In the rolling hills of central Italy, surrounded by magical hill towns, I arrive in Ariccia, the birthplace of some of the best porchetta in Italy. Here, I meet Nicoló Romagnolo of Cioli Egidio, a family-run porchetta company with a history stretching back over 70 years. Nicoló proudly shares his family’s story: “My great-grandfather started this business in a very different world. He was inventive, processing pigs from Umbria with rudimentary equipment and roasting the meat in the village oven. From these humble beginnings, porchetta has become a culinary treasure.”
Porchetta is a specialty deeply rooted in Lazio, Abruzzo, Le Marche, Umbria, Tuscany, and Emilia Romagna. It’s a symbol of village festivals and feasts, where the beautifully roasted pig, stuffed with rosemary, is the star. As Nicoló explains, “Porchetta has a thousand-year history and is now famous throughout Italy and beyond.”



Preserving Tradition, Embracing the Future
Nicoló himself spent 10 years studying abroad in places like Australia and Dubai, but he was always drawn back to his family’s tradition. “It wasn’t easy translating my experiences into a traditional family business,” he says, “but step by step, I want to bring fresh ideas while staying true to the culture of porchetta.” His commitment to sustainability is clear: “We make products from all parts of the pig so that nothing goes to waste. It’s more than just food—it’s our way of life. Together with my family. Our product is highly apprecited and that gives me great pleasure.”



Practical Tips
- Visit Ariccia: For a true taste of porchetta, visit the town of Ariccia. Many porchetta stands offer freshly sliced porchetta on the spot.
- Try it in a Sandwich: Porchetta is traditionally served in a panino or sandwich. Don’t forget to ask for a bit of crackling for extra flavor.
- Attend a Village Festival: Plan your visit during a local festival where porchetta is celebrated with music, dancing, and plenty of food.
Where to Find Authentic Porchetta in Ariccia
Porchetta addresses
Cioli Egidio, Via Variante di Cancelliera, Ariccia
Bontà di Cioli, Piazza di Corte 3, Ariccia
Antico Grottino, Piazza di Corte 15, Aricca
Porchetta Diana Aricino, Piazza di Corte 1, Ariccia