De Sanctis Prize for Literature

An award for the literature of our time

The De Sanctis Prize for Literature is one of the most authoritative events on the Italian cultural calendar. Promoted by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the prize is held annually in Rome, Lazio, honoring works that best interpret the present through fiction, essays, and journalism. It is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a moment of collective reflection on the role of culture and writing in contemporary society.

The setting of Villa Madama

The evening takes place in the elegant surroundings of Villa Madama, a Renaissance masterpiece on the slopes of Monte Mario, in the Della Vittoria district of Rome. Designed based on sketches by Raphael, the villa currently serves as a representative seat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: a setting of immense historical and artistic value that lends the event a unique prestige and ties it inextricably to the city's cultural identity.

Sections and Jury

The prize is divided into several categories ranging from fiction and non-fiction to journalism, with additional special mentions. The winners are selected by a jury of prominent writers, critics, and journalists tasked with evaluating the most significant works published during the year. Alongside the awards, the evening often features a lectio magistralis delivered by leading figures from the worlds of art and thought.

The De Sanctis Foundation

The prize is named after Francesco De Sanctis, the great 19th-century literary critic responsible for one of the most celebrated histories of Italian literature. The De Sanctis Foundation carries on his intellectual legacy with the goal of promoting reading, cultural debate, and knowledge. Over the years, the prize has involved some of the most important voices in Italian culture, establishing itself as a benchmark for the publishing industry.

A cultural highlight in the heart of Rome

Each edition draws authors, publishers, institutional representatives, and literature enthusiasts to Rome. More than just an awards ceremony, the De Sanctis Prize is an opportunity to explore the great themes of the present and recognize the work of those who use writing to help us understand reality. It is an event that renews the profound bond between the capital and the world of books.