Premio Cimitile
The national literary festival of the Silver Bell Towers in the Early Christian Basilicas
About Premio Cimitile
A literary award in the heart of Christianity
The Premio Cimitile is one of the most authoritative literary festivals in Italy. Every June, the small town of Cimitile, located in the province of Naples in the heart of Campania, becomes a capital of culture. The festival features a week of meetings, book presentations, exhibitions, conferences, and concerts, culminating in the presentation of the iconic Silver Bell Towers (Campanili d'Argento), the event's signature award.
The venue is no coincidence: events take place within the Early Christian Basilicas complex of Cimitile, one of Europe's most significant Christian archaeological sites. It houses the Sanctuary of San Felice, which contains what is considered the first bell tower in Christendom—the inspiration for the trophy awarded to the winners.
History and Foundation
Established in 1996, the award is organized by the Premio Cimitile Foundation, chaired by Felice Napolitano, with support from founding members: the Campania Region, the Metropolitan City of Naples, the Municipality of Cimitile, and the Obiettivo III Millennio Association. Over the years, the event has attracted some of the most prestigious names in Italian literature, journalism, and culture.
Award Categories
The Premio Cimitile presents awards across several categories, ranging from creative writing to specialized research:
- Published Fiction and Unpublished Fiction
- Non-fiction and Current Affairs
- Archaeology and Early Christian Art, in dialogue with the site's identity
- Journalism, with the award named after Antonio Ravel
- Special awards for prominent figures in culture, science, and public institutions
More than just an award
The festival offers much more than just the awards ceremony: every evening features book presentations with authors, debates on social and civil issues, art exhibitions, concerts, and moments of spiritual reflection, often tied to the site's religious and historical significance. The final evening, hosted by well-known television personalities and recorded for broadcast on Rai 2, gives the event national resonance far beyond the borders of Campania.
With free admission, the Premio Cimitile is an unmissable appointment for book lovers and anyone wishing to discover the best of contemporary Italian culture in a unique archaeological setting.
Premio Cimitile — edition 2026
31st Edition — In the spirit of Saint Francis
The 2026 edition of the Premio Cimitile, the thirty-first, held a special symbolic and spiritual value, being dedicated to the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). From June 13 to 20, the Early Christian Basilicas complex hosted a week of art, literature, music, and religion, opened by the exhibition "Created to Create. The Creation of Saint Francis" and the presentation of the book by Father Enzo Fortunato.
The closing evening, hosted by Ingrid Muccitelli, was recorded for broadcast on Rai 2 on July 7, confirming the national resonance of the event promoted by the Premio Cimitile Foundation with the Campania Region and the Metropolitan City of Naples.
Programme Premio Cimitile 2026
31st Edition Program
- Saturday, June 13, 6:30 PM — Opening ceremony and inauguration of the exhibition "Created to Create. The Creation of Saint Francis 1226-2026" (curated by G. Bacci); followed by the presentation of the book "E se tornasse Francesco?" by Father Enzo Fortunato.
- Sunday, June 14, 6:30 PM — Presentation of "Il tempo dell'orologiaio" by Maurizio de Giovanni, with musician Marco Zurzolo; followed by "Symphonies under the stars" with the Junior Orchestra of the Albertini High School of Nola.
- Monday, June 15, 7:00 PM — Conference on the Constitution and Republic and presentation of the book by Marta Cartabia.
- Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 PM — Conference "Know the World of Children, Prevent Bullying" (12th edition).
- Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 PM — Competition "Donate a verse, save a life", dedicated to poems and stories on the theme of organ donation.
- Saturday, June 20, 8:30 PM — Awards gala and presentation of the Silver Bell Towers, hosted by Ingrid Muccitelli (recorded for Rai 2).
2026 Winners
- Unpublished Fiction: Francesco Gioia
- Published Fiction: Lorenzo Marone
- Current Affairs: Giovan Battista Brunori
- Non-fiction: Claudio Cerasa
- Archaeology and Early Christian Art: Natasha Luigia Antonino
- Journalism (Antonio Ravel Award): Maria Soave
- Special Award: Paolo Antonio Ascierto
Highlights Premio Cimitile 2026
- Edition dedicated to the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Art exhibition "Created to Create. The Creation of Saint Francis 1226-2026"
- Special guests: Maurizio de Giovanni, Marta Cartabia, Father Enzo Fortunato, Lorenzo Marone
- Gala evening hosted by Ingrid Muccitelli and broadcast on Rai 2
Prices Premio Cimitile 2026
Practical information — Premio Cimitile
Getting there
Cimitile is located in the province of Naples, a few kilometers from Nola. By car, it can be reached via the A16 motorway (Nola exit) or the SS7 bis. By train, the reference station is Nola, on the Circumvesuviana line from Naples, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the center.
Venue
All events are held within the Early Christian Basilicas complex of Cimitile.
Admission
Admission to the festival events is free. For the final awards gala, a free invitation is generally required, which can be collected at the Foundation's stand.
Information
Updated programs and details are available on the official Premio Cimitile Foundation website.
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Where does it take place — Premio Cimitile
Complesso delle Basiliche Paleocristiane di Cimitile