Soave City of Books 2026: a town-wide festival

When: 20–24 May 2026
Where: Soave (VR) — historic centre and Scaliger Castle

For five days Soave becomes a dispersed stage dedicated to reading and local heritage. The program addresses a wide audience: adults, families and schools, with mostly free activities alongside some paid events.

Venues and highlights

• Palazzo del Capitano — institutional presentations and formal meetings;
• Piazza Mercato dei Grani — outdoor readings and events for the general public;
• Parco Zanella and Borgo Rocca Sveva — workshops and conversations set in history and nature;
• Scaliger Castle — guided tours and recommended routes to enhance local heritage.

Program and audience

The schedule features author appearances, school activities and creative workshops for children. Keeping most events free aims to make culture accessible and promote knowledge of the village.

Practical tips for visitors

• Plan your travel: the historic centre can be busy during peak times.
• Use the municipal car parks and public transport to avoid congestion.
• Arrive early for popular readings to secure a place.
• Check the full program before leaving to plan the sessions you don’t want to miss.
• Use your stay to visit Scaliger Castle and taste the local DOC wines after events.

Best for: readers, families, school groups and lovers of historic villages.