Experience the Magic of Rome’s Open-Air Literature Festival 2024 at Stadio Palatino
Get ready for an unforgettable literary journey as Rome’s free international literature festival makes a grand return this summer at the stunning Palatine Hill. The event spans over five enchanting evenings from 7-16 July, featuring a lineup of acclaimed Italian and international authors who will captivate the audience with readings from their work, accompanied by actors, acrobats, live music, and mesmerizing light effects.
The 23rd edition of the festival promises a unique twist this year, with authors presenting new texts created specifically for the event, inspired by the theme for 2024 – Questa è la Storia, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Italian writer Elsa Morante, who passed away in 1985.
Commemorating 50 years since the publication of Morante’s renowned novel La Storia, which delves into the challenges faced by a half-Jewish widow and her sons in post-World War II Rome, this year’s festival promises to be a cultural extravaganza like no other.
The festival’s star-studded lineup includesAlicia Giménez Bartlett from Spain, known for her popular detective novel series featuring protagonist Petra Delicado;Paul Lynch from Ireland, whose recent novel Prophet Song clinched the 2023 Booker Prize; andPeter Cameron from the USA, celebrated for his novel Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You.
Nestled on the enchanting setting of the eastern side of the Domus Flavia-Augustana, the historic Palatine Stadium, constructed by Emperor Domitian in the late first century AD, provides the perfect backdrop for this literary extravaganza.
The mastermind behind this literary celebration is Simona Cives, the director of Rome’s Casa delle Letterature. The festival will unfold on 7, 9, 11, 13, and 16 July, thanks to the collaboration between the Istituzione Biblioteche di Roma, the city, and the Parco archeologico del Colosseo.
All events under the banner ofLetterature are open to everyone free of charge, but do make sure to reserve your spot in advance due to limited availability. The festivities kick off at 9:00 PM, with access to the Palatine Stadium granted from 8:30 PM. Photo Roma Capitale.
