All'ombra del campanile
The literary festival at the Castello dei Conti Amico in Castell'Alfero
About All'ombra del campanile
A literary festival in the heart of Monferrato
In the village of Castell'Alfero, in the province of Asti, the All'ombra del campanile festival has become a staple of the Asti summer season over the years. Organized by the R-Evoluzione Group with the patronage of the Municipality of Castell'Alfero, the event transforms the town into a meeting place for readers, writers, and enthusiasts, bringing them together in the shadow of the bell tower from which it takes its name.
The Castello dei Conti Amico
The heart of the festival is the Green Room of the Castello dei Conti Amico, a historic residence that overlooks the village and provides an elegant backdrop for the presentations. The castle's intimate atmosphere enhances the dialogues between authors and the public, showcasing an architectural heritage that is central to the identity of Castell'Alfero and the entire Monferrato region.
Nationally acclaimed authors
What makes this festival special is the quality of its guests: every edition brings nationally renowned writers to town, ranging from crime and historical thrillers to contemporary fiction and novels shortlisted for the most prestigious awards. The presentations are structured as genuine dialogues, where each author is joined by a moderator who guides the conversation, leaving plenty of room for questions from the audience.
More than just a book presentation
All'ombra del campanile is about more than just literature. Between sessions, guests can enjoy the traditional merenda sinoira, accompanied by local wines, while the theater company Gli Erranti performs dramatic readings and the Alberi d'Acqua bookstore from Asti sets up a stand where visitors can purchase books and meet authors for signings. It is a blend of culture, conviviality, and tradition that serves as the event's true hallmark.
A year-round event
Originally launched as a summer festival, All'ombra del campanile has expanded its program over the years with events continuing into autumn and winter, confirming the cultural vitality of a small Piedmontese town capable of attracting top names in Italian literature.
All'ombra del campanile — edition 2026
The eighth edition of All'ombra del campanile, held on May 22 and 23, 2026, featured four meetings with nationally acclaimed authors in the Green Room of the Castello dei Conti Amico. Alongside the presentations, the festival hosted the widespread exhibition Esseri e luoghi misteriosi, thirteen environmental art installations created from recycled materials by architect Fiorella Zanetti, designed to reactivate forgotten corners of the village. The event also featured the 'merenda sinoira' with wines from the Cantina Sociale di Casorzo and readings by the theater company Gli Erranti.
Programme All'ombra del campanile 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
- 18:00 — Sandrone Dazieri presents La mossa del granchio (Rizzoli), a thriller featuring investigators Dante Torre and Colomba Caselli. In conversation with Riccardo Santagati.
- 21:00 — Graziella Bonansea presents Tu che non parli (VandA Edizioni), a candidate for the 2026 Strega Prize. In conversation with Laura Avidano.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
- 18:00 — Franco Faggiani presents La luce del primo mattino (Fazi Editore), a novel set in Lunigiana. In conversation with Fabiano Massimi.
- 21:00 — Fabiano Massimi presents Il trucco del diavolo (Longanesi), a historical thriller inspired by the Voynich Manuscript. In conversation with Laura Avidano.
Side events
- Merenda sinoira between presentations, featuring wines from the Cantina Sociale di Casorzo.
- Dramatic readings by the theater company Gli Erranti.
- Stand by the Libreria Alberi d'Acqua of Asti, with book signing opportunities.
- Widespread exhibition Esseri e luoghi misteriosi: thirteen environmental art installations by Fiorella Zanetti, with a geolocated map to discover them throughout the village.
Highlights All'ombra del campanile 2026
Prices All'ombra del campanile 2026
Practical information — All'ombra del campanile
Location
Green Room of the Castello dei Conti Amico, Castell'Alfero (AT), Piedmont.
How to get there
Castell'Alfero is located about 10 km from Asti and is easily accessible by car from the city. The village is well-connected to the provincial road network of the Monferrato.
Admission
Presentations are free to attend. The 'merenda sinoira' is a paid service and requires a reservation.
Reservations and contacts
For the 'merenda sinoira', please book by contacting Elisa at +39 338 1151432.
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Where does it take place — All'ombra del campanile
Sala Verde del Castello dei Conti Amico