Looking for the ideal fall combination for an out-of-town trip that combines taste, tradition and a true historical treat? This is the weekend for you! Latium autumn heats up with the arrival of the 27th edition of the Polenta Festival in Sambuci, in the province of Rome, an unmissable culinary event that hides a cultural surprise.
The Polenta Festival this weekend

Polenta is the undisputed queen of autumn, and in Sambuci you can enjoy it in its richest and most traditional form. They will delight you with a menu that is a true “must” of local cuisine: the classic Polenta with gravy, sausage and nibbles, for robust palates, and the more rustic variant with broccoli. There will be no shortage of side dishes such as French fries and the inevitable homemade sweet treats. The appointment is at the Court Square for dinner on Saturday, October 25, and lunch on Sunday, October 26. No need to make reservations!
But the real magic of this outing is not only on the plate! In a perfect combination of gastronomy and history, the doors of the magnificent Theodoli Castle will be opened to the public for the occasion. Being able to walk through the halls of this imposing manor, in the company of the ladies, will add an unexpected charm to your outing.
Out-of-town trip in October to Rome
The festival is the perfect opportunity to explore Sambuci. You can arrive in the village on Sunday afternoon, perhaps taking a short hike or enjoying an autumn walk around the village. With the tour done, head to the Piazza di Corte (the location of the festival is the same as the castle, optimizing time) for Sunday lunch, which will begin to warm your soul.
Little tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to enter Theodoli Castle! The manor, with its architecture overlooking the valley, is an authentic piece of history. Being able to visit it right in conjunction with the festival is a unique opportunity to combine peasant and noble traditions in one weekend.