FAI Spring Days in Piedmont: castles, mountain huts and medieval villages to rediscover

FAI Spring Days in Piedmont: what to expect

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March the 34th FAI Spring Days will be held, a nationwide event that opens historic, architectural and natural sites to the public. The openings are mostly supported by local FAI delegations and volunteers and usually accept a voluntary contribution to support conservation projects.

Openings in Piedmont

The region offers a mix of castles, mountain refuges, villas and medieval towns. Notable opportunities for those interested in historic centres and local heritage include special routes in Cherasco and guided visits to important civic spaces in Turin.

Cherasco: palaces, churches and local devotion

The historic town of Cherasco, at the foot of the Langhe hills, will present a route that reveals noble residences and sacred artworks. Exceptional openings allow visitors to explore richly decorated rooms and archival evidence of the town's past.

• Palazzo Gotti di Salerano: reopens after a long closure and showcases ornate rooms and baroque frescoes.
• Town Hall and Monte di Pietà: stops on the route that document Cherasco's civic and administrative development.
• Church of Sant'Agostino and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie: special access to painted domes and a noteworthy collection of ex voto.

Turin: historic centre and civic interiors

In Turin visitors can access historic municipal spaces such as the Palazzo di Città, including rooms used by city representatives. These visits offer a way to read the city's history through its changing architecture and restorations over time.

Practical information

• Contribution: visits are usually free with a voluntary donation; funds help support conservation and promotional projects.
• Booking and schedules: check the local programme and access rules on giornatefai.it before travelling, as some sites require time slots or limited groups.
• Getting there: plan travel between villages and sites, checking parking and public transport options.
• Guides: many visits are led by volunteers and trained young guides (Apprendisti Ciceroni).

Visitor tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking in historic centres, follow indicated routes and respect conservation rules. Use the opportunity to explore local shops, craftsmen and products often featured during the event.

Why attend

The FAI Spring Days are a chance to discover Piedmont's villages and heritage sites, support the conservation of cultural assets and learn about local histories that are rarely highlighted. Attending also means contributing directly to community-driven preservation efforts.