Isola d'Elba International Literary Prize – Raffaello Brignetti

An international literary prize on Elba

The Isola d'Elba International Literary Prize – Raffaello Brignetti is one of the longest-running and most authoritative cultural events in Tuscany. Established in 1962 and held consistently since its revival after a hiatus in the 1970s, the prize takes place in Portoferraio, the main town of Elba Island in the province of Livorno. Over the years, it has honored prestigious figures including Heinrich Böll, Eugenio Montale, Mircea Eliade, Michel Tournier, and Mario Luzi.

Who it is dedicated to

The prize is named after Raffaello Brignetti, a writer born on Isola del Giglio but deeply connected to Elba, where he lived from childhood through his high school years in Portoferraio. An anti-academic author attentive to the existential challenges of his time, Brignetti is remembered as one of the most sincere voices in 20th-century Italian fiction. The prize upholds his legacy by promoting works of high literary quality that address contemporary themes.

How it works: critics and the public together

The formula that makes the Brignetti special is its dual jury. Each year, a technical jury of literary critics selects a trio of finalists from works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry written in or translated into Italian. Then, the popular jury—introduced in the 1990s to actively involve readers and students—takes the stage. The combined verdict of the critics and the public determines the overall winner, turning the prize into a meeting point between specialized judgment and the voice of the readers.

The setting: the Linguella Archaeological Area

The final ceremony is held in the Linguella Archaeological Area, one of the most evocative spots in Portoferraio, overlooking the sea of Elba. The setting, framed by ancient ruins and the sunset over the gulf, transforms the announcement of the winner into an event that blends culture, landscape, and island identity.

A landmark event for the island and Tuscany

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Tuscany Region, and the Municipality of Portoferraio, the Brignetti Prize is much more than an award ceremony: it is a week of author meetings, debates, and public events that bring Elba to life at the end of summer, attracting readers, writers, and curious travelers to the heart of the Tuscan archipelago.