Palazzo San Gervasio in the running for Italian Book Capital 2027

Palazzo San Gervasio vies for Italian Book Capital 2027

Palazzo San Gervasio is listed among the 31 applications received by the Ministry of Culture for the title of Italian Book Capital 2027. The candidacy is part of a set of initiatives aimed at promoting books and reading as tools for cultural inclusion and local development.

Applications were submitted by the April 18 deadline and contain projects ranging from reading education to public-space regeneration and civic participation programs.

• Number of applications: 31 (including 7 aggregated bids covering 92 municipalities)
• Selection process: a jury of five independent experts appointed by the Ministry
• Key dates: the committee will select up to 10 finalists by June 30, 2026; the proposal to the Minister will be sent by July 31, 2026
• Award: grant up to €500,000 for the winning city

The recognition aims to encourage widespread reading promotion policies and has previously been awarded to towns such as Chiari (2020), Vibo Valentia (2021), Ivrea (2022), Genoa (2023), Taurianova (2024) and Subiaco (2025); Pistoia holds the 2026 title.

Palazzo San Gervasio's bid highlights how smaller communities are investing in cultural assets and collaborative strategies with schools, associations and citizens to foster reading.