Cortili Aperti 2026 in Rome: free visits on May 24

When: Sunday 24 May 2026. Admission: free.

Coinciding with the 16th National Day of the Association of Historic Houses of Italy, Cortili Aperti returns to Rome, offering one-day access to the courtyards and private gardens of several prominent historic palaces in the city centre. The initiative turns the city into an open-air museum, revealing viewpoints and architectural details usually closed to the public.

For monument and architecture enthusiasts, this is a rare chance to explore monumental entrances, noble courtyards and inner gardens bearing witness to centuries of history, from the Renaissance through the Baroque. In 2026, volunteers from the Touring Club Italiano will accompany visitors in some residences, providing insights and stories.

Courtyards and palaces not to miss in Rome

• Palazzo Massimo Lancellotti dè Torres – Piazza Navona, 114
• Palazzo Montoro – Via di Montoro, 8
• Palazzo Odescalchi – Piazza SS. Apostoli, 81
• Palazzo Santacroce – Piazza Cairoli, 6
• Palazzo Sforza Cesarini – Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 282
• Palazzo Taverna – Via di Monte Giordano, 36
• Palazzo Torlonia – Via Bocca di Leone, 78

Many of these residences remain private or institutional sites that open to the public for the occasion: a chance to discover architectural details and atmospheres often off the beaten tourist track.

Practical tips: wear comfortable shoes for walking around the historic centre, allow time for possible queues at entrances, and check the Association of Historic Houses of Italy website for updates on visiting hours and arrangements.

For detailed information on participating houses and the full programme, consult the official website of the Association of Historic Houses of Italy.