FAI Spring Days 2026: 780 sites open in 400 towns — practical guide

FAI Spring Days 2026: key information

When: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026. How many sites: 780 locations across 400 towns.

The FAI Spring Days are a national event focused on exploring Italy's monumental heritage: historic palaces, churches, monumental complexes, theatres, collections and production sites open to the public with free‑contribution visits.

What to see: highlights and suggested routes

Local delegations and volunteers enable access to spaces that are rarely open. Notable openings in 2026 include:

• Rome: normally closed interiors such as the Ministry of Education and Merit palace, the Supreme Court at the Palace of Justice and the Renaissance Palazzo della Cancelleria.
• Milan: the Ministry of Finance building (including bunker and vault), Palazzo Turati, the Libeskind Tower in CityLife and the RAI headquarters on Corso Sempione with studio access.
• Emilia‑Romagna: the San Giovanni in Monte complex in Bologna, the former San Sisto monastery in Piacenza and the Castello di Guiglia.
• South and Islands: Naples’ Stadio Maradona with access to the pitch and Palazzo d'Avalos in Vasto (special openings for FAI members).
• Liguria: the historic Lighthouse of Genoa (La Lanterna) and the Navy helicopter station in Sarzana.
• Other cities: important openings in Turin (City Hall, Opificio delle Rosine, Arturo Toscanini Auditorium), Florence (Palazzo Cerretani, Palazzo Buontalenti) and Palermo.

Themed routes and special initiatives

The 2026 edition includes a special itinerary marking 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, with openings linked to Franciscan spirituality such as the Bosco di San Francesco in Assisi, the sanctuary of San Donato in Ripacandida, the San Bernardino complex in Caravaggio and the convent of San Fortunato in Montefalco.

There are also contemporary art openings, for example Casa L’Orto in Praiano (works by Sol LeWitt) and the Votiva route in Parabita featuring interventions by contemporary artists.

Numbers, volunteers and training

The event mobilises thousands: over 7,500 volunteers from FAI delegations and around 17,000 Apprentice Cicerones, secondary‑school students who lead visits after specific training. Since the first edition in 1993 the initiative has attracted millions of visitors and opened thousands of sites, supporting heritage protection.

How to take part — practical tips

• Contributions: visits are generally on a free‑contribution basis; some openings are reserved for FAI members or require booking.
• Plan ahead: check individual site listings for opening hours, access limits and meeting points, and organise travel, especially in larger cities.
• Donations: offerings collected during the days support the foundation's conservation and management projects.
• Schools: visits led by Apprentice Cicerones are an educational opportunity for students and the public.

Why attend

The FAI Spring Days offer a chance to discover historic palaces and monuments that are often hidden from public view, to learn about architectural and historical features, and to contribute to the safeguarding of Italy’s cultural heritage.