Pontremoli Literary Prize – City of Books and Family
The national literary prize dedicated to books about family, hosted in the historic 'City of Books' in Lunigiana.
About Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize
A literary prize dedicated to the family
The "Pontremoli – City of Books and Family" Literary Prize is a national cultural event held every summer in Pontremoli, in the province of Massa-Carrara, in the heart of the Tuscan Lunigiana region. Promoted by the Forum of Family Associations in collaboration with the Municipality of Pontremoli and the Città del Libro Foundation, the prize was created to highlight narrative works that center on family, affection, parenthood, and emotional relationships, including their vulnerabilities and renewals.
A popular jury and an expert committee
What makes this prize unique in the Italian landscape is its grassroots nature: the books in competition are nominated directly by readers, families, and associations from all over Italy. For the 2026 edition, 107 nominations were received, from which a committee of eighteen experts, chaired by journalist and presenter Francesco Giorgino, selected eighteen titles and finally the shortlist of six finalists competing for the award.
Pontremoli, the city of books
The choice of Pontremoli is no coincidence: this Lunigiana village has been one of Italy's book capitals for decades, home to the Premio Bancarella and the famous traveling booksellers of Pontremoli. Walking through the alleys of the historic center, dominated by the Piagnaro Castle and the Cathedral, means immersing oneself in a centuries-old editorial and cultural tradition, which the City of Books and Family Prize renews every year.
Two days of events
The program spans two evenings. The first day is dedicated to an in-depth look at themes of hospitality and foster care, with a public roundtable and a themed film screening in the presence of the authors and protagonists. The second evening hosts the awards ceremony in Piazza della Repubblica, featuring the announcement of the winning book, interspersed with musical performances and entertainment.
Why attend
- A major national literary prize in one of Italy's most beautiful villages
- Meetings with authors, directors, and protagonists of the awarded stories
- Free events open to everyone, designed for families
- An opportunity to discover Lunigiana, its traditions, and its famous book culture
The City of Books and Family Prize confirms Pontremoli and Tuscany as a reference point for those who love reading and stories that speak of the most authentic bonds.
Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize — edition 2026
The fifth edition of the Prize opens on Friday, July 3, 2026, with a roundtable dedicated to themes of hospitality and foster care, open to the public from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This will be followed by a screening of the film "Per un po'", in the presence of director Simone Valentini, the author of the novel of the same name Niccolò Agliardi, and the young co-star Isnaba Na Montche.
The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 PM in Piazza della Repubblica, with the announcement of the winning book among the six finalists.
Programme Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize 2026
2026 Program
Friday, July 3
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM — Roundtable on hospitality and foster care (open to the public)
- Followed by — Screening of the film "Per un po'" with director Simone Valentini, author Niccolò Agliardi, and actor Isnaba Na Montche
Saturday, July 4
- 9:00 PM — Awards ceremony in Piazza della Repubblica
Highlights Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize 2026
2026 Finalists
- Donata Maria Biase — "Fai un bel respiro e ascolta" (Baldini+Castoldi)
- Grazia Ofelia Cesaro — "Ballare sotto la pioggia. Famiglie, separazioni e rinascite" (Feltrinelli)
- Andreea Porcilescu — "Il sorriso di Elena. L'amore è più forte" (Sperling & Kupfer)
- Kristine Maria Rapino — "Scialacca" (Sperling & Kupfer)
- Daniele Racca — "Supereroi in affido. Storie di bambini accolti in famiglia" (San Paolo)
- Pierluigi Vito — "Nel cuore del figlio" (Città Nuova)
Jury President: Francesco Giorgino. New this year: a youth committee will award a special mention.
Prices Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize 2026
Practical information — Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize
Getting there
By car: Pontremoli can be reached via the A15 Parma-La Spezia motorway, taking the Pontremoli exit. By train: the Pontremoli station is on the Parma-La Spezia (Pontremolese) line, with regional connections. By plane: the nearest airports are Pisa and Parma.
Venue and admission
The main events and the final ceremony take place in Piazza della Repubblica, in the historic center of Pontremoli. Meetings are open to the public; it is recommended to check the updated program on the Forum of Family Associations website.
Tips
Take advantage of your stay to visit the Piagnaro Castle with the Museum of Lunigiana Stele Statues and to taste typical Lunigiana dishes, such as testaroli with pesto and torta d'erbi.
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Where does it take place — Pontremoli City of Books and Family Prize
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica, 54027 Pontremoli