Paolo Paci with his book La montagna delle illusioni (The Mountain of Illusions), Marzio Mian with Volga Blu. Viaggio nel cuore della Russia (Blue Volga: Journey to the Heart of Russia), and Ermanno Orlando with Le Venezie di Marco Polo (The Venices of Marco Polo) are the three winners of the 43rd edition of the Gambrinus Mazzotti Awards 2025. The book “Anima. Una pastorale selvaggia” (Soul. A Wild Pastoral) by Kapka Kassabova won the special “Ulderico Bernardi” Jury Prize.
The winners of the 2025 Gambrinus Mazzotti Literary Prize, divided into three sections, “Mountains: culture and civilization,” “Exploration – travel,” and “Window on the Venices,” were announced at a press conference at the Treviso – Belluno|Dolomiti Chamber of Commerce.
Enrico Paci, journalist, writer, and climber, won the “Mountains: Culture and Civilization” section with his book “La Montagna delle illusioni, un figlio in cerca di risposte, un luogo intriso di segreti” (The Mountain of Illusions, a Son in Search of Answers, a Place Steeped in Secrets), published by Piemme Edizioni.
Marzio G. Mian, writer and journalist, won the “Exploration – Travel” section with “Volga Blues, viaggio nel cuore della Russia” (Volga Blues, Journey to the Heart of Russia), published by Giangiacomo Feltrinelli. Ermanno Orlando, professor of medieval history at the University of Siena, came first in the “Window on Venice” section with “Le Venezie di Marco Polo, storia di un mercante e delle sue città” (The Venices of Marco Polo, story of a merchant and his cities), Società Editrice Il Mulino.
The special jury prize, dedicated to Ulderico Bernardi, is awarded to Kapka Kassabova, author of the book Una pastorale selvaggia (A Wild Pastoral), published by Crocetti.
Zaira Zarotti, author of the book “Venezia tra cucina e atelier. Ricette tramandate per artisti e cuochi appassionati” (Venice between kitchen and studio. Recipes handed down for artists and passionate cooks), published by Elzeviro, received the prize offered by the Zanotto family in memory of the unforgettable Adriano Zanotto, founder and generous supporter of “Gambrinus Mazzotti,” who passed away a year ago.
The winning works were selected by a highly authoritative jury from among the 88 entries submitted by 60 publishing houses.
