The cardoncello mushroom is one of the most iconic products of Apulian cuisine. Its flavor, versatility, and deep connection to local agricultural traditions make it a true regional treasure. Every year, several towns celebrate it with dedicated festivals that attract both locals and visitors.
Where the Cardoncello Festival Will Be Held
The cardoncello festival debuted in Poggiorsini on the weekend of October 19-20 and will continue touching the following Apulian locations:
Minervino Murge October 26-27
The town located in the Apulian hinterland, and part of the Alta Murgia park, will host the second stage of the cardoncello festival. Minervino is known for being called “the balcony of Puglia”. The town extends on a hill 450 meters above sea level, from which it is possible to enjoy views that lead to a glimpse of the Gargano to the east and the Lucanian mountains to the west. The historic center is very suggestive. It is characterized by stairs and stairways that envelop ancient houses soaked in lime. Do not miss the fabulous “Grotta di San Michele”, a place of worship set in an exciting natural setting.
Spinazzola 2-3 November
During the first weekend of November, the cardoncello festival will touch Spinazzola. The municipality of Murgia borders the nearby Basilicata. Its territory is dotted with charming masserie and for their beauty some of them are subject to protection and classified as “cultural heritage”. Walking through the town, visitors can admire numerous churches and the remains of the first Templar hospital in Puglia. Worthy of a visit is the bauxite quarry and what remains of the Garagnone Castle, located on a rocky hill.
Ruvo di Puglia 9-10 November
Ruvo di Puglia will be the penultimate stop of the itinerant cardoncello festival. Before going to taste the delicacies of the festival, you cannot miss a visit to the unmissable Concattedrale. Iconic symbol of the Apulian Romanesque. No less important is the prestigious “Jatta National Archaeological Museum” housed in the palace of the same name. Inside the museum you can admire “the Talos vase”, a very important work, symbol of the museum and the city. In addition to Palazzo Jatta, in the municipality of Ruvo di Puglia there are other noble palaces among which Palazzo Spada, Palazzo Avitaya and Palazzo Camerino stand out. It should be remembered that Ruvo di Puglia is not many kilometers from a symbol of Puglia such as Castel del Monte.
Gravina in Puglia November 16-17
The last appointment of the cardoncello festival is Gravina in Puglia. The populous center located on the border of Puglia with Lucania stands on the slopes of a Canyon. This natural spectacle was formed thanks to the patient work of the water that shaped the rock over thousands of years. The inlets called “Gravine” are magical places, where the human being remains silent in front of the perfection of nature. Visiting the ravine it is possible to observe many rock sites: Grotta delle sette camere, the sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella, Church of San Michele delle Grotte. The aqueduct bridge that connects the two parts of the city is very characteristic. Worthy of a mention is the “Palazzo Ducale Orsini” located in the city center. Given its proximity to Matera, Gravina in Puglia is considered an intermediate stop not to be underestimated before reaching “the city of stones”.
Hidden Puglia
The cardoncello festival is a great opportunity to visit villages that are rarely present in tourist itineraries. A big mistake considering the natural and artistic richness of these territories. Trust us and we will help you discover places, flavors and views of a Puglia that is little known but just as valid as the most popular destinations.
Bonus Recipe!
We end up with an inevitable culinary note. We suggest a tasty recipe featuring the cardoncello mushroom.
Cardoncelli in breadcrumbs
Clean the mushrooms and separate the caps from the stems. Marinate for 2 hours in a bowl together with pepper, salt, oil and a clove of garlic. After that, drain and put the terrine in the preheated oven and wait for the mushrooms to lose their water. Prepare in a terrine chopped parsley, garlic clove and breadcrumbs. Place the cardoncelli in a pan soaked in oil and add the chopped ingredients plus a spoonful of marinated oil. Cook everything in the oven for half an hour and plate. Enjoy!