Genoa Poetry Festival

Explore la bellezza of Italy.

Every June, the city of Genoa becomes the beating heart of poetry in Italy, thanks to Parole Spalancate, an international poetry festival that has welcomed voices from around the globe since 1995. The name itself—“Parole Spalancate” or “Wide-Open Words”—is a perfect reflection of the spirit behind the event: a celebration of language, freedom of expression, and the universal power of the spoken word.

Held in the magnificent setting of Palazzo Ducale, Parole Spalancate has grown into Italy’s largest poetry festival and one of Europe’s most important literary gatherings. Founded and directed by poet Claudio Pozzani, the festival has hosted thousands of poets from over 90 countries.

In addition to poetry readings, the festival features art exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, workshops, and lectures, creating a vibrant dialogue between poetry and the other arts.

Most events are free, encouraging participation from all walks of life and all ages—from seasoned literature lovers to curious newcomers. The streets and piazzas of Genoa come alive as poetry spills out of formal venues and into the city itself.

Whether you're a poet, a reader, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of words, Parole Spalancate is a powerful reminder that poetry is not a solitary art—it is a shared human experience that speak