Festival della Mente
The first European festival dedicated to creativity and the birth of ideas
About Festival della Mente
Three days dedicated to ideas
Since 2004, the Festival della Mente has transformed Sarzana (Province of La Spezia) into a place where the theme of creativity is explored in all its forms. The first European festival dedicated to the birth of ideas, it offers three days packed with meetings, readings, shows, and workshops, attracting thousands of people from all over Italy every year.
A festival spread throughout the historic centre
The events animate the most evocative squares and places in Sarzana's historic centre, from the Firmafede Fortress to the cloisters, from theatres to open-air spaces. Scientists, philosophers, writers, artists, and communicators take turns on stage, offering different perspectives on a theme that changes with each edition. A dedicated section, with workshops and storytelling, involves children and young people.
A long-term cultural project
The festival is conceived and organised by the Fondazione Carispezia together with the Municipality of Sarzana, under the direction of Benedetta Marietti. Over the years, it has become a model for high-quality cultural dissemination, combining rigorous content with the ability to engage a broad and diverse audience.
Festival della Mente — edition 2026
The XXIII edition of the Festival della Mente returns to Sarzana from September 4th to 6th, 2026. Three days of meetings, readings, performances, and workshops will animate the squares and places of the historic centre, under the direction of Benedetta Marietti. As tradition dictates, scientists, writers, philosophers, and artists will discuss the chosen theme for the edition, while a dedicated section will involve children and young people. Organised by Fondazione Carispezia and the Municipality of Sarzana.
Programme Festival della Mente 2026
The complete program and the theme of the XXIII edition will be announced in the months preceding the event, on the official website www.festivaldellamente.it. Established festival structure:
- Friday, September 4th — Opening with the first evening meetings in the town squares
- Saturday, September 5th — Full day of meetings, readings, and performances in multiple simultaneous venues
- Sunday, September 6th — Concluding meetings and final events
- Throughout the duration — Workshops and storytelling for children and young people
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance: the meetings often sell out.
Highlights Festival della Mente 2026
Prices Festival della Mente 2026
Practical information — Festival della Mente
How to get here
By train: Sarzana station on the Genoa–La Spezia–Pisa line. By car: A12 or A15 motorway, Sarzana exit. The meetings take place in various locations in the historic centre.
Tickets
Most of the meetings require a paid ticket, which often sell out in advance: it is advisable to purchase them early. Programme and ticketing at www.festivaldellamente.it.
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Where does it take place — Festival della Mente
Piazze e luoghi del centro storico di Sarzana
Centro storico, 19038 Sarzana