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Italy's secret sites open for FAI Spring Days 2024

Historic sites across Italy open for 2024 edition of Giornate FAI di Primavera.

More than 750 noted Italian buildings and historic sites open their doors to the public on 23-24 March for the Spring Days initiative organised by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI).

The sites include rarely-opened palaces, castles, abbeys, libraries, parks, nature trails and gardens in 400 towns and cities across Italy, in what is the 32nd edition of the popular event.

Some of the highlights around Italy in this year's Giornate FAI di Primavera include:

In Rome the Palazzo dell'Agricultura, on Via XX Settembre, with its sumptuous Art Nouveau decorations.

In Milan the new headquarters of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, created last year after converting a former 19th-century monastery on Via Kramer.

In Naples the 12th-century Castel Capuano which until recently housed the city's Hall of Justice.

In Florence the 17th-century Palazzo Marucelli Fenzi, on Via San Gallo 10, normally closed to the public.

Similar to Britain’s National Trust, FAI works to preserve and promote Italy’s cultural heritage through education, restoration and annual open days.

Since it began in 1993, the spring open day initiative has attracted more than 12 million visitors.

The tours and visits are free but participants are asked to make a minumum donation of €3 to support the work of FAI in its care of Italian cultural heritage.

The complete list of participating buildings and monuments, as well as visiting times, can be seen on the FAI website.

Cover image: Palazzo dell'Agricoltura. Photo courtesy FAI.

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Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia