Giallo in Collina

A thriller festival in the Monferrato hills

Giallo in Collina is the literary festival that transforms Portacomaro, a village of just under two thousand inhabitants in the province of Asti, into the Asti capital of crime and noir novels every year. Organized by the Civic Library in collaboration with the Municipality of Portacomaro, the event takes place in the heart of the Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of vine-covered hills where literary tradition meets food and wine excellence.

The format: Aperitivo with the Author

The festival's trademark is the Aperitivo with the Author: each meeting begins at 6:30 PM and features an up-close conversation between the guest writer and the public, followed by a convivial aperitif. What makes each evening unique is the choice of venues, which are always different and full of charm: the Ex Teatro di Portacomaro, the Romanesque church of San Pietro, agriturismo farmhouses like Terra d'Origine, and historic local estates and cellars such as the Cantina Coppo 1829. It is a way for participants to discover not only books, but also the most beautiful corners of the village and the flavors of the hills.

Authors and genres

The festival showcases Italian crime and noir fiction in all its forms: from historical noir to psychological thrillers, and from mysteries set in the Langhe and Monferrato regions to international-caliber dark novels. Over the years, numerous writers from the Italian thriller scene have taken part, some with ties to the Piedmont and Liguria regions, in a calendar that alternates between established voices and new talents.

Portacomaro and the Monferrato

Portacomaro is a village in the Asti Monferrato, also known as the ancestral home of Pope Francis's family. Nestled among vineyards and cellars, it provides the ideal setting for a festival that combines literary culture, hospitality, and winemaking tradition. Giallo in Collina is an event designed for genre enthusiasts as well as those looking for a unique opportunity to visit the hills of the Asti region.

Useful information

• The festival is held in spring, spread over several weekends in May.
• All meetings begin at 6:30 PM following the 'Aperitivo with the Author' format.
• Reservations for the aperitif are recommended at each venue.
• For information: Civic Library of Portacomaro.