In the elegant courtyard of Palazzo Gallone, criminal defence lawyer Civita Di Russo brings her powerful memoir Indomita. La mia battaglia contro le mafie to Tricase. This intimate evening offers a rare window into three decades of unwavering commitment to justice, legality, and the quiet courage that defines civic resistance in southern Italy.
A Lawyer's Story of Resilience and Defiance
Di Russo's career reads like a thriller, but every page is rooted in lived experience. Her work has taken her to the frontlines of anti-mafia prosecution, defending the vulnerable and confronting systems of power that thrive in silence. The title—Indomita, meaning indomitable—captures not just her personal resolve but the spirit required to sustain such work year after year.
Journalist Gloria Roselli will guide the conversation, drawing out stories that don't often make headlines: the small acts of defiance, the toll on family and personal life, the moments when hope felt fragile. This isn't a lecture on legal theory—it's a human story told in a setting that honors both the gravity and accessibility of the subject.
- Insights into the daily realities of anti-mafia legal work in Puglia
- Personal anecdotes that illuminate the cost and courage of civic commitment
- Open dialogue encouraging questions and reflection on legality in contemporary Italy
- A chance to meet Di Russo and have books signed after the presentation
The Setting: Palazzo Gallone's Historic Courtyard
The event takes place in the atrio of Palazzo Gallone, a grand yet intimate space in the heart of Tricase's Piazza Pisanelli. The palazzo's Renaissance architecture—arched ceilings, stone floors, quiet elegance—creates an atmosphere that matches the weight and dignity of Di Russo's subject matter.
Tricase itself adds context to the evening. This is a town with deep roots, where community and history are woven into daily life. Hosting this conversation here underscores the relevance of Di Russo's work not just in distant courtrooms but in the lived experience of towns like this across Puglia.
Why This Evening Matters
Events like this are more than book launches—they're acts of civic memory. Di Russo's stories keep alive the names, struggles, and sacrifices of those who resist organized crime, often without recognition. For visitors, this is a chance to engage with contemporary Puglia beyond its beaches and baroque churches, to understand the region's ongoing dialogue with justice and identity.
The format encourages participation. After the presentation, there's time for questions, reflection, and informal conversation. Whether you're a long-time resident or a curious traveler, the evening offers a meaningful way to connect with the social and cultural fabric of southern Italy.
Arrive early to explore Piazza Pisanelli and the surrounding historic center. The Chiesa Matrice and the elegant facades of Tricase's old town are just steps away, and the evening light casts beautiful shadows across the square.