FAI Day at Cigognola Castle returns on Sunday 27 September 2026, opening for one day a manor house that stays a private home the rest of the year. The visit, organised by the FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese, takes visitors through rooms belonging to the Moratti family, including the Hunting Room, the Library and the Billiard Room. Access is by booking only, with visits starting at 10:00 am.

What you can see during FAI Day at Cigognola Castle

The castle opens its private rooms for a single day. The spaces open to visitors include the Hunting Room, the Library and the Billiard Room. FAI volunteers explain the history of the manor, its place in the defensive network of the Oltrepò feudal estates, and its transformation from a fortress into a private residence that today also houses a winery.

The latest restoration and the link with San Patrignano

The castle underwent a major restoration led by architect and set designer Renzo Mongiardino. Much of the craftsmanship in the interiors was carried out by people trained at the arts and crafts school of the San Patrignano community, an institution the Moratti family remains closely tied to.

A private castle, open one Sunday a year

Cigognola Castle isn't normally open to the public: it's the Moratti family's home and also houses a winery. FAI Day is one of the few chances to walk through its rooms and hear the manor's history from the volunteers of the local branch.

Where Cigognola is

Cigognola is a town in the Oltrepò Pavese, the hilly area south of the Po known mainly for its vineyards. The castle stands in the centre of the village, in Piazza Castello 1.

Times and meeting point

Visits run all day on Sunday 27 September 2026, starting at 10:00 am. The meeting point is Piazza Castello 1, in Cigognola.

How to book and what it costs

The visit has a fee and booking is required. For the standard visit, the contribution starts at €8 for FAI members and €14 for non-members. A version with a closing aperitivo is also available, starting at €12 for members and €17 for non-members. Booking opens at 8:00 pm on Thursday 17 September 2026. Anyone who wants to can join FAI or renew their membership on site.

Standard visit booking: https://faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it/evento/fai-day-al-castello-di-c...

Visit with aperitivo booking: https://faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it/evento/fai-day-al-castello-di-c...

Frequently asked questions about FAI Day at Cigognola Castle

When is FAI Day at Cigognola Castle 2026?

Sunday 27 September 2026, with visits starting at 10:00 am.

Where is the castle?

In Piazza Castello 1, in Cigognola, in the province of Pavia.

How much does the visit cost?

From €8 for FAI members and €14 for non-members; €12 and €17 for the version with a closing aperitivo.

Do I need to book?

Yes, booking is required and opens at 8:00 pm on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Who organises the visit?

The FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese.

Useful information

For questions about the event, you can write to the FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese at oltrepopavese@delegazionefai.fondoambiente.it.

Official event page: https://fondoambiente.it/eventi/fai-day-al-castello-di-cigognola-49968

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