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
Saturday
09:00 – Arrival and Welcome at Agriturismo: Check-in at Agriturismo Biologico “La Cardellina” (Via del Marano km 3, Tolfa; Tel. 327 4094593; Email: lacardellinabio@gmail.com), a family-run farmhouse immersed in the unspoiled nature of the Tolfa Mountains. The owners will welcome you with a local herbal drink and explain the farm’s eco-friendly philosophy (organic farming, renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, etc.).
10:00 – Guided tour of the historic center: Meet in Piazza Vittorio Veneto with a local guide (resident in Tolfa) for a walking tour through the medieval village. Starting from the main square, admire panoramic views of the Tolfa countryside stretching to the mountains and sea on clear days. The itinerary covers picturesque alleys, Piazza G. Matteotti, and the ruins of Rocca dei Frangipane (an ancient fortress) with stunning views. The guide will share anecdotes on local history, from Renaissance alum mining to the traditions of the local butteri (horsemen), and introduce local artisanal and culinary specialties.
13:00 – Typical Tolfa lunch: Enjoy lunch at Trattoria La Loggetta (Via del Bagno 9, Tolfa; Tel. 0766 92744), a rustic, welcoming venue in the heart of town. The menu, based on traditional recipes, offers seasonal products at km 0, such as antipasti with local cheeses, first courses like acquacotta (traditional vegetable and bread soup) or mentucciata (pasta with local aromatic herbs). Beverages include local red wine and spring water. (Vegetarian options available upon request.)
15:00 – Leisure time in town: After lunch, take your time to assimilate the slow spirit. Stroll freely through the village, visit artisan shops (leather goods, ceramics), or simply relax with a coffee in the square, blending in with local daily life.
16:30 – Leather craftsmanship workshop: Participate in a workshop at a historic leather artisan shop in Tolfa. A master craftsman demonstrates the traditional art of creating the renowned Tolfa “Catana” bag. Guests observe each stage and participate in creating a small leather souvenir (like a keychain or bracelet). This interactive experience engages the local community, preserving ancient knowledge. (Duration ~2 hours)
19:00 – Return to agriturismo: Relax at your accommodation, enjoying the sunset views from the terrace. The fresh hillside air and tranquility provide guests with relaxation and high quality of life.
20:00 – Km 0 dinner at local agriturismo: Dine at Agriturismo “Autenticum” (Tolfa, loc. Santa Severa), famous for its genuine, farm-to-table cuisine. The seasonal menu features local specialties like homemade fettuccine with wild boar sauce or sautéed organic garden vegetables. Ingredients, including wine and honey, are locally sourced. The slow-paced meal offers guests the opportunity to savor each dish leisurely, in line with the Slow Food philosophy.
Overnight Stay: Spend the night at Agriturismo La Cardellina in rustic cottages built from wood and stone, sustainably heated and furnished with essential comforts. The quiet valley and star-filled sky guarantee restful sleep away from city noises.
Sunday
08:30 – Km 0 countryside breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely organic breakfast at the agriturismo. A buffet of fresh local products includes fresh milk, artisanal yogurt, wildflower honey, homemade jams, wood-fired bread, and typical homemade sweets. Before departure, guests can briefly visit the organic garden and farm animals.
10:00 – Nature walk in the Tolfa Mountains: Embark on a guided nature excursion in the Tolfa countryside. A local environmental guide leads you along scenic trails, sharing interesting facts about geology, flora, fauna, and local legends. A brief tasting break with fresh seasonal fruits and local spring water is included. (Duration ~2.5 hours, easy difficulty; comfortable hiking shoes recommended.)
13:00 – Km 0 lunch at agriturismo: After the outdoor activity, head to Casale dell’Acqua Bianca (Strada Provinciale 3A, km 15.600, Tolfa; Tel. 348 7429027), a charming farmhouse surrounded by greenery, for a typical Sunday lunch. The fixed menu includes local specialties like bruschetta with new olive oil, wild boar pasta, roasted pork, or wild boar stew, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The hosts enrich the meal by sharing culinary traditions.
16:00 – Culture and farewells: Return to Tolfa’s center for free time or to attend local events (e.g., festivals or markets). Guests can explore independently, purchase local products, or visit the Civic Museum featuring Etruscan artifacts.
17:30 – End of tour and departure: Conclude the weekend with a farewell toast at a central café, tasting local wine or fresh juice with typical biscuits ("tozzetti" with hazelnuts). A Cittaslow brochure and a small ceramic snail souvenir from the municipality will be offered to guests. Departures are individually arranged, leaving guests with genuine memories of a slow-living weekend.
The Accomodations
