An independent bookshop in Vicenza’s mountains, with a reading group in English

About

Tantestorie, literraly "many stories", opened on 2 June 2025 in Asiago, the principal town of the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, the Plateau of the Seven Municipalities, in northern Vicenza. It is a genuinely independent bookshop, started as both a bookseller and a place for readings, discussions and small cultural events.

An independent bookshop in Asiago, Vicenza

Tantestorie is an independent bookshop in Asiago, in the province of Vicenza, northern Italy. Opened on 2 June 2025, it combines Italian and international fiction, classics, comics and illustrated books with author meetings and shared reading.

For travellers compiling a list of independent bookshops to visit in Italy, the reason to include this address is its literary programme. A stay in Asiago can include an evening discussion, a reading group or a conversation with a visiting writer.

What can you find on the shelves?

Alongside fiction and illustrated books, the selection includes science, art, music, cinema, ecology, politics and current affairs, plus books and guides devoted to the surrounding territory.

The bookseller’s recommendations have appeared on New Italian Books, Treccani’s project dedicated to introducing Italian publishing to international readers. Its published selection ranges from Antonio Franchini’s Il fuoco che ti porti dentro to Vitaliano Trevisan’s Works and Paolo Malaguti’s Fumana. Ask for recommendations based on your interests and preferred reading language, and contact the shop ahead for a particular title or edition.

Is there an English reading group in Vicenza?

Tantestorie in Asiago lists a reading group in English among its activities. For international visitors spending time in the Vicenza area, this offers a specific reason to enquire about the programme before travelling. Contact the bookshop for the next meeting, the selected book and participation details.

Adult reading groups and author meetings are also part of the programme. International fiction features in the discussions, with Patrick Modiano’s Dora Bruder selected for the meeting on 19 October 2026.

Reading Dante together

The Giovedì danteschi, or Dante Thursdays, are informal gatherings devoted to the Divine Comedy, the Italian poet’s journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

The group completed Paradiso on 1 October 2026. A new cycle beginning with Inferno is announced for mid November, welcoming new participants. Check the next date with the bookshop if you would like to join during an Asiago stay.

Visiting with children

Illustrated books are part of the shop’s selection, and the events programme has included creative workshops. During Asiago Foliage, the town’s autumn foliage event, an illustration workshop with Riccardo Saracini is scheduled for 17 October 2026, for children aged six and over. Registration is required through the bookshop.

Where to find the bookshop

Tantestorie is at Via Monte Val Bella 23 in Asiago, Vicenza. The published opening hours are 10:00 to 12:45 and 15:30 to 19:30, with Tuesday closing. Evening events follow their own timetable.