FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano is a foundation whose objective is the care and promotion of the artistic, natural and cultural national patrimony in Italy. In over 40 years of activity, they have restored and given back to the public many special and historic memories and monument located throughout the country.
On the 25th and 26th of March, FAI is promoting the Giornate FAI in Spring, an initiative that for more than 25 years has allowed everyone to enjoy the beauty of several places and works of art, many of which are normally closed to the public.
This year there are more than 1,000 places of interest which will be open throughout all of Italy. Volenteers and memebers of FAI will be organizing the free visits and guided tours. In some cases, the places will only be open to members of FAI (if you want to can join right there on the spot.)
In Tuscany there will be about 50 FAI places that will be open next weekend and you can find a full list on the official site (just click on Tuscany/Toscana): http://www.giornatefai.it/luoghi.
Among those place open with free entrance for everyone (a donation is requested, but it is not necessary that you become a member of FAI) these are the ones we suggest:
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CHIUSDINO (SIENA)
The Birthplace of San Galgano – according to the legend this hermitage dates from the year 1150
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SAN GIMIGNANO
Tower and House Campatelli – open all year around, this house/museum reconstructs an atmosphere of an elegant Tuscan palace and the history of San Gimignano
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PISA
Camposanto Monumentale – open in the evening
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VICOPISANO (PISA)
Cateratte Ximeniane – a hydraulic system that regulated the Arno river and the water from the Bientina Lake
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VOLTERRA
Etruscan Tombs Bianchi and Inghirami – normally closed to the public
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FLORENCE
Ex Manifattura Tabacchi – this is where they once worked tobacco
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FLORENCE
Cimitero degli inglesi – redesigned by Giuseppe Poggi, and home to many tombs for distinguished English citizens
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LUCCA
Chiesa di Santa Caterina – dating from the mid 1700’s
About Cristina Romeo
Born in Florence at the end of the fabulous '70s, Cristina has always lived in the famous "cradle of the Renaissance". She's in love with her homeland, but also enjoys traveling and discovering new places. Cristina is mum to a lovely little girl, to whom she hopes to pass on all the passion and love of our precious, wonderful Tuscany.
