Caffè Corretto Literary Prize – City of Cave
The literary prize of Cave decided by a popular jury of avid readers
About Caffè Corretto Prize
A literary prize created by readers
The Caffè Corretto Literary Prize – City of Cave is one of the most original cultural initiatives in the Prenestini Mountains, located in the heart of the Province of Rome, in the Lazio region. Its uniqueness lies in its popular jury: the winners are not chosen by critics or publishing professionals, but by a group of avid readers—citizens united by their passion for books. This community of shared reading evaluates the competing volumes and determines the winner, transforming the prize into a true laboratory of cultural citizenship.
The association and its history
The Prize is promoted by the Caffè Corretto Cultural Association, active in Cave since 2010 and led by Claudia Manni and Elena Pucci. Over the years, the event has grown into a highly anticipated appointment, supported by the Municipality of Cave and capable of attracting authors, publishers, and readers from across the region. The final ceremony takes place in the evocative setting of the San Carlo Cloister, in the town's historic center.
Competition sections
- Published Works: dedicated to published books, evaluated and voted on by the popular jury of avid readers.
- Unpublished Works: reserved for short stories not yet published, with a ranking of the best entries.
- Caffè e Latte: the new section dedicated to children's literature and illustration, designed to promote reading among the youth as an authentic form of expression, encounter, and cultural growth.
Much more than an award ceremony
The final evening is not merely a presentation of awards: it is a performance that weaves together readings, music, and dance, featuring direct dialogue between authors and the public. The prizes awarded to the winners are unique works created each year with original chromatic decorations by students of the Matisse Art High School in Cave, highlighting the deep bond between the competition and the local community. Other initiatives also revolve around the Prize, such as the Un Parco di Libri reading festival, which brings Cave to life throughout the spring.
Why participate
Book lovers will find a rare opportunity in Cave: to see literature return to the center of community life, not through the judgment of a few experts, but thanks to the enthusiasm of many ordinary readers. Admission to the events is free, in keeping with the participatory spirit that has always driven the Caffè Corretto Association.
Caffè Corretto Prize — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Caffè Corretto Literary Prize – City of Cave reached its peak on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with the final ceremony in the San Carlo Cloister in Cave. As per tradition, the winners were determined by the popular jury of avid readers, who spent months reading and evaluating the competing books. This edition introduced an important novelty: the new Caffè e Latte section, dedicated to literature and illustration for children.
Programme Caffè Corretto Prize 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — Final Ceremony (San Carlo Cloister)
The final evening featured a blend of readings, music, and dance, including a dialogue between the association president Claudia Manni and the guest author, followed by questions from the audience. The awards presented were crafted with original chromatic decorations by students of the Matisse Art High School in Cave.
Published Works Section
- Winner: "La levatrice di Nagyrev" by Sabrina Zuccato (Marsilio, 2025), chosen by the popular jury from seven competing books.
Unpublished Works Section (short stories)
- 1st place: "Spada, cuore, serpe" by Leyla Cappelli
- 2nd place: "Il ritorno" by Carlo Albanesi
- 3rd place: "L'arcolaio" by Paolo Ruzzi
Caffè e Latte Section — Saturday, April 11, 2026 (Palazzetto della Salute, Aula Maestro Velluti)
A new section dedicated to children's literature and illustration, featuring presentations by authors and illustrators and voting by the jury. The seven finalists:
- "Poesie Notturne" — Cristina Bellemo, illustrations by Flavio Ruotolo
- "Wolf! Wolf!" — Serena Ballista, illustrations by Letizia Iannaccone
- "La nottataccia" — Bruno Zocca
- "Solo il seme lo sa" — Silvia Vecchini, Agnese Baruzzi
- "L'uomo e la foglia rossa" — Bruno Zocca
- "B, il buio e il buco" — Nicole Tecchio
- "Sentieri" — Guia Risari, Andrea Calisi
Related Event — Un Parco di Libri (May 29-31, 2026)
The reading festival promoted by the association brought Cave to life during the weekend of May 29-31, serving as a prelude to the final ceremony of the Prize.
Highlights Caffè Corretto Prize 2026
Prices Caffè Corretto Prize 2026
Practical information — Caffè Corretto Prize
Location
The final ceremony is held in the San Carlo Cloister, in the historic center of Cave (Province of Rome, Lazio). Some related events, such as the Caffè e Latte section, take place in other town venues (e.g., the Palazzetto della Salute, on Viale Orto Giorgioli).
How to get there
Cave can be reached by car via the A24 motorway (exit for Via Prenestina) or via the Via Casilina. By train, the reference station is on the Rome–Cassino line, with connections from Rome Termini station.
Admission
All Prize events are free of charge, subject to availability.
Information
Program and updates are available on the channels of the Caffè Corretto Cultural Association and the Municipality of Cave.
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Where does it take place — Caffè Corretto Prize
Chiostro di San Carlo
Chiostro di San Carlo, 00033 Cave