Terrazza d'Autore

A literary festival at sunset

Terrazza d'Autore is the historic summer literary festival of the town of Valderice, in the province of Trapani, Sicily. For over twenty years, it has offered a series of meetings with authors of contemporary Italian literature, hosted at the "On. Nino Croce" Municipal Theatre. The formula is simple and recognizable: sunset conversations, far from the rigidity of a standard book presentation, where dialogue with the writer intertwines with live readings and the atmosphere of the Sicilian summer.

A different theme for every edition

Each season of Terrazza d'Autore is built around a common thread that links the various events. Following the 2025 edition dedicated to the "border" — understood not as a wall but as a place of encounter — the festival has chosen the theme of "Roots" for 2026, an invitation to reflect on who we are and where we come from, without giving up on looking toward the future. It is an approach that allows for the exploration of memory, identity, and belonging through very diverse voices and sensibilities.

Artistic direction

The event is conceived, curated, and hosted by journalist Ornella Fulco and Stefania La Via: they are responsible for selecting the themes and guests, as well as moderating the meetings. Over the years, Terrazza d'Autore has hosted well-known names in Italian fiction, poetry, and journalism, building a loyal audience that returns every summer.

A local cultural network

The festival takes place under the auspices of the Centre for Books and Reading (CEPELL) of the Ministry of Culture and benefits from the cultural partnership of local entities such as BiblioTP, the San Rocco Museum of Trapani, and the local library network. It is an example of how a small community in Western Sicily can consistently build a high-quality cultural event capable of attracting audiences from neighboring towns as well.

Why attend

• Six free meetings with nationally renowned writers.
• An outdoor evening setting in the heart of Valderice.
• A program built around a different theme each year.
• Live readings and direct dialogue with the authors.

For those spending the summer in the Trapani area, Terrazza d'Autore represents an opportunity to combine a vacation with the pleasure of reading and meeting people in one of the most evocative locations on the west coast of Sicily.