On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026, the FAI Spring Days return: a weekend celebrating the extraordinary historical, artistic and natural heritage of Italy.

The province of Pavia opens its doors to the public with the Giornate FAI di Primavera, the annual event organised by the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (Italian Environment Fund) that transforms Italy into an open-air museum every year. Historic courtyards, baroque churches, episcopal palaces and research foundations: the FAI Pavia Delegation and the FAI Young Group Pavia present five remarkable venues, with free-will contributions from €3 and priority access for FAI members. Rounding out the programme, a special museum-and-aperitivo evening in Casteggio.

When: FAI Spring Days 2026 in Pavia

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026. Visits are walk-in (no booking required, except for the special Casteggio event), with a free-will contribution from €3. FAI members enjoy priority entry. In the event of overcrowding, queues may close early. Full information and opening details at www.giornatefai.it

5 Must-See Venues in Pavia and its Province

The FAI Pavia Delegation and FAI Young Group Pavia have curated five openings spanning medieval history, baroque art, rationalist architecture and cutting-edge science.

1. The Visconti Courtyard – Belgioioso Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Belgioioso (PV)

The castle of Belgioioso is one of the best-preserved Visconti complexes in Lombardy. The FAI Spring Days offer a rare opportunity to explore the Visconti Courtyard, with its frescoes and layers of history telling centuries of lordly power across the Po plain. A place suspended in time, perfect for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in medieval Lombardy.

Hours: Saturday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm) | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)

2. Church of Santa Maria Incoronata di Canepanova – Pavia Via Defendente Sacchi, Pavia (PV)

A Renaissance gem in the heart of Pavia, the Church of Santa Maria Incoronata di Canepanova impresses with its octagonal floor plan and frescoed dome. Rarely accessible in its most intimate spaces, during the FAI Spring Days it will be guided by Apprendisti Ciceroni (junior guides) from the A. Bordoni Technical and Economics Institute and the N. Copernico Science High School — students specially trained to accompany visitors with enthusiasm and expertise.

Hours: Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm) | Sunday 9:00 am – 11:00 am and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)

3. Episcopal Palace of Pavia – FAI Members Only Piazza del Duomo, Pavia (PV)

Steps from Pavia Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace houses rooms and collections normally closed to the public. This exclusive opening for FAI members is one of the most anticipated moments of the 2026 edition — a privilege reserved for those who support the mission of the Italian Environment Fund. Not yet a member? Now is the perfect time to join.

Hours: Saturday and Sunday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)

4. Eucentre Foundation – Pavia Via Adolfo Ferrata 1, Pavia (PV)

The Eucentre Foundation (European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering) is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in structural safety and seismic resilience. An unusual choice for the FAI Spring Days, it demonstrates that the contemporary heritage of scientific knowledge deserves the same protection and promotion as historic landmarks.

Guided by Apprendisti Ciceroni from the Adelaide Cairoli Teacher Training Institute and Eucentre Foundation staff.

Hours: Saturday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm) | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm). Visits every hour in groups of up to 50 people.

5. Rationalist Architecture Walk – Mortara Via Trento 26, Mortara (PV)

Mortara, the main town of the Lomellina area, preserves a rich 20th-century architectural heritage. The guided Rationalist Walk, led by Apprendisti Ciceroni from IIS A. Omodeo, takes visitors through the buildings of the Fascist era and Italian rationalism, reading history through architectural form. An original urban itinerary that invites a fresh look at a town often underestimated.

Hours: Saturday 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm) | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)

FAI Spring Days in Casteggio: "Il Borgo del Pistornile" FAI Oltrepò Pavese Delegation

The FAI Oltrepò Pavese Delegation brings Casteggio into the 2026 FAI Spring Days with an urban itinerary entitled "Casteggio: il borgo del Pistornile". The route runs from the century-old Winged Victory to the Church of San Sebastiano, taking in the Casa della Feudataria and the Certosa Cantù, and tracing the footsteps of Giulietti, Maragliano and even Einstein. A walk through the ancient village seen through the eyes of those who shaped it.

Meeting point: Piazza Martiri della Libertà / Via Castello, Casteggio 27050 (PV)

Hours: Saturday 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm (last entry 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm)

No booking required. Free-will contribution.

Special Event: Archaeological Museum Visit and Aperitivo at Certosa Cantù – Casteggio

On Sunday 22 March at 6:00 pm, the FAI Oltrepò Pavese Delegation presents an exclusive evening: a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of the Certosa Cantù led by director Dr Valentina Dezza, followed by an aperitivo by Hosteria La Cave Cantù of Damiano Dorati. A unique blend of culture, history and conviviality in one of Oltrepò Pavese's most charming villages.

Contribution from: €28 for FAI members and under-35s | €35 for non-members.

Limited places. Booking required at faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it

How to Take Part

Participation is open to all, with no booking required and a free-will contribution from €3. FAI members enjoy priority access and, in the case of the Episcopal Palace, exclusive entry. New memberships can be taken out directly on the FAI website.

For the special Casteggio event, booking is mandatory: faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it. For all other venues, updates and details: www.giornatefai.it

Why the FAI Spring Days Are Not to Be Missed

The province of Pavia holds an extraordinary historical and artistic heritage, much of it unexplored even by locals. The FAI Spring Days are one of the very few occasions when normally closed venues open their doors, revealing hidden corners, frescoed halls, historic courtyards and world-class scientific institutions that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

With six locations across Pavia, Belgioioso, Mortara and Casteggio, the 2026 edition invites visitors to discover the province in all its richness — from medieval history to 20th-century architecture, from baroque devotion to contemporary scientific research. A programme designed for families, curious minds, history lovers and anyone who wants to experience the territory in an authentic way.

Mark your calendar for 21 and 22 March 2026 and get ready to discover the province of Pavia as you've never seen it before.

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