Castle Days 2026: special openings on 16-17 May

Castle Days 2026: special openings on 16-17 May

On the weekend of 16 and 17 May 2026, Castle Days return with extraordinary openings of fortifications, medieval castles, Renaissance walls and fortified villages across Italy. The initiative includes guided tours, cultural meetings and themed routes aimed at promoting local monumental heritage.

Open castles and sites (selected by area)

• North: Spanish Walls (Milan), Rocca di Palazzolo sull'Oglio (BS), Palazzo Affaitati (Cremona), Medieval village of Finalborgo (SV).
• Center: Forte Aurelia (Rome), Fortezza del Girifalco (Cortona, AR), Castello di Pieve del Vescovo (Corciano, PG).
• South and Islands: Fortezza di Civitella del Tronto (TE), Castello di Agropoli (SA), Castello di Caccamo (PA), Real Casina di Caccia di Ferdinando III (Bosco della Ficuzza, PA).

How to participate: practical tips

• Check opening times: many sites open in specific time slots that vary by location.
• Bookings: guided tours and limited-capacity routes often require advance booking.
• Costs: some activities are free, others require a ticket or a symbolic contribution; check locally.
• Clothing: wear comfortable shoes and bring water; routes may include uphill or unpaved sections.
• Transport: plan travel in advance; access may be easier by car or local shuttle services in some areas.

Practical tip: verify schedules, access rules and any restrictions on the event's official pages or by contacting each site directly to avoid surprises.

Castle Days are a chance to explore often overlooked but historically important monuments: plan your weekend itinerary for 16-17 May 2026 and make the most of the special openings to deepen your knowledge of Italy's monumental heritage.