FAI opens historic sites in Italy on 12-13 October.

More than 700 noted Italian buildings and historic sites open to the public for free on the weekend of 12-13 October as part of the annual Giornate FAI d'Autunno event.

The autumn initiative organised by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) will allow entry into palaces, castles, gardens, theatres and libraries in 360 towns and cities across Italy.

Many of the participating sites are not normally open to the public or are difficult to visit.

È ora online l’elenco dei luoghi che potrai visitare in 360 città d’Italia durante le #GiornateFAI d'Autunno, il 12 e 13 ottobre! ​
Scopri le 700 aperture e scegli quali vedere qui:​ https://t.co/2YKNxcHGdE pic.twitter.com/VpwdFRwGbe

— FAI (@Fondoambiente) October 3, 2024

Some of the Rome treats in store include guided tours of the Acqua Paola Gardens behind the Fontanone on the Gianicolo; Villa Bonaparte, seat of the embassy of France to the Holy See; the American Academy in Rome; and Palazzo Sciarra, home of the celebrated glass-domed Galleria Sciarra.

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

For full details see the FAI website which lists the participating sites region by region. Visits are free but donations are encouraged.