Agata Book Festival
The first mini literary festival in the garden of the Cappella di Sant'Agata in Pisa
About Agata Book Festival
A new literary festival in the heart of Pisa
The Agata Book Festival debuts in 2026 as the first edition of a widespread literary event that brings books to one of Pisa's most fascinating and lesser-known locations: the garden of the Cappella di Sant'Agata, a small jewel restored just a few years ago by the Municipality of Pisa and the Fondazione Pisa. For an entire weekend, the green space next to the chapel becomes an open-air lounge dedicated to reading, meeting authors, and the pleasure of discovering new publications.
A festival dedicated to local authors
The festival has a distinctly local focus: the protagonists are primarily Pisan writers and publishers and recently released volumes, many of which are dedicated to the history, traditions, and figures of the city and Tuscany. The selection ranges from historical essays on Pisan saints and churches to mystery novels set in the streets of Pisa, and from art and restoration research to local life stories. A dense and varied program that reflects the vibrancy of the local publishing scene.
The garden of the Cappella di Sant'Agata
The Cappella di Sant'Agata, with its characteristic octagonal plan, stands in the area of the ancient church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, along Via San Paolo, just a few steps from the Arno river. Reopened to the public after a major restoration project, it is now maintained by the associations organizing the festival and welcomes visitors in a highly evocative setting, far from the tourist crowds of Piazza dei Miracoli but deeply connected to the historical identity of the Municipality of Pisa.
Who organizes the Agata Book Festival
The event is promoted by the Associazione Culturale Il Mosaico, chaired by Riccardo Buscemi, and the Associazione Casa Museo Carlo Pepi, chaired by Francesca Pepi, the same organizations responsible for the enhancement and periodic opening of the chapel. The initiative is part of a broader project for the cultural promotion of the historic center of Pisa, in the province of Pisa, and aims to become a fixed appointment for readers and those who love local literature.
Why attend
- Free meetings with writers and publishers from the Pisan area
- An unusual and charming location in the historic center of Pisa
- A program rich in presentations on history, art, mystery novels, and local culture
- An intimate and cozy atmosphere, ideal for book enthusiasts
Agata Book Festival — edition 2026
The inaugural edition of the Agata Book Festival will enliven the garden of the Cappella di Sant'Agata in Pisa for three days, from June 19th to 21st, 2026. The program offers a series of book presentations in the late afternoon, with a special focus on local authors and recent publications dedicated to Pisan culture.
The festival alternates between historical non-fiction, art research, and fiction, including several mystery novels set in Pisa. Admission is free, and the meetings take place outdoors in a cozy and evocative setting in the city's historic center.
Programme Agata Book Festival 2026
Friday, June 19th
- 5:00 PM — Festival opening
- 5:30 PM — Presentation of La Chiesa dei Santi Quaranta Martiri e di San Ranieri dei Nobili Pisani alla Guilla a Palermo (Plumelia Edizioni)
- 6:30 PM — Presentation of Vite dei Santi e dei Beati pisani (CLDlibri)
- 7:30 PM — Presentation of La rivoluzione gentile by Ugo Cappellacci
Saturday, June 20th
- 5:00 PM — Presentation of Pisa et Saint Tropez
- 5:45 PM — Presentation of Il piccolo mondo del ragazzo dai mille colori
- 6:30 PM — Presentation of A tavola con Gemma
- 7:30 PM — Presentation of Sogno - cronaca pisana del 1679
Sunday, June 21st
- 5:00 PM — Presentation of Assassinio al Gioco del Ponte
- 5:45 PM — Presentation of La luna orba
The program is subject to change; for updates, it is recommended to follow the organizing associations.
Highlights Agata Book Festival 2026
Prices Agata Book Festival 2026
Practical information — Agata Book Festival
How to get there
The Cappella di Sant'Agata is located on Via San Paolo, near the church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, on the south bank of the Arno. It is easily reachable on foot from the Pisa Centrale train station in about 10-15 minutes. By car, it is recommended to use the city center parking lots, keeping in mind the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL).
Admission
Admission to all Agata Book Festival presentations is free of charge.
When
The festival takes place in the afternoon and early evening, from Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 21st, 2026, with the opening ceremony on Friday at 5:00 PM.
Tips
The meetings are held outdoors in the garden: in case of sun, it is advisable to bring water and a hat. Seating may be limited, so it is best to arrive a few minutes early.
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Where does it take place — Agata Book Festival
Giardino della Cappella di Sant'Agata
Via San Paolo 16, 56125 Pisa