The hills around Tolfa, which descend towards the sea, preserve remains testifying the important historical and cultural roots of the town. The over 17,000 hectares land hosts an extraordinary biodiversity of flora and fauna, including wild orchids and rare endangered species of birds like the falconiforms.
Big Bench n. 291 in Tolfa – Instagram photo @bigbenchcommunityproject
From the fuchsia Big Bench 291, we can enjoy a 360° spectacular view of the hills and the village of Tolfa with the Rocca. The Bench is reachable through a path marked by signal rainbow stripes, which crosses the Macchiosi – Grasceta dei Cavallari area, a destination for hikers and picnic lovers, surrounded by a gorgeous nature and majestic trees.
Almost hidden among steep cliffs, Tolfa has been included in the “Cittaslow International Network”, as a prestigious quality award for the environment, culture, and sustainable development of the village. Tolfa stands out as a flagship in particular for leathercrafting.
At the beginning of September, “La Radica”, a Festival of Popular Traditions, is celebrated with games, craftsmanship, art and culture performances.
The Chiesa della Rocca and the Castello Frangipane
Not to be missed is a visit to the Museo Civico Archeologico in the splendid complex of the former Convento dei Padri Augustiniani, where to experience local history from the Etruscan period to the modern era. Also noteworthy are the ruins of the Castello Frangipane and the Chiesa della Rocca.
Here, you can admire the breathtaking spectacle of the moon at night, while whispering sweet words to your beloved one. Immersed in nature, under the unpolluted Tolfa sky, certified by “Astronomitaly” among “The most beautiful skies in Italy”, we can appreciate the amazing view of the lake, at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, or lay in the shade of the ancient ruins.
“Non ci resta che piangere” (All We Have Left to Do is Cry)
An important scene from the movie “Non ci resta che piangere” (All We Have Left to Do is Cry) with Roberto Benigni and Massimo Troisi, set in the year 1492, was filmed at the Castello di Rota in Tolfa, with the two protagonists trying to prevent Columbus from discovering America.
The typical cuisine of peasant origin is mainly based on the processing of beef and pork meat.
In mid-August, the over fifty-year-old “Torneo dei Butteri” is held in Tolfa, elected “Città del Cavallo” in 2021. The equestrian exhibitions and competitions involve buttero cowboys from different regions. The highlights are the challenge of the calf capture and the merca, the branding of the animals. The tournament is inaugurated by the choreographic flag-waving performance of the “Gruppo Musici Sbandieratori di Tolfa”.
At the beginning of August, the famous International Street Art and Artistic Crafts Festival “Tolfarte” takes place, entertaining spectators with concerts, vertical dance, theatre, exhibitions, installations, acrobatics, hippy market and forest therapy. The event is inaugurated by the candlelit concert “Lucean le stelle”