Night of Poetry at the Dolmen

Poetry under the stars, at the foot of a megalith

The Night of Poetry at the Dolmen is one of the most iconic cultural initiatives of the summer in Bisceglie, a coastal city in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, in the heart of Puglia. Every July, the event brings poetry readings to the foot of Dolmen La Chianca, the imposing Bronze Age megalithic monument that has become the city's very symbol. The evening, which begins around 8:30 PM with free admission, weaves together recited verses, musical contributions, and reflections on heritage in an intimate and evocative atmosphere under the summer sky.

A Pro Loco project

The festival is conceived and organized by the Pro Loco UNPLI Bisceglie, with the patronage of the Municipality of Bisceglie, and features the artistic direction of Maurizio Evangelista, a cultural promoter who has spent years curating guest selections and program development. Created to simultaneously celebrate the power of the poetic word and one of the region's most precious archaeological treasures, the Night of Poetry at the Dolmen has reached and surpassed its thirteenth edition, establishing itself as a permanent fixture on the city's summer calendar.

Poets, songwriters, and live music

Over the years, the event has hosted significant voices in Italian culture. Notable past participants include the singer-songwriter Roberto Vecchioni, long associated with poetry and Puglia, the contemporary poet Alfonso Guida, and the poet and saxophonist Vittorino Curci, who brought his unique blend of verse and jazz to the Dolmen. The format alternates between author readings, live musical moments, and tributes to the great masters of poetry, with past performances even paying homage to Dante Alighieri.

Dolmen La Chianca, a unique setting

What makes this event special is its setting. The Dolmen La Chianca is one of the best-preserved dolmens in Italy: a megalithic tomb that bears witness to prehistoric life in the Bisceglie area and is today a destination for visitors and archaeology enthusiasts alike. Allowing poetry to resonate in this space creates a dialogue between contemporary language and ancient memory, a fusion of culture, landscape, and identity that is the hallmark of the local Pro Loco.

A free event open to all

The Night of Poetry at the Dolmen features free admission and is designed for audiences of all ages and those looking to discover Bisceglie in a new light. We recommend noting the evening start time and enjoying the comfortable outdoor setting, nestled between the greenery of the monumental area and the quiet countryside surrounding the megalith.