From 18 to 27 September 2025, Conversano will host the 21st edition of Lector in Fabula, the European cultural festival which, every year, transforms the old town into a vast forum for shared thought, discussion and participation.
Ten days dedicated to contemporary issues, with a programme packed with talks, discussions, art, readings, screenings and intellectual provocations.

A festival of ideas open to everyone

Lector in Fabula is much more than a festival: it is a vibrant space where cultures, generations and perspectives come together.
In the historic centre of Conversano, amongst cloisters, squares, courtyards and historic halls, the programme features a mix of debates, book launches, photographic and satirical exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and live performances – all free of charge and open to everyone.

At the heart of the festival lies a central theme, which is examined and explored from a range of multidisciplinary perspectives each year: from philosophy to politics, from economics to literature, and from science to journalism.

More than 200 protagonists from all over Europe

Lector in Fabula 2025 will host over 200 leading figures in contemporary thought: writers, journalists, philosophers, artists, researchers, legal experts, activists and comic-book artists from across Europe.
A rare opportunity to hear in person from those who shape visions, recount the present and pose questions about the future.

📍 The meetings will take place in the most evocative spots in the historic centre, such as:

• The Cloister of Saint Benedict
• The Civic Library
• Acquaviva d’Aragona Castle
• the squares and alleys of the village

When and where

📆 From 18 to 27 September 2025
📍 Conversano (BA) – Historic Centre
🎟️ Free entry
📚 21st edition of the European cultural festival

Discover this year's theme, guests, venues, and related events by consulting the full programme online:

www.lectorinfabula.eu

Useful tips for visitors

Turn up a little early.
The most eagerly awaited events can attract large crowds, especially at the weekend. Arriving 15–20 minutes early will allow you to choose the best seat and enjoy the event at your leisure.

Check the festival
map. Many events take place at different venues, all within walking distance of each other in the historic centre. Check the travel times between events to plan your day effectively.

Make the most of the time between events.
Stroll through the town, visit an exhibition, or treat yourself to a break in one of the cafés in the town centre or amongst the historic cloisters. Lector in Fabula is also an opportunity to rediscover Conversano with fresh eyes.

Why you can't miss

Because Reader in the Story is an experience that nourishes the mind and broadens one's perspective.
In an era marked by speed and superficiality, this festival invites us to slow down, delve deeper, reflect together.
Conversano becomes a city of ideas, vibrant and accessible, where listening, participating, and asking questions becomes a collective act.

Lector in Fabula is culture that is lived, that intertwines, that endures.