FAI Spring Days in Caltanissetta and Mussomeli: special openings at Palazzo Moncada and the Castle

FAI Spring Days in the Nisseno area

From 20 to 22 March the FAI Delegation of Caltanissetta presents special openings focused on local monuments: Palazzo Moncada in Caltanissetta and the Manfredonian Castle in Mussomeli. The initiative combines guided visits, exhibition routes and the participation of students as apprentice guides to promote awareness and protection of the local heritage.

Program

• Friday, 20 March — school preview at Palazzo Moncada (Largo Paolo Barile), from 9:00 to 13:00. The exhibition is organised in three sections: the history of the “Moncada towns”, urban and architectural transformations, and stone sculpture.
• Saturday, 21 March — Palazzo Moncada open to the public from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Guided tours led by students from Liceo Ruggero Settimo, Istituto Alessandro Volta and Istituto Filippo Juvara. On display: the Lapidarium dedicated to Luigi Guglielmo Moncada, restored Baroque corbels and Francesco Guadagnuolo’s gallery of notable figures. Special guided talk by Prof. Giuseppe Giugno at 16:30.
• Sunday, 22 March — guided visits to the Manfredonian Castle of Mussomeli (built c. 1364–1367) from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, conducted by apprentice guides from Istituto Giovan Battista Hodierna. On the same day, IIS Virgilio students will lead visits to the Archaeological Antiquarium in Palazzo Sgadari with explanations also in English and Spanish.
• During visiting hours visitors can hear the traditional Holy Week laments of Mussomeli, registered in the Sicilian intangible heritage inventory, and visit the Diocesan Sanctuary Maria SS. dei Miracoli, featuring a restored Passion painting.

Practical information

• Dates: 20–22 March 2026
• Hours: Friday 9:00–13:00 (school preview); Saturday & Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00
• Sites: Palazzo Moncada (Caltanissetta); Manfredonian Castle and Antiquarium at Palazzo Sgadari (Mussomeli)
• Access: guided tours organised locally; visits led by student apprentice guides
• Contact: [email protected]
• Social: follow the FAI Delegation of Caltanissetta on Facebook and Instagram for updates and logistical details

Why attend

FAI Spring Days allow visitors to explore sites that are often closed or little known, to learn about local history and to support the conservation of monumental heritage. The student-guided routes provide curated explanations while encouraging stronger links between communities and their historic places.