On Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, 2025, the much-anticipated FAI Spring Days return for their 33rd edition. Organized by the Italian National Trust (FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano), this event is Italy’s most significant initiative dedicated to promoting and enhancing the country’s cultural and natural heritage. Since its inception, the event has attracted over 13 million visitors, opening more than 16,000 sites across 7,000 cities over 32 editions. This year’s edition will feature 750 sites across 400 cities, made possible by the dedication and enthusiasm of thousands of volunteers nationwide.
A Special Anniversary Edition
The 2025 edition carries an even more profound significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of FAI, founded in 1975 by Giulia Maria Crespi and Renato Bazzoni, alongside Alberto Predieri and Franco Russoli. This milestone will be celebrated through exclusive openings of rarely accessible sites, giving the public a unique opportunity to rediscover hidden gems through guided visits with voluntary contributions.
FAI Spring Days are more than just an opportunity to visit historical and artistic sites; they are a chance to engage in cultural education and civic awareness, reinforcing the importance of heritage in shaping European identity. The event unites institutions, associations, and public and private entities in a shared mission: to appreciate and safeguard Italy’s cultural wealth.
Exclusive Openings in Florence and Surroundings
This year, Florence will reveal some of its best-kept secrets, offering visitors access to extraordinary spaces rich in history and architectural beauty. Among them:
Villa Vittoria – Via Valfonda, Slargo Pratello Orsini, Florence
Nestled between the train station and the Fortezza da Basso, Villa Vittoria stands on land once belonging to a suppressed monastery. Built between 1886 and 1891 by the Strozzi family of Mantua, it underwent a significant renovation in 1925 by renowned architect Giovanni Michelucci. Acquired in 1931 by Alessandro Contini, who dedicated it to his wife Vittoria, the villa housed his prestigious art collection. Since 1965, it has been an integral part of Florence’s main congress center and is now home to Firenze Fiera. During FAI Spring Days, visitors can explore its elegant halls, historic gardens, and architectural transformations.
Palazzo Lenzi – Institut Français of Florence – Piazza Ognissanti 2, Florence
As the first French cultural institute in the world, the Institut Français of Florence has been a cornerstone of Franco-Italian cultural exchange for over a century. Housed in the Renaissance-era Palazzo Lenzi, the building was constructed in 1456 and changed hands several times before being acquired by the French state in 1949. Its elegant graffiti-decorated facade complements its rich cultural legacy. The special opening for FAI members will allow visitors to explore its refined reading room, theater, and library, experiencing a dynamic blend of historical heritage and contemporary cultural vibrancy.
Evangelical Cemetery ‘agli Allori’ – Via Senese 184, Florence
Located on the outskirts of Florence, this open-air museum was founded in 1878 by the city’s evangelical communities as an alternative to the English Cemetery. Designed by Giuseppe Boccini, it combines elements of traditional Italian monumental cemeteries with the landscaped garden style typical of Anglo-Saxon burial grounds. The cemetery is the final resting place of numerous intellectuals, collectors, and artists with ties to Florence. This rare opening offers visitors a chance to discover its serene beauty and historical significance.
Palazzo Benini and Teatrodante Carlo Monni – Piazza Dante Alighieri 23 (Teatrodante) & 36 (Benini), Campi Bisenzio
A testament to Campi Bisenzio’s transformation from an agricultural village to an industrial and cultural hub, Palazzo Benini and the adjacent Teatrodante represent key moments in the town’s history. The theater, designed by Mariano Falcini (1870-1873) and restored in 2003, retains its neoclassical charm while serving as a thriving cultural venue. The adjacent council hall, designed by Marco Dezzi Bardeschi and completed in 1993, is a bold example of modern architecture. The FAI opening grants a rare glimpse into these spaces, normally closed to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Florence’s participation in FAI Spring Days 2025 provides a rare chance to explore some of the city’s hidden wonders. Whether you are a local eager to uncover new aspects of your hometown or a visitor seeking an authentic experience, this event offers an unparalleled journey through Florence’s cultural and architectural heritage.
For more information on the full list of locations and how to participate, visit the official event map: FAI Spring Days 2025 Florence Map.