To think of Assisi as the backdrop of the Festival fills our hearts with pride and makes us see its beauty all over again.

Squares, lanes, gardens, Assisi’s Fortress, Roman Forum, the Crypt of the San Rufino Church, the Pilgrims’ Hall, the Sacred Woods of St. Francis, the “Pine Forest” -- these are just some of the extraordinary places which will host the events of The Mischief of Reading, Storytelling in Assisi.

The whole historical heart of the city (within Assisi’s medieval walls) will participate in the Festival’s many happenings and will help us all discover and rediscover hidden corners and views of our beautiful city.

That Assisi, home to the Franciscan order since the 12th century, and international symbol of peace and brotherhood, is joyfully opening its medieval gates to a Festival of narration for children of all ages is a profound reminder of the city’s historical open-mindedness and open-heartedness.

To welcome and to include, to inspire and to take delight in play as a profoundly moral human activity have always been at the center of our little city.

Assisi, Thursday October 26th 2017