ADSI National Day in Piedmont: free access to 36 historic residences

Sunday, 24 May Piedmont participates in the National Day organized by the Association of Italian Historic Houses (ADSI): over 450 properties across Italy will be open and 36 historic residences in the region are accessible free of charge.

The sixteenth edition aims to promote monumental heritage and the small towns that host these estates, many normally closed to the public. The programme includes medieval castles, noble villas, historic estates and period palaces; some venues will open to visitors for the first time.

Highlights and new openings in Piedmont

• Castello di Castellamonte (debut) — an ancient fortress in Alto Canavese.
• Villa Bona in Carignano — a baroque residence with 1930s interior decorations.
• Palazzo Tornielli di Crestvolant in Molare, Castello di Castellengo (Biella) and Castello Porporato in Piasco (Cuneo) — among this year's new openings.
• Casa Bettoja in San Maurizio d'Opaglio (Lake Orta) — reopened after conservation restoration.
• Other open sites include Casa Lajolo in Piossasco, Parco del Castello di San Salvà in Santena, Villa Motta in Orta San Giulio, Casa Cobianchi and Podere ai Valloni in Boca, Castello di Pavarolo, Castello di Villar Dora.

Side events and services

• Many municipalities offer guided tours, concerts and performances; Pavarolo will host cultural events and special openings.
• In Santena visits coincide with the traditional Asparagus Festival; in Villar Dora free guides will lead tours of the historic centre and castle.
• For visitors traveling by train to the Cuneo area there is a travel discount: a 50% reduction on tickets to Saluzzo and Savigliano through a carrier collaboration.

Practical tips

• Check opening times and access rules in advance: some visits may require reservation or timed entry.
• Prefer public transport or shuttle services when available to limit traffic in small towns.
• Carry ID and follow rules for the protection of historic sites.

The event offers a chance to discover lesser-known heritage and support local cultural valorisation: admission to the participating residences is free for the whole day.