Also this year the spring arrives opening the doors, or rather the gates, of the FAI . The organization for the environment, all made in Italy, invites citizens, members of the public and others, to participate in the many and original initiatives planned for the Spring Day which sees its 23rd edition on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March .

780 extraordinary guided tours with free contribution, two days to discover Italy and ... the remaining days to save it! They stress from the FAI. Yes, because everyone's contribution is always important.

Dati Fai to the hand, there are now almost 8 million Italians who meet for these days, taking the opportunity to live and share the heritage of which the peninsula is rich, thus becoming active spectators.

Palazzo Chigi in Rome, the Rai offices in Rome, Naples, Turin, Milan and Palermo ; but also the splendid cathedral of Matera or the fire station of Milan : these are just some of the visits scheduled for Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March. The protagonists this year are not only the palaces or churches, but also villas, villages, castles, gardens, television studios, even spaces of industrial archeology, music archives, barracks and military schools .

Special events scheduled

780 locations in 340 Italian locations, here are just a few examples of special events scheduled, including a romantic night walk in an abbey, a fluo selfie with an artist, sensory and emotional itineraries, a visit to an abbey in phase of excavations and restorations, complete with a very precious find revealed :

• Naples, Massa Lubrense, Baia di Ieranto : an opportunity to try out, on Sunday 22 March at 3 pm, in the manual workshop of "Argilla senza Tempo" to discover the evolution of ancient cultures and the birth of techniques of conservation and propagation of seeds . Alternatively it will be possible to explore new paths on the paths of the Bay and new dimensions of inner awareness, training mind and body with Breathwalking .

• Rome, Tivoli, Parco Villa Gregoriana : the event "Savoring the FAI Spring Days: the delights of Tivoli and the Aniene valley on the table". From the Tiburtine countryside, local excellences: Saturday, March 21, from 15 to 19, smell and taste will in fact be put to the test by a series of tastings and tastings of foods linked to the local culinary tradition, while mind and body will be satisfied with the dear landscapes on the Grand Tour wandering among the paths of the romantic garden of Villa Gregoriana.

• Genoa, Camogli, Abbey of San Fruttuoso : “A journey full of emotions to discover the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Saturday 21 March, from 9.00 pm, it will be possible to visit the Abbey of San Fruttuoso at night, accompanied by the disabled children of the "Cepim Onlus Foundation" who, on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, will reveal through their eyes and the their enthusiasm the suggestion of this place rich in history and charm.

• Milan, Villa Necchi Campiglio : the "Soundwalk tour" event. On Saturday March 21st it will be possible to visit Villa Necchi Campiglio with an evocative musical accompaniment through headphones, immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the Milan of the early 1900s. Visitors will be led to the discovery of the Villa through a fascinating, innovative, emotional journey, during which music and images will merge, giving space to great emotions.At the end of the visit all participants will be offered a glass of wine.

• Varese, Villa and Panza Collection : will be held "Party in fluorescent, dressed in white for the shot of Spring!" Sunday, March 22, from 18 to 20, extraordinary visit to the wing of the Rustici. Visitors dressed in white will color themselves in Dan Flavin's installations and enjoy the works of Robert Irwin and James Turrell at sunset. In the middle of the path, in Flavin's "Ultraviolet" work, it will be possible to make a selfie fluo following the rules for a perfect self-timer, to share on social networks. The visit will continue in the spectacular "Ganzfeld" by Turrell (subject to availability) to end, for those who wish, at the Luce Restaurant for an aperitif. Dress code: white (visitors without proper clothing will be given a completely white t-shirt).

• Perugia, Assisi, Bosco di San Francesco : "Primavera in Musica". On the occasion of the FAI Spring Days, the Bosco di San Francesco "turns pink" and is pleased to host a delightful all-female musical event that will see the Nota Vocal Ensemble Group as the protagonist, accompanied exceptionally by the TRIO CONVIVIO - composed of flute, cello and violin. The appointment is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at 7 pm, in the evocative Romanesque church of Santa Croce inside the Bosco, a place where the charm of Benedictine atmospheres is combined with perfect acoustics.

• Lecce, Squinzano - Casalabate, Abbey of Cerrate : here the restoration works and the archaeological excavations are still in progress, but there is no better occasion than a building site in activity to observe the work of the archaeologists and to look around among the new discoveries. Saturday, March 21st, at 3.00 pm and 3.30 pm, the same archaeologists who have carried out excavations to date will show the public the innovations that open up significant glimpses into the Abbey's past, still largely unknown. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the completely unpublished wall remains belonging to the oldest portion of the abbey complex and, at the end of the itinerary, they will exceptionally be able to see in absolute preview a precious find coming from the excavations.

Among the special events, there will be aperitifs in the villa, such as Villa del Barbianello in Como or Villa della Porta Bozzolo in Varese; the aperitif in Villa dei Vescovi in ​​Torreglia, Padua; wine tastings at the Castello di Avio, Trento and at Castello di Masino, in Caravino, Turin, where there will also be a jazz concert or the nearby Castello della Manta, in Cuneo, where a concert of Provencal music will be held.

Among other important Lombard events, there are:

• Pavia, Palazzo Olevano, Palazzo Bellingeri Orlandi, Palazzo Negri. The FAI Delegation of Pavia will take care of the opening and the visit to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city: Palazzo Olevano in Via Mazzini (now the Istituto Statale "Adelaide Cairoli"), a sumptuous eighteenth century building with interiors decorated and frescoed in the style of the Lombard Baroque ; Palazzo Bellingeri Orlandi, a private residence that will open its most beautiful rooms and a spectacular roof terrace from which to enjoy an extraordinary view of the city; Palazzo Negri della Torre, restored to its original splendor through an accurate restoration that will be documented by videos and photos, with a visit to two private apartments.

• In Vigevano, the Moreschi shoe factory, a historic brand and all-Italian excellence, will open to the public throughout Saturday and Sunday. Here visitors will be able to watch some phases of the craftsmanship of the shoe, with the workers extraordinarily in service to illustrate the numerous steps necessary to shape and finish the shoe.

• In Langosco the two small rural churches of San Bernardo da Mentone and Santa Giuliana will be opened, with a pleasant side initiative: the risotto in Langosco square at 12.30 on Sunday.

• In Rosasco it will be possible to explore the charming village, with its towers, churches and Palazzo Visconti.

The FAI has been a great reality for 40 years in safeguarding the Italian artistic and naturalistic heritage, which lives thanks to the voluntary service and support of all. Visits are free and they are all done by FAI volunteers. FAI members have additional exclusive access and benefits. Anyone wishing to register or renew the registration can do so on the website www.fondoambiente.it or directly on site. For more information www.giornatefai.it.

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