About the City
Tolfa
Small wonder in the heart of Etruscan Tuscia
The marvellous Tolfa, rightly included in the list of ‘Slow Cities’, is a small, ancient town located on the volcanic promontory of the same name in Lazio. Thanks to its genuine and authentic spirit, this ville offers a relaxed and peaceful living experience far from mass tourism. Tolfa's main virtue is the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage, with its characteristic houses, cobbled alleys and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, the town is renowned for the ancient art of leather tanning and is part of the Città dell'Olio circuit. Every year, Tolfa organises authentic events such as ‘Tolfa Jazz’ and the ‘Festival dei Briganti’ where visitors and inhabitants can learn about and appreciate the local history, culture and traditions. Tourists can also engage in nature excursions in the ‘Marturanum’ Regional Park, where they can enjoy rich biodiversity and Etruscan archaeological sites. To make the most of your visit, we recommend sampling the local cuisine in typical restaurants, visiting craft workshops and participating in various activities organised by the community.
The Slow Experience
Tolfa, a picturesque hilltop village in Lazio (province of Rome) and the first municipality in the province to join the Cittaslow network, offers the ideal setting for a responsible tourism experience
Details & Programs
9:00 a.m. - Arrival in Tolfa and welcome. Meeting with local contact persons and accommodation at Agriturismo La Cardellina (Organic Farm), a family-run facility surrounded by greenery. La Cardellina combines care for nature and organic production methods in the Tolfa area. After check-in, brief presentation of the farm and welcome coffee with local products (e.g., homemade cookies and organic jams)
9:30 am - “slow” nature walk with local guide. From the farm we set off on a guided walk in the surrounding woods, along easy scenic paths of the Tolfa Mountains.
The experience is made unique by the company of the farm's donkeys: a meditative walk in which the donkeys, led by an experienced guide, teach us to appreciate the slow rhythms of walking. We walk through a centuries-old oak grove and visit some naturalistic spots, while the guide-a company staff member who is an expert in local traditions-shares stories of the area and ancient Tolfetan legends.
(Duration about 2 hours, activity suitable for everyone). At the end, return to the farm and a chance to refresh yourself with spring water from Mount Pian d'Angeli used by the farm.
12:30 p.m. - Typical lunch at Trattoria La Loggetta. Transfer to the historic center of Tolfa (5 minutes by car) for lunch at a local osteria renowned for its traditional cuisine. La Loggetta offers a menu based on local products and seasonal Tolfetan recipes: appetizers with cheeses and cured meats from the area, homemade pastas seasoned with typical sauces, meats raised in the Latium mountains, and vegetables at km 0. Authenticity is guaranteed by local raw materials (rare dishes such as donkey meat, linked to local tradition, not infrequently appear on the menu). The meal takes place quietly, slowly savoring each course and the wine produced in the nearby hills. (Address: Via del Bagno 9, Tolfa; Tel. 0766 92744.)
3 p.m. - Craft workshop in the village. In the early afternoon, meeting with a local leather craftsman at the historic leather shop “La Catana.” Here the Vannicola family, which has been in business for three generations, has been producing the famous Tolfetan “catana” bag following traditional techniques since 1968. During the workshop visit, the artisan demonstrates the stages of handcrafting the vegetable leather and tells the story of this iconic bag (which originated as a haversack for Maremma cowboys and became popular again in the 1970s). Participants can watch a short demonstration workshop: from cutting the leather, to sewing with waxed thread, to the finished product. This is an opportunity to learn an ancient local art directly from its custodians and, if desired, purchase authentic artifacts. (~1 hour interactive activity).
4:30 p.m. - Discovery of the historic center with a resident. At the end of the workshop, short guided walk through the medieval town of Tolfa in the company of a local guide (or the craftsman himself, if available). We walk through the narrow streets of the center, visiting the most significant places: the main square with the Town Hall, the Church of St. Egidio Abate and the scenic alleys. The itinerary leads to the ruins of the Frangipane Castle at the top of the town, an ancient medieval fortress that was the last defensive bulwark of Tolfa over the centuries.
From the fortress there is a splendid 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and as far as the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, in a peaceful atmosphere, we end the afternoon with a few souvenir photos and moments of relaxation in the open air. (Duration walk ~1 hour, moderate elevation gain).
6 pm - Free time and return. Return to the farmhouse. Free time available for rest. You can take advantage of the golden hour to read outdoors surrounded by the silence of the countryside, or participate in optional activities offered by the farm (e.g. visit to the organic vegetable garden or small farm museum on the farm).
8:00 p.m. - km 0 dinner and evening at the farm. Convivial dinner at La Cardellina farmhouse, with dishes prepared at home using the farm's organic products. The menu, which is simple and seasonal, may include, for example, bruschetta with self-produced extra virgin olive oil, soups made with ancient legumes, omelet with wild herbs gathered in the area, and meats or cheeses from neighboring farmers-all accompanied by local wine. Dinner is an opportunity to get to know the owners better and exchange impressions of the day, in a genuine family atmosphere.
10 pm - Overnight stay at the farmhouse. Accommodation for the night in a rustic room at La Cardellina, equipped with essential amenities and country-style furnishings. The quiet of the Tolfa Mountains guarantees a rejuvenating sleep away from the noise of the city. (Breakfast with homemade cakes and products from the farm is provided the following day before departure).
The Accomodations
