FAI Spring Days 2026: exceptional openings at seven monuments in Taranto province

FAI Spring Days 2026: exceptional openings at seven monuments in Taranto province

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026 the FAI Spring Days invite the public to discover Italy's monumental heritage. In the province of Taranto the local FAI Delegation will open seven sites, including historic palaces, churches and viewpoints.

Sites to visit in Taranto province

• Palazzo Troilo (Taranto) – Located in the heart of the old town opposite the Cathedral, this palace originated from the merger of several buildings with a core dating back to the late 16th century. Recently restored and intended as a cultural venue, it will host activities linked to the 2026 Mediterranean Games. Visitors can explore the historic rooms and access the terrace garden with a striking view of the Cathedral of San Cataldo.

• Mother Church of Ginosa (Madonna of the Holy Rosary) – Built of local tuff on the edge of the gravina, the church offers a dramatic setting and overlooks cave dwellings. Commissioned by the Doria family in the mid-1500s, it preserves notable elements such as a 1562 baptismal font and valuable altars. A restoration completed in 2025 restored frescoes and the original decoration of the side chapels.

• Bell Tower of San Lorenzo (Laterza) – A landmark of the historic center, the present bell tower was rebuilt after the 1857 earthquake. It rises on three levels, houses five bells and can be climbed via a narrow spiral staircase of 92 steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint over the gravina.

• Church of Santa Filomena (Laterza) – A 19th-century urban church likely connected to the Punzi family, notable for a subterranean passage that once linked it to the adjacent palace and for its local historical references.

• Additional openings – The Delegation’s program includes seven total site openings across the province, all accompanied by trained volunteers and Apprendisti Ciceroni who provide historical and architectural insights and illustrate recent conservation works.

Practical information

Visits are organized with free-will contributions: donations help support FAI’s conservation and promotion activities. For precise schedules, reservation details and site-specific indications, check the official FAI website and the section dedicated to Puglia openings. The event is also an opportunity to learn about recent restoration projects and the historical narratives of the buildings and families linked to them.

Visitor tip: confirm opening hours and any access limits (limited numbers, restricted internal routes) before planning your visit.