On March 25th and 26th, more than 750 Italian cultural, historical, and nature sites around Italy will open their doors to the public for free for FAI Spring Days 2023. This annual event is presented by FAI, Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, the Italian National Trust devoted to protecting and enhancing Italy’s historical, artistic and landscape heritage.
This annual event is the perfect time to be in Italy. It supports the Italian National Trust, which protects often abandoned public and private places. The goal aims to benefit current and future generations by promoting education and awareness of Italy’s artistic jewels. All are welcome and if you subscribe to FAI on their website you will receive a special discount. A $3.50 minimum donation is asked to support FAI’s mission and enjoy a weekend of exploration.
Here is a sneak peak of some of the remarkable places awaiting your visit:
Salerno Palace
Campania
Located in Naples’ enchanting Plebiscito Square, this eighteenth-century residence belonged to the Prince of Salerno, brother of King Leopold I of Bourbon. Typically, the site is not open to visitors as it happens to be the Italian Army’s Southern Operational Forces Command headquarters. From the two terraces, you can admire a unique view of Piazza del Plebiscito and of the Gulf of Naples.
Balbianello’s Villa
Lombardia
On the small peninsula of Lavedo on Lake Como, you’ll find what is considered to be one of the most spectacular historic residences in the world. Home of Cardinal Durini at the end of the 18th century, this cliffside mansion became the retirement house of Guido Monzino in 1974. He was the first Italian to reach the North Pole with dog sledges and to climb Mount Everest.
Sant’Angelo Convent
Abruzzo
The convent of Sant’Angelo, located about nine miles from the capital city of L’Aquila, was built on a spur of the Monte Circolo rock. Built in 1409 for Benedictine nuns, Pope Sixtus IV entrusted the convent to the order of Friars Minor in 1480. This included Blessed Bernardino da Fossa, whose bones have been preserved in the sacristy since 1516. You can admire the church, the cloister, and the refectory, examples of splendid architecture and decoration.
San Fruttuoso Abbey
Liguria
This abbey, set in the promontory of Portofino, is a jewel of medieval Ligurian architecture and was donated to the FAI in 1983 by Frank and Orietta Pogson Doria Pamphilij. It can be reached by boat or on foot along the paths of the Portofino Park for visits year round. During FAI Spring Days, FAI members can make a reservation to take a guided nature walk with a park guide.
Estense Castle
Emilia-Romagna
The origins of Estense Castle, located in the historic center of Ferrara and surrounded by a moat, dates back to 1385. From its beginning as a defensive fortress, the castle was transformed into the residence of the d’Este dukes, clever rulers of the city. Visits focus on the transformations and architectural solutions adopted for one of the most beautiful noble palaces in the world.
Moroni Palace & Gardens
Lombardia
Your basic visit takes you through the palace’s magnificent seventeenth-century halls and the garden—the largest in Bergamo Alta, the old section of the city nested in the hills overlooking the newer city below. An exclusive one-hour guided tour of Moroni Palace’s secret landscapes and two-hour tour of Bergamo Alta are also available and recommended.
Villa Schifanoia—European University Institute
Tuscany
This mid-fifteenth-century villa is nested in Fiesole, the enchanting hill facing Florence. “Schifanoia” means a place to escape boredom. In 1927, it was purchased by American tycoon Myron Taylor who donated it to Pope Pius XII. The Pope entrusted the villa to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsisawa as the location for their Rosary College Institute dedicated to the artistic and cultural education of American girls.
Santa Maria Abbey in Cerrate
Puglia
This monastery, founded in the eleventh century, was later transformed into a masseria and specialized in the processing of olives. During FAI Spring Days, visitors will be guided by the “oleificio”, oil mill, experts to discover the organoleptic qualities—taste and aroma—of some types of Puglia’s exquisite extra virgin olive oil.
Village of Rotondella
Basilicata
One hour from Matera, the famous city of caves in the South of Italy, you can discover a jewel of the Italian landscape. From the elliptical-shaped town you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Jonic coast overlooking the Gulf of Taranto, in Puglia.
Caccuri Castle and Palatine Chapel
Calabria
Caccuri, a small town in the Ionian Sila, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Perched on a cliff between the sea and the mountains, the site has been a natural fortress for years, rich in history with amazing views. The castle stands in the historic center: an imposing manor dating back to the sixth century as a defensive garrison of the Neto valley.
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".