There’s a dish you can hardly find in Rome anymore: handmade gnocchi with mutton sauce—the real thing, slow-cooked.
On Sunday, May 10, you can eat as many as you want less than an hour from the capital, in the open air. The place is called Nerola—yes, the same medieval village that, according to legend, is named after Nero.
The good news? A free shuttle takes you there !
The village of Nerone
Nerola is situated in the Sabina hills, about 45 km from Rome, perched on the Lucretili Mountains at an altitude of 453 meters. According to one of the most deeply rooted legends among the people of Nerola, the village’s name derives directly from the Roman emperor: on the fountain in Piazza Municipio there is still a Latin inscription that reads “A Nerone tuum Nerola nomen habet,” meaning Nerola takes its name from Nero.
The emperor’s head even features prominently on the town’s historic coat of arms.
A Sunday in May full of flavor
The event on May 10 is organized by Pro Loco as part of “A Sunday in May.” It opens at 10 a.m. with a local craft market and guided tours of the historic center. The food stands open at noon, coinciding with live music and activities for children.
You have until 6 p.m. to experience the full event and enjoy the Nerola Gnocchi Festival.
At the market, you’ll find local products to take home: honey, cheeses, traditional sweets, and Sabina DOP olive oil.
How much does it cost?
Admission to the Nerola Gnocchi with Mutton Sauce Festival is free. The shuttle and parking are free. For a full meal at the food stands—a first course, a main course, and a few extras at the market—expect to spend €15–18 per person, in line with typical prices at Pro Loco festivals in Lazio.
Is it worth going to the Nerola Festival this Sunday?
Yes, if you’re looking for an event near Rome that isn’t the usual cookie-cutter affair.
Nerola has the advantage of being a genuine, compact, picturesque village with a strong identity: here you don’t just go to eat, but you also get to enjoy a stroll through one of the most beautiful historic centers in Lazio.
The stunning view of Orsini Castle and the panoramic terrace overlooking the valley gives the day the feel of a mini-getaway, not just a simple festival.
And that’s exactly the point: food, scenery, and the village all come together.
How to get to Nerola from Rome
🚗 From Rome, you can get there by car along the Salaria in about an hour, depending on your starting point and traffic. For those living in areas like Tiburtina, Nomentana, Pigneto, or San Lorenzo, it’s one of the easiest weekend getaways. The festival offers free parking.
🚌 And, for those who don’t want to drive, there’s a free shuttle to comfortably reach the village.
