Books Under the Stars

Books Under the Stars in Bugnara

Books Under the Stars is the summer literary festival of Bugnara, a charming village in the Peligna Valley in the Province of L'Aquila, nestled in the heart of inland Abruzzo. Conceived and curated by the Nino Ruscitti Study and Research Center, the event brings writers, journalists, and cultural voices to the village's alleys and squares every summer, turning July and August evenings into opportunities to gather around books.

A village-wide festival

The events are primarily held in the courtyard of Palazzo Alesi-Villapiana, an intimate open-air setting, and at the Torre dei Nolfi, one of Bugnara's landmarks. The festival was born under the Reading Pact of the Municipality of Bugnara and has steadily established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Peligna Valley, drawing audiences from Sulmona and neighboring towns.

Books, photography, and local heritage

The program alternates between editorial presentations, dialogues with authors, and photography exhibitions dedicated to the landscapes and villages of the Peligna Valley. Each edition features a common thread linked to Abruzzo's identity: the literature of John Fante, the musical memory of the region, or the relationship between writing and landscape. The refined, understated format prioritizes the quality of the guests and direct contact between authors and readers.

A cultural hub for inland Abruzzo

Realized with the support of local bookstores and associations, including the Ubik Fuori di Penna bookstore in Sulmona and the Studium association, the festival represents an important cultural anchor for an inland village, helping to promote Bugnara and its history. Named in memory of Nino Ruscitti, Books Under the Stars combines a passion for reading with the rediscovery of local heritage.

Why attend

• Open-air book presentations under the summer sky of the village
• Meetings with prominent national and Abruzzese authors and journalists
• Photography exhibitions on the landscape of the Peligna Valley
• Evocative settings: the courtyard of Palazzo Alesi and the Torre dei Nolfi
• A perfect opportunity to discover Bugnara, one of the most characteristic villages in the L'Aquila area