Vanna Bianciardi National Competition

A national award dedicated to Vanna Bianciardi

The Vanna Bianciardi National Competition is a literature and photography award held in Castellina in Chianti, a charming village in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany. The event is dedicated to the memory of Vanna Bianciardi, a professor of great culture and charisma who devoted her life to spreading a love for culture and the Italian language through courses, conferences, and theatrical activities across Europe. After living in Brussels for many years, she returned to her hometown of Castellina in Chianti, to which she remained deeply attached.

Competition sections

The award is open to everyone, including schools, and is divided into several sections that highlight literary and visual creativity:

• Literary section, divided into three categories: short story, poetry, and short play;
• Photography section, with works exhibited to the public during the event;
• Music section, held biennially, featuring the prestigious Carla Pitigliani Prize.

A dedicated jury of experts pre-selects the works, while committees of citizens and popular juries help determine the winners in a spirit of authentic participation that involves the entire Castellina community.

Public readings, exhibition, and awards

The competition is not just a contest, but a cultural journey spread throughout the village. Finalist works are presented in public readings in the squares of the historic center, while the selected photographs are displayed in an exhibition hosted in the town's cultural spaces. The concluding moment is the awards ceremony in Piazza del Comune, a free public event that brings together authors, photographers, juries, and the public in a true celebration of words and images.

Prizes and local support

The competition's prizes are born from the generosity of the Chianti region: tour operators, wine producers, and hospitality businesses offer winners stays, local wines, and tastings, in a blend of culture and food and wine that is the hallmark of this land. The event is promoted by the Amici di Palazzo Bianciardi APS association together with the Museo Archivio Bianciardi, with the patronage of the Municipality of Castellina in Chianti and the collaboration of Betti Editrice.

Castellina in Chianti, between art and landscape

The setting for the competition is one of the most fascinating villages in the Sienese Chianti, famous for its medieval streets, the Via delle Volte, and the views over hills covered in vineyards and olive groves. Participating in the Vanna Bianciardi Competition also means experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Tuscany, amidst culture, traditions, and hospitality.