17 Places Open in Lecce for FAI Spring Days 2024 | Italy Travel

Lecce Province Opens Doors to 17 Cultural Sites for Spring FAI Days

Seventeen locations across the province of Lecce will open their doors to the public this weekend, March 21st and 22nd, as part of the annual Giornate FAI (Italian Environment Fund) di Primavera. The event, now in its 34th edition, offers a unique opportunity to explore churches, historic palaces, castles, urban woodlands, and contemporary art installations, guided by local students – the “Apprendisti Ciceroni” – and FAI volunteers. The initiative aims to foster appreciation for Italy’s cultural and landscape heritage, promoting its preservation “for always, for everyone.”

A Diverse Range of Sites on Display

This year’s event in Lecce province showcases a diverse selection of sites, many of which are typically inaccessible to the public. According to reports from LecceNews24, highlights include the Casa Museo Spada in Lecce, featuring over 1,000 musical instruments dating from the 17th century to the 20th century, and the Bosco delle Ciancole near Maglie, a biodiversity-rich woodland established in 1880.

The Casa Museo Spada: A Symphony of History

The Casa Museo Spada, housed within the industrial architecture of Palazzo Prete, promises a particularly compelling experience. Visitors will be able to view a collection amassed by Francesco Spada, encompassing pre-Columbian flutes and a dedicated section showcasing Puglia’s band traditions. The visit will culminate in short concerts performed on period instruments by students from the “Tito Schipa” Conservatory. This offers a rare glimpse into the region’s musical past and present.

Votiva: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Art

In Parabita, the “Votiva” project presents a striking contrast, transforming traditional roadside shrines into an open-air museum. Works by renowned artists such as Mimmo Paladino and Michelangelo Pistoletto are displayed alongside expressions of popular devotion, creating a dialogue between artistic styles and cultural beliefs. This innovative approach to public art aims to inspire reflection and enhance the urban landscape.

Bosco delle Ciancole: A Poet’s Inspiration

The Bosco delle Ciancole, a woodland near Maglie, is being opened to the public exceptionally for the FAI event. Established in 1880 by Senator Achille Tamborino, the forest is home to ancient oak trees, including a particularly majestic specimen known as the “Querciaccia.” The woodland served as a source of inspiration for poet Salvatore Toma, and visitors can retrace his steps along the forest’s fragrant paths.

Beyond Lecce City: A Province-Wide Celebration

The Giornate FAI extend beyond the city of Lecce, encompassing sites across the province. SalentoInLinea reports that other locations include the Church of SS. Niccolò and Cataldo in Lecce (open year-round), the Church and halls of Sant’Angelo in Lecce, the Liceo Palmieri and the urban development of the city, the Trinità dei Pellegrini church, the Conservatory and Church of S. Maria della Purità in Nardò, the Church of S. Maria degli Angeli in Presicce, the Pio-San Giovanni Castle in Casarano, Palazzo Baldi in Galatina, Palazzo Ducale Frisari Guarini in Scorrano, the Church and Convent of the Capuchins in Tricase, the Church of Sant’Angelo in Tricase, the Leuca Piccola complex in Barbarano del Capo, and the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate in Squinzano.

What is the FAI and Why Does This Matter?

The Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI), or Italian Environment Fund, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Italy’s cultural and natural heritage. Founded in 1958, the FAI works to protect historic houses, gardens, and landscapes, raising public awareness about the importance of conservation. The Giornate FAI di Primavera, launched in 1991, are the organization’s flagship event, providing access to sites that are often closed to the public and fostering a sense of civic responsibility for Italy’s artistic and environmental treasures. The FAI relies heavily on the work of volunteers and the enthusiasm of the “Apprendisti Ciceroni” – student guides – to bring these sites to life for visitors.

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

The event will take place on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. Confirmed locations include the Casa Museo Spada, Bosco delle Ciancole, and the Votiva project in Parabita. A total of 17 sites will be open in the province of Lecce, as part of a larger initiative encompassing 48 sites across Puglia. However, specific opening hours and any potential admission fees for individual locations were not provided in the available sources. Further details regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities also remain unclear.