handmade crafts, and dishes passed down for generations.
What You’ll Taste (and Smell)
Chestnut season is a feast of texture and flavour. Here’s what to try:
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Caldarroste – Fire-roasted chestnuts served in paper cones
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Castagnaccio – Rustic chestnut flour cake with raisins, pine nuts, rosemary
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Chestnut honey and jam – Smoky, earthy, and deeply local
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Montebianco – A creamy dessert made with chestnuts and whipped cream
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Chestnut beer – A seasonal twist brewed by local producers
Each festival offers its own variation; no two cones of caldarroste ever taste the same.
Why You Should Go
Chestnut festivals aren’t flashy. They’re not on the main tourist trail. And that’s exactly the point.
They invite you to slow down, to eat with your hands, to talk to strangers by a fire, and to connect with something simple and grounding.
For travellers craving authenticity, this is autumn in its purest form.
Want to Be There Next Season?
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