Il Castello di Sopramonte National Poetry Competition

A poetry competition in the heart of Upper Piedmont

The Il Castello di Sopramonte National Poetry Competition is one of the most deeply rooted cultural events in Prato Sesia, a town in the Province of Novara at the foot of the Valsesia valley in Piedmont. Organized with passion by the Prato Alpini Group (the local ANA section), the competition takes its name from the castle that overlooks the hamlet of Sopramonte, serving as the town's historic symbol. Now in its twenty-second edition in 2026, it has become a highly anticipated event for both amateur and established poets from all over the country.

Three categories for every voice

The competition is divided into three categories, designed to showcase diverse sensibilities and languages:

• Adults Category — single poem in Italian, open to all poets, free theme;
• Dialect Category — reserved for poetry in Piedmontese dialect, with a mandatory Italian translation, to promote the local language;
• Nuove Penne Category — dedicated to younger writers (born after June 1, 2008), with free entry to encourage young people to write.

Poems must be unpublished and no longer than thirty lines. Every year, the competition receives a significant number of entries: in the 2025 edition, over one hundred poets participated in the Italian section and about twenty in the dialect section, confirming the deep bond between this land and its popular poetic tradition.

Memory and the Alpini

The competition is dedicated to the memory of Professor Don Antonio Guarneri and Barbara Valsesia, figures dear to the local community. The organization is driven by the volunteer work of the Prato Sesia Alpini, who transform the municipal sports hall into a welcoming theater for the awards ceremony each year, accompanied by readings, theatrical interludes, and the participation of local schools.

A celebration of words

More than just a literary contest, Il Castello di Sopramonte is a true celebration of words and community. The awards day alternates between readings of the winning poems, contributions from local students, and performances, traditionally concluding with a convivial reception. It is an event that perfectly captures the spirit of a small Piedmontese town capable of attracting poets from every region of Italy, thanks to the commitment of the Alpini and the Municipality of Prato Sesia.