Pienza Literary Emporium
Three days of literature, current affairs, and journalism in the Renaissance ideal city
About Literary Emporium
An emporium of words in the city of Pope Pius II
The Pienza Literary Emporium is one of the most beloved cultural events in the province of Siena. Every year, in early June, the small town of Pienza—the "ideal city" commissioned by Pope Pius II in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, Tuscany—transforms into a grand emporium of ideas, books, and encounters. The festival brings some of the most significant voices in Italian writing, journalism, and non-fiction to the squares and courtyards of Renaissance palaces for direct and informal dialogues with the public.
A formula blending literature, current affairs, and comics
The Emporium's program weaves together fiction and non-fiction, journalism and popular science, comics and social storytelling. Meetings take place in evocative settings throughout the village: the courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini, the courtyard of Palazzo Borgia, Piazza Pio II, the Garden of San Carlo Borromeo, and the nearby village of Monticchiello. Each day alternates between novel presentations, in-depth looks at current events, reflections on justice and society, spaces dedicated to children, and convivial moments centered on the written word.
The 2026 edition and the UNESCO thirtieth anniversary
The fourteenth edition, held from June 5 to 7, 2026, celebrated thirty years since the inclusion of Pienza's historic center on the UNESCO World Heritage list. For the occasion, a special award was presented to the journalist and war correspondent Lucia Goracci for her dedication and professionalism. Guests over the three days included, among others, Mauro Covacich, Veronica De Romanis, Gherardo Colombo, Roberto Costantini, Gianni Riotta, Fausto Bertinotti, and Paolo Maggioni.
Direction and organization
The festival is promoted by the Compagnia del Teatro Cultural Association - Caffeina Eventi, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pienza. The artistic direction is entrusted to Giorgio Renzetti, with coordination by Giorgio Nisini, a writer and university professor. The Emporium is now a permanent fixture in the Val d'Orcia cultural calendar and contributes to promoting Pienza as a destination for slow, high-quality tourism in Tuscany.
Why it is worth attending
- Free meetings with prominent authors and journalists from the Italian scene.
- A unique setting: the Renaissance palaces and UNESCO-listed squares of Pienza.
- A diverse program, ranging from fiction to comics, from current affairs to scientific outreach.
- The opportunity to discover the Val d'Orcia, one of Tuscany's most famous landscapes, during the most evocative time of the year.
Literary Emporium — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Pienza Literary Emporium brought together a constellation of Italian authors and journalists. Guests included Mauro Covacich, Veronica De Romanis, Gherardo Colombo, Roberto Costantini (with his novel "L'amore non basta"), Gianni Riotta, Aurelio Picca, Gaja Cenciarelli, and Fausto Bertinotti, who engaged in a dialogue at Monticchiello with the Cardinal Archbishop of Siena, Augusto Paolo Lojudice. There was also space for sports with Paolo Maggioni and cooking with the winner of MasterChef Italia, Matteo Canzi.
The highlight was the presentation of the special UNESCO thirtieth-anniversary award to the journalist and war correspondent Lucia Goracci, who was the protagonist of the closing meeting on Sunday with artistic director Giorgio Renzetti. A section dedicated to children, featuring writer Chiara Marconi, was also included.
Programme Literary Emporium 2026
Friday, June 5 (4:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Opening in the courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini with meetings on literature and justice, followed by a cooking-themed event in Piazza Pio II.
Saturday, June 6 (11:00 AM - 9:00 PM): A day across palace courtyards and squares, featuring fiction, comics, and an evening sports discussion in the square; closing in Monticchiello.
Sunday, June 7 (10:30 AM - 7:00 PM): Opening with the history of science, followed by comics and contemporary fiction, a children's section, and the closing meeting with Lucia Goracci on war reporting.
Highlights Literary Emporium 2026
- Special UNESCO thirtieth-anniversary award to war correspondent Lucia Goracci.
- Guests: Mauro Covacich, Gherardo Colombo, Gianni Riotta, Fausto Bertinotti, Veronica De Romanis, Roberto Costantini.
- Dialogue in Monticchiello between Fausto Bertinotti and Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice.
- Children's section and meeting with MasterChef Italia winner Matteo Canzi.
Prices Literary Emporium 2026
Practical information — Literary Emporium
How to get there
Pienza is located in the Val d'Orcia, in the province of Siena. By car, it can be reached from the SS2 Cassia road, taking the exit toward San Quirico d'Orcia, then the SP146 to Pienza. The nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, which is connected to Pienza by local bus lines. The reference airport is Florence-Peretola, followed by Rome-Fiumicino.
Admission and hours
Meetings at the Literary Emporium are free and open to the public until capacity is reached. The daily schedule generally runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. It is recommended to check the official program on the website caffeinafestival.it.
Tips
Pienza is a very popular destination in the spring; it is advisable to book accommodation in the village or the surrounding Val d'Orcia area in advance. Do not miss a stop to taste the famous pecorino cheese of Pienza.
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Where does it take place — Literary Emporium
Piazza Pio II e cortili dei palazzi storici
Piazza Pio II, 53026 Pienza