Culture opens up to the public and beauty reveals itself: the appointment with the FAI Spring Days is back, the largest event dedicated to Italy's cultural and landscape heritage. On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, the Italian Environment Fund ETS celebrates its 33rd edition with a series of special initiatives that, on the occasion of the Foundation's 50th anniversary, will take visitors to discover 750 extraordinary places in 400 Italian cities.
Sardinia also joins the great celebration of culture, opening the doors of 11 unique sites distributed between Sassari, Alghero, Palau, Tempio Pausania, Golfo Aranci, Nuoro, Busachi, Cagliari and Assemini, which also include the two FAI properties of the island, the Saline Conti Vecchi and the Batterie Talmone at Punta Don Diego. An unmissable opportunity for citizens and tourists, who will be able to rediscover places that are often inaccessible, told through the passionate voices of FAI volunteers and the “Apprentice Ciceroni” of the schools.
The event is not only an opportunity to discover the surrounding heritage, but also an important fundraising initiative: the visits are in fact free of charge, and the proceeds will be used to safeguard the Italian cultural heritage. A concrete act of love and protection, in perfect harmony with the mission of the FAI.
OPEN PLACES IN SARDINIA
SASSARI - Palazzo della Provincia A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, designed between 1873 and 1877. Symbol of political power and heart of civil life in Sassari, the palace houses magnificent furnishings and works of art, including the great pictorial cycle by Giuseppe Sciuti from Catania. During the FAI Days, it will be possible to access the sumptuous reception rooms, normally closed to the public, and take part in special tours on the history of the building and its precious decorations.
SASSARI - Villa Pozzo (formerly Villa Caria) An elegant Art Nouveau residence, built between 1927 and 1929 for Francesco Caria, a pioneering entrepreneur in the export of Sardinian pecorino cheese to the United States. After a series of economic vicissitudes, the villa changed ownership until it became a regional asset. Thanks to the collaboration with the Sardinia Region, for the FAI Days it will be exceptionally possible to visit some of the interior spaces, enriched by musical moments curated by the students of the Sassari Conservatory.
SASSARI - La Frumentaria A historic building from the 16th century used for storing grain, the Frumentaria tells the story of the urban transformations of Sassari. During the FAI Days, the complex's recovery project will be illustrated, which includes the creation of an innovative cultural hub in the city's historic center.
ALGHERO - Mediterranean Library and Historical Archive Housed in the former Monastery of Santa Chiara, the library is an architectural jewel between history and innovation. During the event, visitors will be able to admire ancient manuscripts and rare incunabula, with special visits dedicated to the discovery of a precious medieval code recently discovered.
TEMPIO PAUSANIA - Palazzo Sanguineti An imposing residence of the Genoese Sanguineti family, active in maritime trade. Built in the early 1900s, the palace houses frescoes, furnishings and decorations that tell the story of Gallura. For the occasion, the private rooms of the residence, usually not accessible, will be opened to the public.
GOLFO ARANCI - Sacred Well of Milis and Railway Station An archaeological site overlooking the sea, evidence of the Nuragic civilization. The Sacred Well of Milis, discovered in 1937, will be open to visitors in its entirety after recent restoration. The tour route also includes the historic 19th-century railway station, linked to the travels of royals and the events of the world wars.
NUORO - Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites "Mater Salvatoris" Located on the top of the Cucullìo hill, the monastery is an example of Sardinian religious architecture, built between 1990 and 1994. During the FAI Days, it will be possible to visit the chapel and other areas of the convent, as well as participate in a round table and concerts.
BUSACHI - “Eleonora d'Arborea” Dam Majestic dam on the Tirso River that creates Lake Omodeo, inaugurated in 1997. The dam, one of the largest concrete installations in Europe, opens to the public for guided tours and in-depth information on its structure and energy importance.
CAGLIARI - “Attilio Mereu” Barracks Built in 1932, the barracks today houses the Italian Army Supply Section. During the FAI Days, it will be possible to explore the military complex and discover its history, architecture and transformations.
ASSEMINI (CA) - Saline Conti Vecchi A historic salt mine operating since 1929, known for its eco-sustainability and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, populated by pink flamingos. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and take guided tours by train.
PALAU (SS) - Talmone Military Battery : Former military barracks reachable via a guided trek, it offers a panoramic view and tells the story and peculiarities of the place, with special events such as the flag-raising and flag-lowering with the Navy.