FAI Spring Days: special openings at Cherasco, Moretta and the Castle of Manta

FAI Spring Days: special openings at Cherasco, Moretta and the Castle of Manta

During the spring weekend, numerous historic residences and monumental sites open their doors for guided visits and thematic routes. The initiative includes several locations in the province of Cuneo, offering access to palaces, churches and archival collections not normally open to the public.

Cherasco: civic palaces, churches and city routes

In Cherasco the program—presented under a local theme—features guided visits led also by trained Apprentice Guides from nearby schools. The routes highlight civic halls, museum spaces and baroque churches.

• Key openings: Town Hall (Council Chamber and Mayor’s office), Palazzo Gotti di Salerano (Adriani Museum), Palazzo del Monte di Pietà with historic archive, Church of Sant'Agostino and additional sites.
• Itinerary: extended route including the Sanctuary of the Madonnina, San Pietro Church, the Napoleonic Avenue and the Visconti Castle.
• Welcome point: in front of the Tourist Office.
• Times: visits from 10:00 to 18:00 (last admission 17:30); departures every 30 minutes for single sites and every 60 minutes for the full itinerary.
• Suggested donation: €5 per single site (€3 for FAI members); €10 for the full itinerary (€8 for members).

Moretta: noble houses, sanctuary and historic land registers

Moretta presents three complementary routes that explore the town's noble residences, its baroque sanctuary and the local archival heritage. Several openings are exceptional and provide in-depth insights into the area’s development.

• Route 1 - Characters and residences: walk through the historic centre, stopping at the Town Hall and the elegant Palazzo Pignatta, with a musical interlude by a local ensemble.
• Route 2 - Sanctuary and cadastres: special access to the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Pilone, including sacristy and choir; display of historic land registers in the guesthouse (late 18th–19th centuries).
• Route 3 - Archive (FAI members only): visit to the Sanctuary’s Historic Archive, with documents, an old library and an 18th-century safe.
• Schedule: Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning and afternoon.
• Donation: €5 per visit; special package available for all three openings with conditions for FAI members.

Castle of Manta: guided tours and special events

The Castle of Manta participates with guided tours conducted by secondary school students and offers an exclusive route within the adjoining church for FAI members. A spring equinox concert is also planned.

• Guides: students from local high schools.
• Special event: concert on Saturday at 18:00 and member-only access to the church route.

Visitor tips

• Arrive a few minutes early at the indicated welcome point.
• Check schedules in advance and note any access restrictions for conservation reasons.
• Consider the suggested donation as support for protection and enhancement of the local monumental heritage.

These openings are a chance to discover lesser-seen historic interiors, archival treasures and the stories behind monumental sites, while contributing to their preservation.