FAI's Spring Days attracted 400,000 visitors

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 24 - Over 400,000 visitors chose to visit one of the 750 artistic and environmental treasures across 400 areas included in the 33th edition of the Spring Days organized over the weekend by the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI) to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
    The Spring Days are the most important event planned by the association, which works to restore and preserve Italy's unique cultural and landscape heritage.
    The celebration, an annual event since 1993, took place on March 22-23 despite a fresh bout of bad weather that hit several regions in Italy, with thousands of people visiting many locations that are usually closed to the public or little known.
    The sites were opened to the public also thanks to the participation of volunteers from 350 FAI Delegations and Groups, including young students who were trained as guides for the event.
    Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara was among visitors who toured Milan's Palazzo Clerici.
    Overall, the most visited heritage site was the 13th century Certosa di Parma, followed by Palazzo Clerici in Milan and the Mausoleum Schilizzi in Naples.
    Among the locations that are usually open to the public the most popular was Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.
    Stunning sites included in this year's itineraries ranged from the contemporary Libeskind Tower in Milan to the Svevo Castle in the Puglia city of Brindisi, Turin's Royal Palace, Rome's Palazzo Farnese, seat of the French Embassy, and Villa Rosebery in Naples, which is surrounded by a large park with an English-style garden that has belonged to the Italian presidency since 1957.
    Visitors also toured the Abruzzo village of Loreto Aprutino, with its beautiful Church of Santa Maria in Piano, and Sicily's Gibellina, near Trapani, the Italian Capital of Contemporary Art in 2026.
    Naturalistic tours also showcased, among others, the landscapes of Umbria's Gola del Bottaccione and the Calanchi di Alianello in Aliano, near Matera. (ANSA).