04 October 2024
FAI Autumn Days 2024
Over 700 places open in 360 Italian cities on 12 and 13 October 2024, with free contribution visits to support the protection of the country's cultural and landscape heritage
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October 2024, the thirteenth edition of the FAI Autumn Days will take place, an unmissable event for all those who wish to rediscover Italy's cultural, historical and naturalistic heritage. Organized by the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI) ETS, this event is one of the most important initiatives of active participation and fundraising dedicated to the enhancement of the treasures of our country, many of which are little known or generally inaccessible.
Vicenza, Palazzi Gualdo. Photo: Photo Copyright © Tommaso - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
A journey through art, history and nature throughout Italy
During the FAI Autumn Days, 700 places of great interest, distributed in 360 Italian cities, will open their doors to the public. From North to South, visitors will be able to explore historic palaces, villas, churches, gardens, art collections and even industrial and production sites that are usually not accessible. These places tell the story of local history and traditions, preserve ancient memories and bear witness to the art and culture that have shaped the Italian landscape over the centuries.
During the FAI Autumn Days, 700 places of great interest, distributed in 360 Italian cities, will open their doors to the public. From North to South, visitors will be able to explore historic palaces, villas, churches, gardens, art collections and even industrial and production sites that are usually not accessible. These places tell the story of local history and traditions, preserve ancient memories and bear witness to the art and culture that have shaped the Italian landscape over the centuries.
The visits will take place with a free contribution and participation will be a concrete way to support the mission of the FAI: to care, protect and enhance the Italian cultural and landscape heritage. By participating, visitors will not only discover places of rare beauty, but will actively contribute to their conservation.
Tellaro (SP), Photo: Copyright © FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
The importance of youth participation
This edition will see a strong involvement of the young FAI volunteers, organized in the FAI Youth Groups, who, with enthusiasm and passion, will accompany the public through the stories and curiosities of the places open for the occasion. The Apprentice Cicerones, specially trained high school students, will work alongside the volunteers, offering an engaging and fresh narrative, thus contributing to the knowledge of Italian heritage.
This edition will see a strong involvement of the young FAI volunteers, organized in the FAI Youth Groups, who, with enthusiasm and passion, will accompany the public through the stories and curiosities of the places open for the occasion. The Apprentice Cicerones, specially trained high school students, will work alongside the volunteers, offering an engaging and fresh narrative, thus contributing to the knowledge of Italian heritage.
Sinalunga (SI), Castle of Farnetella. Photo Photo Copyright © Panzera - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
The program: a varied and curious map of Italy
The FAI Autumn Days 2024 program offers a very wide range of routes and places to explore. In addition to the best-known monuments, the event stands out for its ability to make the public discover lesser-known, unusual and curious places, which reflect the variety and richness of our cultural heritage.
The FAI Autumn Days 2024 program offers a very wide range of routes and places to explore. In addition to the best-known monuments, the event stands out for its ability to make the public discover lesser-known, unusual and curious places, which reflect the variety and richness of our cultural heritage.
Rome, Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, Photo: Photo Copyright © Giovanni Formosa. - FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
In Rome, visitors will have the opportunity to visit Palazzo Sciarra, a historic residence with majestic and richly decorated rooms, including the famous Cardinal's Library (designed by the well-known architect Luigi Vanvitelli) and the Cabinet of Mirrors, characterized by elegant Rococo decorations. Also in the capital, it will be possible to access one of the most evocative views of the city: the small courtyard hidden behind the monumental Fontana dell'Acqua Paola.
In Milan, among the exceptional openings stands out Palazzo Melzi d'Eril (an eighteenth-century residence rich in works of art) and Palazzo Cusani, normally closed to the public as it is the headquarters of the Lombardy Army Military Command. In addition, the Bovisa Campus of the Politecnico di Milano, with its innovative laboratory dedicated to energy research, will be open to visitors.
A heritage to be protected and enhanced
The FAI Autumn Days are much more than an opportunity to visit places of beauty. They represent a concrete opportunity for all participants to become an active part of the protection and enhancement of our cultural heritage. Thanks to the donations collected during the event, the FAI will be able to continue to restore and preserve the historical and naturalistic assets that represent the identity of our country.
The FAI Autumn Days are much more than an opportunity to visit places of beauty. They represent a concrete opportunity for all participants to become an active part of the protection and enhancement of our cultural heritage. Thanks to the donations collected during the event, the FAI will be able to continue to restore and preserve the historical and naturalistic assets that represent the identity of our country.
A further push in this direction is given by the #Faiperilclima and #Faibiodiversità awareness campaign, which promotes the protection of the landscape and biodiversity, with openings dedicated to sustainable projects and nature conservation. Some examples include a visit to the historic garden of Villa d'Ayala in Valva (SA), at the centre of a restoration project, and the discovery of the Acquedotto del Verde in Fara San Martino (CH), which will offer food for thought on the effects of climate change.
Video: Copyright © FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
Partners and supporters
The FAI Autumn Days 2024 are possible thanks to the support of partner companies and sponsors who share the mission of FAI. Among the main supporters we find Dolce & Gabbana (an Italian company that has been promoting the craftsmanship and artistic excellence of our country for years) and ITA Airways, the main sponsor of the event, committed to the protection of Italian heritage and the promotion of sustainability. Groupama Assicurazioni, Despar and Ferrero also actively support the event.
The FAI Autumn Days 2024 are possible thanks to the support of partner companies and sponsors who share the mission of FAI. Among the main supporters we find Dolce & Gabbana (an Italian company that has been promoting the craftsmanship and artistic excellence of our country for years) and ITA Airways, the main sponsor of the event, committed to the protection of Italian heritage and the promotion of sustainability. Groupama Assicurazioni, Despar and Ferrero also actively support the event.
The initiative also takes place under the high patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces, with the support of the Ministry of Defense and the collaboration of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
Bergamo. Valverde Castle - Achilles Hall. Photo Copyright © Roberto Morelli. - FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
An opportunity to join the FAI
During the event, anyone who wishes can register with FAI, benefiting from priority access to open places and other special reserved openings. Registration with the FAI represents not only a gesture of love towards the country's cultural heritage, but also a way to actively participate in its care and protection.
During the event, anyone who wishes can register with FAI, benefiting from priority access to open places and other special reserved openings. Registration with the FAI represents not only a gesture of love towards the country's cultural heritage, but also a way to actively participate in its care and protection.
By the editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine
Text source, video and photos: FAI Press © Office - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano
Visual: Perugia. Oratory of San Francesco. Photo Copyright Armando © Flores Rodas. - FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano.
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