FAI Spring Days 2026 in Friuli: historic palaces, villas and routes to visit

FAI Spring Days 2026 in Friuli: historic palaces, villas and routes to visit

The national initiative returns with special openings across Friuli Venezia Giulia: guided tours of historic palaces in Udine, reopened cultural centres, an art collection, and a hilltop villa-castle. These visits offer insight into local history, architecture and landscape.

Main openings and guided tours

• Palazzo Antonini Stringher - Fondazione Friuli, via Gemona 1, Udine

  This restored complex in central Udine houses the Fondazione Friuli art collection. Visitors can explore restored interiors and view works from the foundation's holdings.

  Opening hours: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, 10:00 to 17:00; last admission at 16:00. Visits run in small groups of about 15 people with departures roughly every 20 minutes.

  Contribution: free donation starting from 3 euros. On-site FAI membership renewal and new subscriptions are available.

• Opening event at Palazzo Antonini Stringher

  On Friday 20 March there is a special afternoon event with a literary walk and insights into the palace's history. Participation requires online booking; a fee applies for members and non-members.

  Approximate time: 15:00 to 16:00. Booking only through the FAI reservations portal.

• Palazzo Antonini Maseri - Rectorate of the University of Udine, via Gemona 1/5

  Palladian palace and garden: visits are reserved for registrants via the FAI booking system. Interiors and the main representative hall will be open to the public.

• The Prefecture and Palazzo Antonini Mangilli del Torso

  Additional notable residences in Udine's historic centre will host guided visits that explain their historical roles and architectural changes.

• Carnica Arte Tessile - Villa Santina

  The textile heritage centre, reopened after post-fire restoration, presents historic weaving techniques and conservation work.

• Edison thermoelectric plant - Torviscosa

  Organised visits by the Palmanova FAI Group to explore the industrial site, its architectural features and historical relevance.

• Rocca Bernarda - Ipplis di Premariacco

  A 16th-century villa-castle on the hills of eastern Friuli: an iconic site for its landscape views, preserved architecture and long viticultural history. Tours are led by local volunteers and apprentice guides.

Weekend special

On Saturday 21 March a themed event titled Once upon a time... art, verses and flavours in the Lands of the Knights offers a programme combining readings, music and local tastings. Exact times and location are listed on the FAI events portal.

Visitor tips

• Booking: some openings and special events require advance booking. Check the FAI reservations site for details.
• Arrival: arrive early to allow time for registration and group departures.
• Donations and fees: many visits request a voluntary contribution; special events may have set fees differing for FAI members and non-members.
• Accessibility: consult the specific location pages for access information and any mobility accommodations.

Attending FAI Spring Days helps support the protection of monuments and reveals lesser-known corners of Friulian heritage. For up-to-date information on times, bookings and meeting points consult the official FAI reservations portal.