As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, something magical happens in Perugia: the unmistakable scent of roasting chestnuts—castagne—begins to drift through the city streets.
In the fall, vendors appear with small fires and paper cones, serving up these warm, earthy treats to passersby. Whether you’re walking along Corso Vannucci or passing through Piazza IV Novembre, it’s hard to resist the call of freshly roasted chestnuts on a cool afternoon.
Eating castagne is more than just snacking—it’s a ritual. It means slowing down, warming your hands on the cone, and tasting something deeply connected to the Umbrian landscape and tradition. Chestnut trees grow in the surrounding hills, and for generations, this humble nut has been a symbol of the season.
If you’re in Perugia this time of year, don’t miss it. Look for the smoke, follow the scent, and savor this simple, timeless pleasure.
Because fall in Perugia isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you taste, too.