L'Aquila's 'Palazzi Aperti': a monthly tour through history and hidden

L'Aquila's 'Palazzi Aperti': a monthly tour through history and hidden courtyards

The Palazzi Aperti initiative is back in L'Aquila, promoted by the Angelo de Nardis association together with the Abruzzo section of ADSI (Association of Historic Houses of Italy) and included in L'Aquila Capital of Italian Culture 2026. The program opens private historic buildings usually closed to the public, strengthening community ties with the urban heritage.

Organized with support from WelcomeAQ, the openings take place monthly and include booked guided tours as well as free access to historic courtyards during set hours.

2026 monthly schedule:

• 22 February
• 29 March
• 26 April
• 24 May (National Day of Historic Houses)
• 28 June
• 26 July
• 30 August
• 27 September
• 25 October
• 29 November
• 27 December

Highlights:

• Sala Baiocco – Albergo Italia, a symbol of L'Aquila's Belle Époque
• Palazzo Alfieri – Istituto Santa Maria degli Angeli, a Renaissance landmark
• Palazzo Benedetti, combining medieval spaces and 18th–19th century salons
• Oratorio di Sant'Antonio dei Cavalieri de Nardis, a local Baroque gem
• Palazzo Cipolloni-Cannella, an example of heritage meeting cultural entrepreneurship

In addition to guided routes, many private courtyards will be open free of charge on the listed days, typically from 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00. The project offers residents and visitors a chance to rediscover L'Aquila's stories, architecture and civic memory while supporting conservation and local cultural participation.