BookCity returns to Como from 22 to 29 November 2026 with “Il senno sulla luna”, a week of free events exploring literature, science, art and culture moreover, the programme includes talks at Teatro Sociale and Biblioteca Comunale, along with activities for children and families.
From 22 to 29 November 2026, BookCity Como returns with a week dedicated to books, ideas and cultural exchange. The festival will bring talks and discussions to bookshops, libraries, theatres and historic villas across the area.
This year’s theme, “Il senno sulla luna” (Reason on the Moon), explores the relationship between reason and imagination, two different yet often complementary ways of understanding the world.
The festival is organised by Fondazione Alessandro Volta, Parolario and Teatro Sociale di Como As.Li.Co., with a programme covering literature, science communication, illustration and contemporary issues.
Among the scheduled activities, Fondazione Alessandro Volta is presenting five free events for different audiences. Topics range from quantum computing and the role of science in society to nature-themed activities for children and a journey through the illustrated world of Pinocchio.
BookCity Como 2026: the programme of events
The events promoted by Fondazione Alessandro Volta will mainly take place at Teatro Sociale di Como and the Biblioteca Comunale, beginning with a preview on Sunday, 22 November and concluding on Sunday, 29 November.
Here are the events to add to your calendar.
22 November: Giulio Casati explores the world of quantum computing
The first event takes place on Sunday, 22 November at 2:30 pm, in Sala Pasta at Teatro Sociale di Como, Piazza Verdi.
The talk, Il computer impossibile (The Impossible Computer), will feature Giulio Casati in conversation with Martina Toppi.
The discussion will be based on the book Il computer impossibile. Come il calcolatore quantistico cambierà il mondo, written by Giuliano Benenti, Giulio Casati and Simone Montangero and published by Raffaello Cortina in 2025.
The focus will be on a technology that is increasingly discussed but not always easy to understand: quantum computing.
Starting with the principles of quantum physics, the audience will discover the possibilities this technology could open up in the coming years, from solving extremely complex calculations to developing more secure communication networks and highly precise sensors.
The event is part of VoltaDay, in collaboration with Fondazione Alessandro Volta.
24 November: Natura è…, two events for children and families
On Tuesday, 24 November, the Biblioteca Comunale di Como, located at Piazzetta Venosto Lucati 1, will host two events dedicated to discovering nature through books, illustrations and interactive activities.
The first, Natura è… | Workshop, begins at 4:30 pm in the Sala Laboratori and is designed for children aged 6 to 11.
Led by Loredana Mercadante and Irene Segone, the activity will begin with an animated reading, encouraging children to observe the natural world, recognise connections and transformations, and ask questions.
Through games, listening and curiosity, young participants will have the opportunity to explore nature in an engaging and creative way.
Advance booking is required for the workshop by emailing info@parolario.it.
At 5 pm, the Sala Ragazzi in the same library will host Natura è…, featuring Paola Dubini, Giovanna Malgaroli, Loredana Mercadante, Silvia Patelli and Patrizia Zerbi.
The discussion will be based on the illustrated book Natura è…, published by Carthusia Edizioni in 2025, with illustrations by Sonia Maria Luce Possentini and activities developed by Loredana Mercadante, Maria Ferrario and Silvia Patelli.
The wordless picture book tells the story of the connection between a bee, a flower, a fruit and a new plant.
Through illustrations and interactive activities, the event will explore how visual storytelling can encourage scientific curiosity among children, parents and educators.
The initiative is organised in collaboration with Associazione Nati per Leggere Lombardia, Fondazione Alessandro Volta, Parolario, Carthusia and Il Manto.
26 November: Scienza è cultura, a discussion about science and society
The festival continues on Thursday, 26 November at 6:30 pm, in the Foyer of Teatro Sociale di Como, with Scienza è cultura (Science Is Culture).
The discussion will feature Paola Dubini, Fiorenzo Galli and Amalia Ercoli Finzi, drawing inspiration from the book Scienza è cultura, written by Paola Dubini and Fiorenzo Galli and published by Egea in 2026.
The subject is closely connected to everyday life, even when we may not realise it.
Scientific knowledge influences public decisions, the way we respond to environmental and health challenges, and the choices that shape the future of our communities.
But how can we distinguish scientific evidence from personal opinions? And how can citizens participate in public discussions when the issues involved are becoming increasingly complex?
The event will offer an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between science, culture and democracy, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and the ability to recognise both the strengths and uncertainties of scientific knowledge.
The talk is organised in collaboration with Fondazione Alessandro Volta and Teatro Sociale As.Li.Co.
29 November: Pinocchio through art, illustration and literature
The final event promoted by Fondazione Alessandro Volta will take place on Sunday, 29 November at 11 am, at Teatro Sociale di Como.
The talk, entitled I Pinocchi di Nuages. Il burattino di Collodi tra arte, illustrazione ed editoria (The Pinocchios of Nuages: Collodi’s Puppet Between Art, Illustration and Publishing), will feature Cristina Taverna, accompanied by readings from Tiziano Botteri.
The event is part of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi, creator of one of the most recognisable characters in Italian literature.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the world of Pinocchio through illustrated editions published by Nuages, featuring artwork by Cecco Mariniello, Lorenzo Mattotti and Emanuele Luzzati.
These three different artistic interpretations show how Collodi’s famous wooden puppet continues to inspire illustrators and artists, bringing fresh visual perspectives to a story that has fascinated generations.
The event is organised in collaboration with Fondazione Alessandro Volta, Nuages and Teatro Sociale di Como.
A week to discover Como through books
BookCity is more than an opportunity to attend book presentations. The festival also encourages visitors to explore the city’s cultural venues, meet authors and researchers, and discover subjects that do not always find their way into everyday conversations.
This year’s programme brings together seemingly distant disciplines, from quantum physics to children’s literature, science communication and illustration.
That variety is one of the festival’s greatest strengths. Visitors can choose events that match their interests or take the opportunity to discover something entirely new.
For families, the activities dedicated to children also offer a chance to spend time together while encouraging younger participants to develop an interest in reading and the natural world.
BookCity Como 2026: dates, venues and useful information
BookCity Como 2026 will take place from 22 to 29 November, with events held at different venues across the city and surrounding area.
All five events promoted by Fondazione Alessandro Volta are free to attend.
The main venues hosting the events described in this article are:
• Teatro Sociale di Como, Piazza Verdi: events on 22, 26 and 29 November.
• Biblioteca Comunale di Como, Piazzetta Venosto Lucati 1: children’s workshop and discussion on 24 November.
Advance booking is required for the Natura è… workshop on 24 November at 4:30 pm. Reservations can be made by emailing info@parolario.it.
For the complete festival programme, additional events and any updates, visit the official website of Fondazione Alessandro Volta, alessandrovolta.it.
From quantum computers to the illustrated adventures of Pinocchio, BookCity Como offers a week of opportunities to listen, learn and exchange ideas, showing how much books and knowledge still have to offer.
Keep following ComoLake.com to discover more events, exhibitions and cultural experiences on Lake Como.
This post is also available in:
