8 Calabrian monuments to visit for the FAI Spring Days

FAI Spring Days: openings and visits in Calabria

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March the FAI Spring Days return: a nationwide event that opens sites typically closed to the public. In Calabria eight locations—nature reserves, noble palaces, medieval centers and industrial museums—offer guided tours and special activities. Visits are on a free-contribution basis; FAI members receive priority access.

1. Giganti della Sila (Spezzano della Sila, CS)

An ancient woodland managed by FAI with over 60 centuries-old larch pines and mountain maples, some reaching 45 metres in height.

• Tours: self-guided trails and 60-minute guided walks; special 90-minute guided tour with the reserve director.
• Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00–16:00.

2. The Palaces of Vibo Valentia (Palazzo Murmura, Palazzo Marzano, Palazzo Gagliardi De Riso)

A walking route through the historic center that opens three aristocratic residences normally closed to visitors, showcasing interiors, documents and period architecture from the 16th to the 20th century.

• Groups: visits organised in groups of up to 15 people.
• Hours: Saturday 15:00–18:00; Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00.

3. Palazzo Di Francia (Vibo Valentia) — FAI members only

A neoclassical residence still inhabited by descendants of the original family, with notable artworks and historical links to the Murat period.

• Access: reserved for FAI members; groups up to 15 people.
• Hours: Saturday 15:00–18:00; Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00.

4. Il Loggiato sul Mare — Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio (CZ)

A walled medieval village on the Ionian coast including Palazzo Scoppa (granite loggia and 18th-century maiolica), the Clock Tower and historic churches; the nearby nature reserve is a FAI 'Place of the Heart'.

• Guided tours: 90-minute routes departing from Piazza Castello.
• Departure times: 10:00, 11:30, 15:30 and 17:00.
• Overall hours: Saturday and Sunday 9:30–13:00 and 15:00–18:00.

5. Strongoli and its castle (Strongoli, KR)

A historic tour across the town takes visitors to the cathedral, churches, noble houses and a quadrangular castle with four corner towers, set on the site of ancient Petelia.

• Tours: guided itinerary of around 2 hours departing from Piazza Vinci.
• Hours: Saturday 9:30–12:00; Sunday 9:30–12:30 and 14:30–16:30.

6. Condojanni and Sant’Ilario (Sant’Ilario dello Ionio, RC)

Route through 18th-century noble palaces, the rural museum at Casino Speziali, the Norman Castle (11th century) and sandstone caves with Byzantine-era signs; reachable by the Jonica railway.

• Hours: Saturday 9:00–13:00; Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00.

7. GIAS — Business Museum (Mongrassano, CS)

An enterprise museum documenting the history of a local agro-food company, with interactive stations, video walls and artworks illustrating the industry’s production chain.

• Meet the owners: company representatives will be present to explain production and history.
• Hours: Saturday 10:00–13:30; Sunday 10:00–17:00.

8. Molino Bruno (Montalto Uffugo, CS)

A mill in continuous operation since 1902; visitors can follow the full production cycle from grain to flour and see handling of finished products.

• Experience: guided tour of the production line and demonstrations.
• Hours: Saturday 10:00–13:30; Sunday 10:00–17:00.

The FAI Spring Days cooperate with national and regional institutions; check for last-minute updates and booking rules on official channels. For a smooth visit, reserve when required, wear comfortable shoes and plan transfer times between sites.