In Ginosa, a town on Puglia's Ionian arc where gravine canyons meet the olive groves, the local theatre becomes a place for conversation. Pietro Grasso comes to present his book U Maxi: dentro il processo a Cosa Nostra, in a meeting open to the whole community.
A book that takes you inside the courtroom
The title refers to the Maxiprocesso held in Palermo, the historic trial against Cosa Nostra. Grasso knows that story from the inside: he sat on the bench in that trial, and later became one of Italy's best-known anti-mafia voices.
The book is an invitation to relive those years through the eyes of someone who was there. It is less a lecture than a story told in the first person.
Legalità in cammino: legality as a shared path
The evening belongs to the project Legalità in cammino, which treats legality not as an abstract idea but as something built step by step, together. The title itself suggests movement, a path walked by a whole community.
That is what sets this event apart from a classic book launch. Here the focus is on citizens, memory and the choices everyone makes every day.
What the evening feels like
Expect a quiet, attentive atmosphere, the kind you find when a room fills with people who genuinely want to listen. A presentation like this usually leaves space for questions, so it is worth thinking about what you would like to ask.
- A first-hand account of one of the most important trials in Italian history
- Open dialogue with the audience, in a relaxed and civic setting
- Intergenerational conversation, welcoming adults, young people and curious teenagers alike
- A chance to pick up the book and talk about it afterwards with other readers
Couples, friends, solo visitors and families with older children can all follow the discussion comfortably. The language is clear and the subject, though serious, is told with human warmth.
Make a day of Ginosa
Arrive early and walk through the old town to see the cave dwellings and the dramatic gravina that make Ginosa so distinctive. Their pale stone looks especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
If you have more time, the Ionian coast at Marina di Ginosa is a short drive away, with long sandy beaches and pine woods. Matera and the Metaponto area also make an easy excursion for the following day.
After the talk, find a small local spot for something simple: a plate of orecchiette, a glass of Primitivo and a chance to keep the conversation going.
A tip before you go
Check the event's social page for the latest updates on timing and any changes. Arriving a little early helps you get a good seat and soak in the atmosphere before the conversation begins.