Historic sites in Rome and across Italy open for 2019 edition of Giornate FAI di Primavera.
More than 1,100 noted Italian buildings and historic sites will open their doors to the public free of charge on 23 and 24 March as part of the 27th edition of Giornate FAI di Primavera - the annual spring open days initiative organised by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI).The sites include 227 palaces and villas, 296 religious sites, 35 parks and gardens, 30 castles, 23 bell towers, 12 theatres and 11 libraries across Italy. Many of the sites participating in Giornate FAI di Primavera are not normally accessible to the public.
Some of the Roman treats in store this year include guided tours of Palazzo della Consulta near the Quirinale, the National Institute of Roman Studies on the Aventine hill, Palazzo Firenze in the Campo Marzio district, Palazzo della Rovere near St Peter's, and the Church of S. Silvestro al Quirinale on Via Ventiquattro Maggio.
For those who wish to take a day-trip outside the capital, there will also be tours of the park of Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli.
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 almost 11 million visitors.
The complete list of participating buildings and monuments, as well as their visiting times and suggested donation, can be seen on the FAI website.