Venetian villas: free special openings - Sunday 24 May 2026

For the National Day of Historic Houses, Sunday 24 May 2026 sees numerous Venetian villas, castles, historic palaces, archives and gardens normally closed to the public opening their doors for free. The event is an opportunity to explore architecture, collections and parks that are usually inaccessible.

Visits by province

• Province of Treviso
  • Castello di Roncade – a rare pre-Renaissance castle still inhabited, set among historic walls and vineyards.
  • Villa Verecondi Scortecci (Colle Umberto) – historic residence with elegant interiors in the rolling hills.
• Metropolitan City of Venice
  • State Archive of Venice – Gothic complex preserving documents of the Serenissima; special guided visit Friday 22 May.
  • Palazzetto Pisani – elegant palace near the Fenice, known for its historic interiors.
  • Church and Palace of San Giovanni dei Cavalieri di Malta – historic religious complex with normally restricted areas.
  • Villa Correr Agazzi – countryside villa surrounded by greenery, typical of Venetian noble tradition.
• Province of Padua
  • State Archive of Padua – holds medieval and Renaissance documents; guided visit Saturday 23 May.
  • Villa Molin – 16th-century villa famous for its frescoes and historic garden.
  • Parco Frassanelle – 19th-century romantic park in the Euganean Hills.
  • Other open houses include Casa Dalla Francesca, Castello di Valbona, Villa Roberti, Villa Rosa Tramonte and Villa Zilio.
• Province of Belluno
  • State Archive of Belluno – special guided visit Monday 25 May among ancient parchments and records.
  • Historic villas such as Villa Berton Maschio, Villa Miari Fulcis, Villa Zuppani and Villa degli Azzoni Avogadro.
• Province of Verona
  • State Archive of Verona – guided visits planned for Saturday 23 May.
  • Open palaces and villas: Palazzo Liorsi, Palazzo Sambonifacio Negri, Palazzo Serenelli Benciolini, Giardino Giusti, Torre di Terzolan - Villa Ridolfi, Villa Carrara.
• Province of Vicenza
  • Villa Valmarana ai Nani – renowned for Tiepolo frescoes.
  • Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel (Bassano del Grappa) – Palladian-style villa registered as part of the local heritage.
  • Other openings include Villa Zileri Motterle, Villa Fabris, Villa Feriani, Villa Trissino at Cricoli and several historic residences.

Practical information

Visits are free, but many sites recommend booking in advance. Schedules and access rules vary by location; check updated information with individual venues or organizers before your visit. Respect site regulations (possible guided routes, restricted areas, and photography limits indoors).

Visitor tips: arrive early, bring ID if requested, wear suitable shoes for gardens and historic courtyards, and reserve guided tours when possible to secure your place.