Italy’s extraordinary cultural heritage took center stage on October 10–11, when approximately 400,000 people joined the 15th edition of Giornate FAI d’Autunno, a nationwide celebration of historic places, landscapes, and local traditions.
Organized by FAI, the Italian National Trust, the weekend offered access to more than 700 sites across 350 cities. Many of these buildings and spaces are usually closed to visitors or remain little known, making the event an opportunity to discover Italy beyond its most famous attractions.
The program brought together historic residences, architectural landmarks, natural settings, and places connected to local communities. Some 9,000 student guides, trained by their teachers, helped introduce visitors to the stories behind the sites, turning cultural discovery into a hands-on educational experience.
Italian craftsmanship was another highlight, with more than 75 special openings dedicated to traditional skills and Made in Italy excellence.
Palazzo Saladini Pilastri in Ascoli Piceno attracted the largest number of visitors, followed by Milan’s Palazzo Dugnani and CityWave. Villa Giorgina in Rome and Villa La Tesoriera in Turin completed the top five. Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont recorded the strongest regional attendance.
Rain and unsettled weather in parts of central and southern Italy and the islands did little to diminish enthusiasm.
Through volunteer involvement and visits supported by optional contributions, the initiative demonstrated how opening doors to lesser-known treasures can strengthen communities, inspire younger generations, and encourage shared responsibility for preserving Italy’s heritage.
The initiative also complements FAI’s spring open days, bringing cultural preservation into public life twice each year.
