We went to Rome. This is what we ate

Story by maria Young
Photos by maria young AND Siena Di Schiavi
Edited by David Barbu

CCI's first Rome trip of the year is all about experiencing the Eternal City's most iconic sites, including the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and, of course, the Colosseum and more.

But this visit also allowed us to sample another of Italy's most iconic features: its food.

That's because our mid-October visit coincided with the Coldiretti Village food festival, which saw thousands of farmers from across Italy showcase their traditions and produce at Rome's Circus Maximus.

Entry to the event was held free of charge. However, at €8 a plate, visitors could sample "100 percent" made-in-Italy gourmet food, accompanied by live cooking demonstrations and regional insights. 

The food stood true to its gourmet quality, demonstrated in the rich jams, meat, cheese, fresh fruit, pizza, rice, cotton candy, and olive oil offered in the concession stands. 

Food aside, the family-friendly event featured farm animals, allowing children to ride donkeys and get up close with sheep, rabbits, goats, and cows.

An "agri-kindergarten" event was also held for children to understand the processes of kneading bread and growing vegetables.

However, with the sheer scale of the festival, visiting most of the attractions proved to be extremely difficult. The waiting time in lines and bustling crowd made getting from stand to stand almost impossible.

Spending less than a full day at this festival means you will likely be left unsatisfied and with an empty stomach.