Montefoscolibrì

A village filled with books

Montefoscolibrì is a book festival held in Montefoscoli, a charming hamlet in the municipality of Palaia, in the province of Pisa, in the heart of the Tuscan Valdera. Promoted by the Museum of Rural Life Association of Montefoscoli, the event transforms the village's alleys and squares into a grand stage dedicated to reading and culture for an entire weekend.

The initiative was born around the Museum of Rural Life, the guardian of the area's rural memory, and combines a passion for books with the community spirit that characterizes this corner of Tuscany. As the municipal administration has highlighted, reading represents a fundamental tool for growth, knowledge, and cultural participation.

Two days of readings, authors, and workshops

The program spans two days. The first is dedicated to the poetry and fiction literary award ceremony, now in its ninth edition, accompanied by the presentation of a guest work at the Museum of Rural Life. The second day brings the entire village to life: alleys and squares host presentations of fiction and poetry books with the authors present, alongside opportunities to engage with writers and publishing industry professionals.

Great emphasis is placed on younger audiences, with reading workshops for children, storytelling sessions, family activities, and a space dedicated to children's publishing. There is also a new and used book market with stalls and small publishing houses, while the Museum doors remain open for visits. The festival traditionally closes with a theatrical performance for children.

Montefoscoli and the Valdera

Montefoscoli is a small medieval village nestled in the hills of the Valdera, a land known for its truffles and Tuscan flavors. As a hamlet of Palaia, it retains an authentic atmosphere made of scenic views, rural architecture, and farming traditions. The festival is also an opportunity to discover this territory, its food and wine excellence, and the heritage preserved by the Museum of Rural Life.

• Where: Village of Montefoscoli, Municipality of Palaia (PI), Tuscany
• When: In spring, generally in May
• Organizer: Museum of Rural Life Association of Montefoscoli
• For whom: Book lovers, families, children, and the curious

A highly anticipated event that combines culture, reading, and conviviality in one of the most characteristic villages in the province of Pisa.