Una Valle che Legge

Una Valle che Legge: literature at the heart of Arsita

Una Valle che Legge is a literary festival organized by the Altofino Association in the town of Arsita, located in the province of Teramo, in the heart of the Fino Valley and at the foot of the Gran Sasso, in Abruzzo. Rather than a festival concentrated into a single weekend, it is a series of events spread across the autumn, winter, and spring, accompanying the region throughout the colder months with author meetings, book presentations, and public readings.

A village that identifies with reading

Arsita is the birthplace of Donatella Di Pietrantonio, the acclaimed author who won the Premio Campiello in 2017 for "L'Arminuta" and the Premio Strega in 2024 for "L'età fragile". This connection inspired the idea of dedicating a festival to the village that weaves together stories, literature, and community, using books as a tool for connection, shared reflection, and knowledge. The event combines the area's literary vocation with a vision of local culture that brings authors closer to readers in an intimate and authentic setting.

Meetings and guests

Over the years, Una Valle che Legge has hosted numerous voices from the contemporary Italian literary scene, including novelists, essayists, and storytellers from the Abruzzo region. Each event is structured as a dialogue between the author and the audience, often accompanied by readings from actors who bring the pages of the books to life. A central role is reserved for schools: meetings dedicated to students of the Valle del Fino Comprehensive Institute introduce younger generations to reading and writers, as seen in the special event featuring Donatella Di Pietrantonio and primary school children.

A network of community and institutions

The festival is made possible through the collaboration between the Altofino Association, the Municipality of Arsita, and local stakeholders. Over time, it has gained the patronage of the municipalities of the Fino Valley, the Abruzzo Region, the Tercas Foundation, Pro Loco associations, and local groups, as well as the support of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). It is a project that highlights a small inland town in Teramo, turning it into a reference point for book lovers for an entire season.

Why attend

• Free meetings with writers from the contemporary Italian literary scene.
• An intimate and welcoming atmosphere, far from the crowds of large festivals.
• A strong connection to the Fino Valley area and the Gran Sasso.
• Special focus on reading among young people and schools.