Hundreds of historic homes across Italy will open their doors on Sunday 24 May for the16th edition of National Historic Homes Day.
Over 450 exclusive sites
This will be a unique opportunity to visit historic homes across Italy free of charge. And most of them are situated in little-known locations far from the traditional tourist routes. The event, promoted by the Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane, which brings together owners of historic properties from across the country, forms part of Italy’s packed calendar of cultural events and offers a unique opportunity to visit over 450 exclusive sites, including period properties, residences, castles and historic gardens of great charm and rich historical and cultural heritage.
Some 80% of Italy consists of smaller towns and inland areas
Italy has unique monuments located throughout the country in cities, regional capitals, towns and villages, in the mountains, in valleys, on the coast and in the plains. “In 2025 alone, over 500 historic homes took part in the event, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors,” says Maria Pace Odescalchi, president of the Italian Historic Homes Association. The initiative is part of an effort to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and conserving Italy’s private historical and architectural heritage, as well as the significance of its role in generating value across the country, nearly 80% of which consists of smaller towns and inland areas.
Castellamonte Castel - ph credits Martina Alesse
Generating cultural, social and economic value
The theme of the 2026 edition is “Guardians of the Future. A living heritage for a shared value,” and offers an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility involved in caring for assets that are not only to be preserved, but also to be enhanced and made accessible within their local communities, to generate cultural, social and economic value. For information: https://www.associazionedimorestoricheitaliane.it/giornatanazionale2026/)
