In the heart of the Tuscia region, nestled among olive groves and volcanic hills, lies Celleno, the fascinating “ghost village” just an hour and a half from Rome. Here, a new culinary creation celebrates the soul of central Italy: the “Panino del Borgo”. Conceived by Giulio Gargiullo, marketing expert and connoisseur of the local area, and crafted by Maria Rita Michetti, owner of the historic grocery shop “La Bottega dei Sapori”, this sandwich embodies the flavors, aromas, and traditions of the land.
A Sandwich That Speaks the Language of the Territory
The Panino del Borgo brings together finocchiona salami, local caciotta cheese, crushed olives, and wild mint, enhanced by the delicate sweetness of chestnut or fig jam produced by the Trappist Nuns of Vitorchiano. The result is a refined balance of savory and sweet, enriched with a Mediterranean touch that highlights the genuine simplicity of Tuscia’s cuisine.
The Taste of a Story
Each ingredient tells a story: the finocchiona evokes Tuscan influences, the caciotta recalls the dairy tradition of Viterbo, the crushed olives echo rural tables, and the wild mint carries the fragrance of the countryside. The Trappist jams add a spiritual and artisanal note, completing a journey through the authentic soul of central Italy.
Words from Maria Rita Michetti
“With great pride, we created this sandwich from an idea by Giulio Gargiullo, an expert in marketing and local culture,” explains Maria Rita Michetti. “We wanted to bring together different flavors of our land, enhanced by small but meaningful contaminations. The Panino del Borgo is a tribute to our territory and our community. The enthusiastic feedback we’ve already received confirms that this creation truly resonates with people.”
Where to Taste It
The Panino del Borgo can be enjoyed at La Bottega dei Sapori, the historic grocery shop located in the new area of Celleno, in Piazza della Repubblica, 4. A meeting point between tradition and innovation, it invites visitors to discover — and taste — the enduring spirit of this unique Italian village.
About La Bottega dei Sapori
La Bottega dei Sapori, managed by Maria Rita Michetti and located in the new area of the medieval village of Celleno (Viterbo), is a historic grocery and gastronomic hub devoted to authentic local products and the culinary traditions of the Tuscia region.
A true meeting place for residents and visitors alike, La Bottega dei Sapori carefully selects typical products from Lazio and central Italy, supporting small local producers and promoting the area’s food heritage.
With the creation of the “Panino del Borgo”, the shop becomes a gastronomic laboratory where ingredients such as finocchiona, caciotta, crushed olives, wild mint, and the Trappist Nuns’ jams from Vitorchiano are combined into a unique experience that tells the story of Celleno — known as the ghost village — and its rich cultural identity.
La Bottega dei Sapori welcomes visitors for tastings, purchases, and encounters that promote a slow, genuine form of tourism inspired by authenticity and tradition.
