A Mountain of Books Literary Festival
The literary festival of the Bolognese Apennines in Monzuno
About A Mountain of Books
A Literary Festival in the Apennine Hills
The A Mountain of Books Literary Festival is a young but vibrant cultural event held in Monzuno, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bologna nestled in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in Emilia-Romagna. Founded in 2025, the event is promoted by the Municipality of Monzuno along with the Savena Setta Sambro Study Group and the L'Agorà di Lavagna Association, with the aim of bringing literature to the villages of the Bolognese mountains.
Literature, Territory, and Conviviality
The festival is not just a book fair; it's designed as an interactive, convivial, fun, and educational meeting between writers and readers. The days combine literary salons, dialogues with authors, and moments dedicated to writing, all enriched by local food and wine products and musical interludes. It's a way to experience culture in a relaxed atmosphere, far from big stages and close to the identity of the Apennines.
The Literary Competition
The heart of the event is a themed literary competition, open to those over 18. Participants can submit an unpublished short story (maximum 10,000 characters) or three unpublished poems consistent with the year's theme. The best texts are awarded during a public ceremony: finalists receive a certificate and some of the best local products, while the winner gets their manuscript published in the magazine of the Savena Setta Sambro Study Group.
The Link with Tartufesta
Since its second edition, the festival has strengthened its local roots by linking with the Tartufesta of Monzuno, one of the most popular food and wine events in the Bolognese Apennines dedicated to truffles. The competition awards ceremony takes place on the first day of Tartufesta, creating a blend of literature and culinary tradition that further enhances the initiative.
Why Participate
- Discover the Bolognese Apennines and the village of Monzuno in an authentic cultural setting.
- Meet authors and reading enthusiasts in informal literary salons.
- Test your skills with a short story or poetry competition open to all adults.
- Combine your passion for books with the taste of local products, including truffles.
A Mountain of Books — edition 2026
The second edition of the festival, themed 'On the Road...', confirms the formula that combines a literary competition, meetings with authors, and the promotion of the territory. After the success of the first edition, the organizers have chosen to link the closing day to the Tartufesta of Monzuno.
The competition is reserved for adults: participants can enter with an unpublished short story of up to 10,000 characters or three unpublished poems on the theme. The deadline for submitting works is August 31, 2026 (email: [email protected]).
Programme A Mountain of Books 2026
The awards ceremony for the second edition will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2026, in Monzuno, on the occasion of the first day of Tartufesta.
- Award ceremony for the finalists of the literary competition on the theme 'On the Road...'
- A day with the participation of writers and poets, literary salons, and moments of dialogue with authors
- Tastings of local products and musical interludes
The detailed program for the day, including the names of guest authors and schedules, will be announced by the organizers in the months leading up to the event, after the competition closes.
Highlights A Mountain of Books 2026
Theme of the year: 'On the Road...'. Awards ceremony on October 11, 2026, during the Tartufesta of Monzuno. Finalists receive a certificate and local products; the winner will have their manuscript published in the magazine of the Savena Setta Sambro Study Group.
Prices A Mountain of Books 2026
Practical information — A Mountain of Books
Where
The festival takes place in Monzuno (BO), in the Bolognese Apennines. The town hall is located at Via Casaglia 4. The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled during Tartufesta in the town center.
How to Get There
By car: From Bologna, Monzuno can be reached in about 45 minutes along the SS65 della Futa, with a detour towards Vado and Monzuno. By train: Pian di Venola or Vado-Monzuno station (Bologna-Pistoia/Porrettana line) is the closest, followed by a bus or car connection.
Participating in the Competition
Works (short story or unpublished poems) should be sent via email to [email protected] by August 31, 2026. Participation in the competition is free.
Information
For details on the rules, program, and times, please contact the Municipality of Monzuno.
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Where does it take place — A Mountain of Books
Monzuno (centro storico)
Via Casaglia 4, 40036 Monzuno