From June 28 to July 6, 2025, Forlimpopoli, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, will once again host the festival dedicated to the art of eating well. A sensory journey through the flavors, colors, and aromas of Italy’s culinary tradition, the event offers cultural insights into the region and its rich history.

Forlimpopoli is a historic town in the Po Valley, best known as the birthplace of Pellegrino Artusi, the father of modern Italian cuisine and a passionate promoter of the national language. His famous book, Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well, is considered a cornerstone of Italy’s cultural and gastronomic identity, helping to unify both taste and language across the country. Inspired by his legacy, Forlimpopoli is home to Casa Artusi—the first center for gastronomic culture devoted to Italian home cooking. Created from the restoration of the former Church of the Servants, Casa Artusi is a dynamic place where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes and take part in cooking classes that teach (or revive) the gestures and flavors of true home cuisine.

But the town’s connection to Artusi doesn’t stop there. For nearly three decades, every late June, Forlimpopoli has paid tribute to him with the Festa Artusiana—a week-long celebration that fills the historic center with aromas, tastes, and culture. For nine evenings, a unique blend of sounds, scents, and traditions transforms the town into the capital of “eating well,” drawing more than 5,000 visitors each night. At the heart of the festival is home cooking, with the 790 recipes from Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well featured in menus served at restaurants and food stalls throughout the streets, piazzas, and alleyways—each renamed after chapters of the iconic manual. The result is an immersive experience where every guest can explore Artusi’s culinary and cultural world in a warm atmosphere of conviviality and heartfelt hospitality.

And after a journey through the flavors of Forlimpopoli, it’s well worth visiting nearby Cesena, home to a one-of-a-kind treasure: the Malatestiana Library. Perfectly preserved in its original 15th-century layout, it is Europe’s first public library and the only one recognized by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register. A true gem of history, culture, and beauty, it stands as a testament to the humanistic depth of this remarkable region.