Roma International Literary Prize
The international literary prize of Rome, with a gala ceremony at the Teatro Ghione
About Roma International
An international literary prize in the heart of Rome
The Roma International Literary Prize is a cultural competition and award that draws writers, poets, and essayists from Italy and abroad to the Capital each year. Promoted by the Pegasus Cultural Association and created by writer and publisher Roberto Sarra, the prize aims to discover new talent and honor established authors, while encouraging works inspired by the beauty and history of Rome, the Eternal City.
Competition categories
The competition is divided into several sections ranging from fiction and non-fiction to poetry, with special accolades such as the Critics' Prize and an international section welcoming authors from around the globe. Alongside the competition winners, prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented to figures from journalism, television, cinema, and culture, making the evening an event that bridges the worlds of publishing and entertainment.
The ceremony at the Teatro Ghione
The heart of the initiative is the awards ceremony, held in one of the city's most elegant venues, the Teatro Ghione on Via delle Fornaci, just a stone's throw from the Vatican in the Aurelio district. The gala evening alternates between prize presentations and musical interludes, choreography, and emotionally engaging moments, all within a high-profile cultural and artistic setting. The event is hosted and organized by its founder, Roberto Sarra, supported by a qualified jury chaired by journalist and writer Gianni Garrucciu.
A cultural highlight for the Capital
Reaching its third edition in 2026, the Roma International Literary Prize has established itself as one of the most followed literary events on the Roman scene, successfully combining the promotion of writing with the charm of Roman social life. The event is a key part of the cultural offerings of the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio region, helping to make the city a meeting point for authors, publishers, and literature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Why participate
- An international award featuring both Italian and foreign authors
- A gala ceremony in a historic Roman theater
- Lifetime achievement awards for major cultural and entertainment figures
- Categories for fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, open to both debut and established writers
- Performances, music, and dance accompanying the evening
Roma International — edition 2026
Third edition — March 7, 2026
The third edition of the Roma International Literary Prize reached its grand finale on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Teatro Ghione in Rome, located at Via delle Fornaci 37. The ceremony, promoted by the Pegasus Cultural Association and hosted by its founder Roberto Sarra, was a resounding success with the public.
The winners
In the fiction category, Luigi Mariani triumphed with Dove non canta più il cielo (Edizioni Paoline), followed by Andrea Nacci with Arrus l'etrusco (Curcio Editore). The non-fiction award went to Giorgio Macellari for Etica per il medico giusto, while the poetry prize was awarded to Luisa Mattia for Il primo verso. The Critics' Prize was awarded to Gioia Salvatori and Tiziana Lupi; in the international section, authors Khan Nguyen, Carol Chantelot, and Hajjar Sami received special mentions.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to journalist and science communicator Roberto Giacobbo, television host and author Pino Strabioli, actress Mita Medici, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, and Angelo Martini. The evening was further enhanced by choreography from the Dance Center of Erika Rifelli and musical interludes.
Programme Roma International 2026
Evening program
Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:00 PM at the Teatro Ghione in Rome:
- Awards ceremony for the fiction, non-fiction, and poetry sections
- Presentation of the Critics' Prize and international section awards
- Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Roberto Giacobbo, Pino Strabioli, Mita Medici, Card. Fernando Filoni, and Angelo Martini
- Choreography by the Dance Center of Erika Rifelli and musical interludes
Hosted by founder Roberto Sarra; jury chaired by Gianni Garrucciu.
Highlights Roma International 2026
- Lifetime achievement awards for Roberto Giacobbo, Pino Strabioli, and Mita Medici
- Victory of Luigi Mariani in fiction with Dove non canta più il cielo
- Choreography and musical interludes at the Teatro Ghione
- International section featuring authors from Vietnam, France, and the United States
Prices Roma International 2026
Practical information — Roma International
How to get there
The Teatro Ghione is located at Via delle Fornaci 37, in Rome's Aurelio district, a short distance from St. Peter's and the Vatican. By metro: Line A, get off at Ottaviano-San Pietro or Cipro, then a short walk or bus ride. Numerous bus lines serve the Piazza della Rovere and Via Gregorio VII area.
Tickets and access
The awards ceremony takes place in the evening at the Teatro Ghione. For information on invitations, accreditation, and how to attend the evening, as well as the literary competition call for entries, please visit the official website www.premioromainternational.it.
Contacts
Associazione Culturale Pegasus — email [email protected], phone +39 0541 1837415.
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Where does it take place — Roma International
Teatro Ghione
Via delle Fornaci 37, 00165 Roma