Scrittori in alto

A meeting of books and mountains in Usseglio

Scrittori in alto is the literary afternoon that brings together readers, writers, and curious minds every summer in the heart of Usseglio, a small mountain town in the Viù Valley, part of the Valli di Lanzo in the Metropolitan City of Turin. Promoted by the Pro Loco of Usseglio with the support of the local municipality, the festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated cultural highlights of the Usseglio summer.

The setting: Villa Conte Cibrario Park

The event takes place in the park of Villa Conte Cibrario on Via Sant'Antonio. The villa was built in the mid-19th century by Luigi Cibrario (1802–1870), a historian, writer, diplomat, and former minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, who hailed from Usseglio. Recognizable by its noble turret and the inscription Cogitavi dies antiquos, the residence opens its park exclusively for Scrittori in alto. Within the garden, visitors can admire two monumental ash trees officially recognized as Monumental Trees of Italy.

The festival format

Each edition features a dialogue-interview with an author or intellectual, conducted in a conversational style open to the public. Over the years, the festival has hosted voices from the worlds of poetry, philosophy, and Italian non-fiction, alternating between meetings dedicated to literature, contemporary thought, and the relationship between culture and nature.

• When: In summer, during the afternoon
• Where: Villa Conte Cibrario Park, Usseglio (TO)
• Admission: Free, booking recommended
• Organizer: Pro Loco di Usseglio

Why you should head up to Usseglio

More than just a simple author talk, Scrittori in alto is an opportunity to experience the Piedmontese mountains in a unique way: through the lens of culture. The altitude, the crisp mountain air, and the silence of the park provide a perfect backdrop for the guests' words, offering an experience that blends reading, landscape, and local tradition. It is a must-attend event for book lovers and anyone looking for an extra reason to explore the Valli di Lanzo.