I Dialoghi di Trani
The international festival of dialogue and ideas on the port of Trani
About Dialoghi di Trani
A festival of ideas on the port of Trani
I Dialoghi di Trani is one of the most significant cultural festivals in Southern Italy and a staple of the Puglian September. Established in 2002 by publisher Giuseppe Laterza and organized by the social promotion association La Maria del Porto, under the artistic direction of Rosanna Gaeta, the festival has made dialogue its method and mission. Each year, the festival selects a keyword of our time and explores it with the help of writers, journalists, philosophers, magistrates, scientists, and artists, in an open forum accessible to all.
The city as a stage
The heart of the event is the historic center of Trani, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BT). The palaces overlooking the port, the squares, the G. Bovio Municipal Library, the Municipal Villa, and historic courtyards become spaces for speech and listening. Trani, with its famous Romanesque Cathedral by the sea, offers a unique setting that blends beauty with reflection, making the Dialoghi a model recognized throughout Italy.
Beyond meetings
Alongside the major evening events, the festival offers a rich off program featuring readings, film screenings, performances, art exhibitions, and workshops dedicated to dance, movement, design, and architecture. A central role is played by the literary awards, particularly the Fondazione Megamark – Incontri di Dialoghi competition, dedicated to debut works of Italian fiction and judged by a panel of experts and readers.
An international vocation
For years, I Dialoghi di Trani has extended beyond the borders of Puglia. Following Brussels, international stages have brought the festival to several European cultural capitals. The event is supported by the Municipality of Trani and the Puglia Region, serving as a bridge between the local Puglian territory and the cultural debate of the Mediterranean and Europe. All main events are free of charge.
Dialoghi di Trani — edition 2026
The 25th edition of the Dialoghi di Trani, scheduled from September 11th to 26th, 2026, marks a historic milestone: the festival's twenty-five years. The chosen theme is Complexity, understood not as an obstacle but as a resource for interpreting the present and navigating the future. The program brings together over sixty guests, including intellectuals, writers, journalists, magistrates, and scientists, in the historic spaces of the port of Trani. After concluding in Trani, the festival continues with two international stops: October 8th in Athens at the Italian Cultural Institute, and October 10th at the Frankfurt Book Fair. All main events are free of charge.
Programme Dialoghi di Trani 2026
Theme and structure
The 25th edition revolves around the keyword Complexity and takes place in Trani from September 11th to 26th, 2026, with meetings, dialogues, literary awards, exhibitions, readings, and screenings spread across the palaces and squares of the port (including Palazzo San Giorgio, Palazzo Covelli, the G. Bovio Municipal Library, and the Municipal Villa).
Literary awards
- September 12th — Award ceremony for the 11th edition of the Fondazione Megamark – Incontri di Dialoghi competition, dedicated to debut works of Italian fiction, judged by a panel of experts and readers. Evening hosted by Gabriele Corsi.
Off program, exhibitions, and workshops
- September 12th-16th — Off events: readings, cinema, and performances.
- From September 14th — three art exhibitions.
- Workshops dedicated to dance, movement, design, and architecture.
- September 26th — screening of the Manhattan Short Film Festival.
Announced guests
Among the over sixty guests are Dacia Maraini, Gianrico Carofiglio, Marco Travaglio, Nicola Gratteri, Gustavo Zagrebelsky, Ilaria Capua, Concita De Gregorio, Massimo Giannini, Marianna Aprile, Massimo Nava, Alberto Pellai, Flavia Perina, Yaryna Grusha, Nello Scavo, Giorgio Zanchini, Vladimir Luxuria, and many others.
International stages
- July 2nd-3rd — Caen, Normandy (as part of the European project dedicated to the Normans).
- October 8th — Athens, Italian Cultural Institute.
- October 10th — Frankfurt, Book Fair.
The detailed day-by-day program, with times and locations for each meeting, is published and updated progressively at www.idialoghiditrani.com/programma.
Highlights Dialoghi di Trani 2026
Prices Dialoghi di Trani 2026
Practical information — Dialoghi di Trani
Location
Events take place in the historic center and the port area of Trani (BT), including Palazzo San Giorgio, Palazzo Covelli, the G. Bovio Municipal Library, and the Municipal Villa.
Admission
Admission to all main events is free, subject to availability. Reservations may be recommended for certain meetings and workshops.
How to get there
Trani is served by the railway station on the Adriatic line (Bologna-Bari-Lecce). By car, take the A14 motorway and exit at Trani. The nearest airports are Bari-Palese and Foggia-Gino Lisa.
Contacts
Associazione La Maria del Porto, Via Felicia Nigretti 6, 76125 Trani. Tel. +39 0883 482966 – [email protected]. Full program at www.idialoghiditrani.com/programma.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Dialoghi di Trani
Palazzi e piazze del porto di Trani
Via Felicia Nigretti 6, 76125 Trani