Rome artisans involved in Cortili Aperti for first time

The Lazio branch of the association of historic houses, Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane (ADSI), provides a unique opportunity to visit the courtyards of some of Rome’s most important privately-owned historic homes this weekend 24-25 May.

The fourth edition of the annual Cortili Aperti initiative involves a visit to the courtyards of seven private palaces which are usually closed to the public from 10.00-19.00. The visits take place in the presence of ADSI guides as well as the owners of the properties.

The seven participating historic homes are belong to the Aldobrandini, Attolico, Costaguti, Montoro, Pasolini dall’Onda, Sforza Cesarini and Taverna families.

On Saturday 24 May it is possible to visit the courtyards of the French embassy in Piazza Farnese, and the Brazilian embassy in Piazza Navona.

This year the event takes a new direction by placing the capital's artisans centre-stage, presenting their skills in the courtyards of the palaces they help to conserve. Organisers say the role of artisans is crucial in the maintenance of Rome's historic buildings, and the 20 craftspeople involved include restorers, gilders, framers, glaziers, potters, bronze workers, silversmiths, clockmakers and mosaic artists. A photographic exhibition at Palazzo Sforza Cesarini pays tribute to the handiwork of traditional artisans across Italy.

The non-profit organisation ADSI was founded in 1977 to help in the conservation, development and management of historic homes and to raise public awareness of Italy’s cultural heritage. The Cortili Aperti visits are free and do not require reservations.

For more information tel. 066832774, e-mail lazio@adsi.it, and for full Rome programme see the ADSI website. 

Palazzo Aldobrandini, Piazza dei Caprettari 70

Palazzo Attolico, Via di Parione 12

Palazzo Costaguti, Piazza Mattei 10.

Palazzo Montoro, Via di Montoro 8.

Palazzo Pasolini dall’Onda, Piazza Cairoli 6

Palazzo Sforza Cesarini, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 282.

Palazzo Taverna, Via di Monte Giordano 36.