Bobbio’s summer calendar once again features the long-established and much-loved
Settimana della letteratura(Literature Week)
When: 17–22 August 2026
Throughout the festival, the traditional book fair is complemented by author talks, live music and screenings, all set within the intimate and atmospheric cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus in Bobbio.
Admission to all events is free.
Programme
Preview Event – Carlo Vecce presents Codice Sibilla
When: Monday, 17 August, 5.30 pm
Where: Palazzo Malaspina Courtyard
Carlo Vecce, renowned scholar of Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work, presents Codice Sibilla – Il segreto di Gutenberg (Giunti). The discussion will be moderated by Anna Leonida, with readings by Maria Grazia Cella.
Andrea Vitali presents Il piede nella fossa
When: Monday, 17 August, 9.00 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Bestselling author Andrea Vitali presents his latest novel, Il piede nella fossa (Garzanti). He will be in conversation with Alberto Fermi.
Piero Badaloni presents La RAI che ho vissuto – Diario di un (tele)cronista
When: Tuesday, 18 August, 9.00 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Piero Badaloni, one of the most recognisable figures in Italian journalism, presents La RAI che ho vissuto – Diario di un (tele)cronista (Le Piccole Pagine). The event will be moderated by Stefano Aravecchia.
Manrico Bissi presents I bombardamenti su Piacenza – Le tracce del conflitto. I rifugi. La ricostruzione
When: Tuesday, 18 August, 9.45 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Architect and Archistorica President Manrico Bissi presents the newly expanded edition of I bombardamenti su Piacenza – Le tracce del conflitto. I rifugi. La ricostruzione (Edizioni Pontegobbo). The presentation will be accompanied by a screening of historical photographs and archival documents.
Domenico Pece presents Io ti vedo – Quando il silenzio incontra la luce
When: Wednesday, 19 August, 9.00 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Domenico Pece presents Io ti vedo – Quando il silenzio incontra la luce (Edizioni Pontegobbo), a touching story that explores themes of exclusion and the universal need to feel seen and acknowledged. The event will be moderated by Anna Leonida, with readings by Valeria Natalizia.
Valentina Cinieri and Giacomo Aldo Turco present Le cicogne in ferro dell’Appennino delle Quattro Province
When: Wednesday, 19 August, 9.45 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Valentina Cinieri, civil engineer and architect, together with photographer and documentary filmmaker Giacomo Aldo Turco, present Le cicogne in ferro dell’Appennino delle Quattro Province (Edizioni Pontegobbo), accompanied by a photographic presentation. The discussion will be moderated by Emanuele Zamperini, Associate Professor of Architectural Restoration at the University of Florence.
Marco Buticchi presents La più bella del mondo
When: Thursday, 20 August, 9.00 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Marco Buticchi, one of Italy’s leading authors of historical adventure fiction and thrillers, presents his novel La più bella del mondo (Longanesi). Journalist Eleonora Bagarotti will moderate the discussion.
Samanta Mazzocchi presents A ogni pancia la sua dieta – Conosci te stesso e costruisci la tua salute nel piatto
When: Thursday, 20 August, 9.45 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Gastroenterologist and nutritionist Samanta Mazzocchi presents A ogni pancia la sua dieta – Conosci te stesso e costruisci la tua salute nel piatto (Red! Edizioni). The event will be moderated by Nicola Maserati, owner of the historic Puma Bookshop.
Simone Tempia presents Storie per genitori appena nati
When: Friday, 21 August, 9.00 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
Simone Tempia, creator of the acclaimed publishing project Vita con Lloyd, presents Storie per genitori appena nati (Rizzoli). Journalist Elisa Malacalza will moderate the event.
AMOP Foundation presents Manuale del caregiver – Aspetti pratici dell’assistenza al paziente oncologico
When: Friday, 21 August, 9.45 pm
Where: Cloister of the Abbey of Saint Columbanus
The AMOP Foundation presents Manuale del caregiver – Aspetti pratici dell’assistenza al paziente oncologico. Speakers include Romina Piergiorgi, Claudia Gregori, Maria Rosa Cordani and Luigi Cavanna. Complimentary copies of the book will be available to attendees while stocks last.
“Piacentino dell’Anno” Award Ceremony
When: Saturday, 22 August, from 9.00 pm
Where: Philippe Daverio Auditorium
Daniela Gentili and Roberto Pasquali will present the “Piacentino dell’Anno” (Piacenza Citizen of the Year) Award to Fabrizio Arzani, digital visual effects specialist and member of the Academy Award-winning team behind the special effects for Avatar, and to Gianfranco Curti, entrepreneur and founder of Gas Sales Bluenergy, whose contribution helped drive Piacenza volleyball to the historic victory of the 2026 CEV Cup.
The evening will be hosted by journalist Michele Rancati and will feature live music by the Turdeira Acoustic Duo (Margherita Armani and Michele Raggi).