Montepulciano to Host First Edition of Rare Book Fair

Montepulciano, the birthplace of Renaissance poet and humanist Agnolo Poliziano, will host the first edition of "Montepulciano città del libro antico e raro" on September 23-24, 2023. The event, organized by the Società Bibliografica Toscana led by Paolo Tiezzi Mestri, will feature an exhibition of antique books and prints at the Fortezza poliziana, along with debates and short presentations by cultural figures in various locations throughout the town. The Valdichiana Senese region, which includes Montepulciano, is renewing its bid to become Italian Capital of Culture for 2026. The program includes conferences and literary salons at the Palazzo comunale, Museo Civico, and the Fortezza, covering topics such as 16th-century Tuscan comedy, Renaissance agriculture, Dominican sainthood, local archaeology, and an international congress on the patron saints of Europe, Bridget of Sweden and Catherine of Siena. A rare exhibition of books printed in the 16th century by women typographers will also be featured. Around twenty students from local high schools will present their research alongside Italian and foreign scholars. Lucia Musso, assessor to culture for the municipality, stated the goal is to grow the event and integrate it into Montepulciano's cultural fabric.