In the heart of Tuscia, the weekend of October 17–18, 2026, will be filled with the colors and flavors of fall with the eagerly awaited return of Cioccofest and the Chestnut Festival in Caprarola. Held in the picturesque setting of the Parco delle Scuderie at Palazzo Farnese, the event celebrates the region’s finest offerings with four days dedicated to flavor and conviviality, open to the public free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Chocolate and Chestnuts for a Sweet Fall Weekend
Strolling among the monumental trees and historic streets of the village, visitors can immerse themselves in the aromas of artisanal chocolate and steaming roasted chestnuts. The event is not only a delight for the palate—enhanced by cooking demonstrations organized by the local hospitality school—but a true celebration designed for all ages.
In fact, the days will be punctuated by a lively lineup of live performances, ranging from concerts and dance performances to magic acts, soap bubble shows, and fascinating demonstrations of birds of prey in flight.
Even the youngest visitors will find a space tailored just for them, with options ranging from storytime in the woods to traditional wooden folk games, creative workshops, and fun pony rides. Admission to the festival grounds is free, although some specific attractions and workshops require a small fee or advance reservation.
A Visit to Palazzo Farnese
This day trip also offers the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—one of the absolute masterpieces of Renaissance and Mannerist architecture: Palazzo Farnese. Built in the mid-16th century based on a design by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola at the behest of the “Great Cardinal” Alessandro Farnese, the palace dominates the entire village, blending the characteristics of a fortress, a villa, and a stately residence into a single structure. By purchasing the special admission ticket, you can step inside its iconic pentagonal layout, admire the spectacular spiral staircase, and be enchanted by the rich fresco cycles. The tour then continues outdoors, as you wander through the secret gardens and make your way up to the “Palazzina del Piacere,” an elegant series of terraces and scenic fountains that, after World War II, even became the summer residence of President of the Republic Luigi Einaudi.
