FAI Spring Days 2026: the "Acqua Amara" hypogeum reopens in Agrigento

FAI Spring Days 2026: the "Acqua Amara" hypogeum reopens in Agrigento

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026, as part of the 34th edition of the FAI Spring Days, the hypogeum known as "Acqua Amara" will be open to the public in Agrigento's historic centre. Guided visits, organised for the occasion, allow visitors to discover underground hydraulic structures and a shelter adapted during World War II.

Main features:

• Location: courtyard of a medieval palace formerly owned by the Montaperto family (also known as Palazzo De Marinis), adjacent to Agrigento Cathedral.
• Route: the hypogeum begins beneath the cathedral area and extends toward the town hall below, consisting of aqueducts and underground basins.
• History: originally part of a system for drawing groundwater; partially adapted in wartime as an air-raid shelter.
• Access: visits by reservation only; the site is usually closed to the public.

Practical visitor information:

• Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared for uneven surfaces and narrow passages inside the hypogeum.
• Guided tours may have limited capacity per slot: early reservation through local FAI channels is recommended.
• Accessibility measures are being promoted; check in advance for dedicated paths or services for people with specific needs.
• Participation supports the foundation's conservation and enhancement projects.

FAI Spring Days are designed to introduce citizens to historic sites that are often closed or little known and to strengthen community ties to local heritage. For precise opening times, booking instructions and any required contributions, consult the FAI local information channels.