FAI Spring Days
A weekend to discover the hidden treasures of the village of Acquaviva Picena
About FAI Spring Days Acquaviva
The FAI Spring Days in Acquaviva Picena
The FAI Spring Days are the annual celebration of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI): in a single weekend, hundreds of places normally closed or little known are opened free of charge to the public throughout Italy. In Acquaviva Picena, a splendid medieval village perched between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche), the event is curated by the FAI Group of San Benedetto del Tronto and has become one of the most anticipated cultural moments in the Piceno area.
A village that reveals its hidden jewels
Dominated by the famous Acquaviva Fortress, the historic center of the town holds palaces, churches, and decorations of great value, often invisible to the common visitor as they are private residences or offices. During the FAI Days, these spaces become accessible again, narrated by exceptional guides. Among the places proposed in recent years are noble residences built on the ancient defensive walls of the village, neoclassical buildings with richly frescoed interiors, and sacred frescoes among the most voted in the Marche in the 'Places of the Heart' census.
The Apprentice Cic erones
The heart of the initiative is the Apprentice Cic erones project: students from local schools, trained by their teachers and supported by FAI volunteers, accompany visitors and tell the history, art, and anecdotes of each place. It is an experience that values young people and creates a deep bond between new generations and the heritage of their land.
Accessibility and Welcome
The FAI Days in Acquaviva Picena are distinguished by their attention to inclusion: in addition to visits in Italian, paths in English and accessible tours in LIS (Italian Sign Language) are often available by reservation. Admission is free for everyone, with the possibility to support the FAI through a voluntary contribution; members of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano enjoy priority access.
Why participate
Visiting Acquaviva Picena during the FAI Days means experiencing a weekend of art, history, and landscape, in a village that combines the charm of its medieval walls with the discreet beauty of its historic residences. A perfect opportunity for those who love slow and authentic tourism in the Marche, far from the crowds and close to the soul of the Piceno region.
FAI Spring Days Acquaviva — edition 2026
The 2026 edition transformed Acquaviva Picena into one of the flagship destinations of the FAI Spring Days in the Piceno area. Over the weekend of March 21st and 22nd, the village welcomed approximately 4,900 visits, part of the over 12,000 recorded in total between Acquaviva, Ascoli Piceno, and Grottammare, with 35% of visitors coming from outside the province. Despite the low temperatures, the event was hailed as a great success for the entire Piceno territory.
Programme FAI Spring Days Acquaviva 2026
Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
Opening hours: morning 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (last entry 12:30 PM) and afternoon 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM).
The four open locations
- Palazzo Sciarra (on via Marziale, seat of Banca del Piceno - Credito Cooperativo): building erected on the ancient defensive walls of the village, with precious decorations from 1840 in Pompeian and late neoclassical style.
- Palazzo Chiappini (now the Town Hall): elegant neoclassical building designed in the 18th century by Pietro Maggi, built on ancient fortifications, with richly frescoed interiors.
- Palazzo Rossi Panelli (Piazza San Nicolò): private residence of the Rossi Panelli family, still inhabited and normally closed to the public, which preserves elegant decorations and original flooring.
- Church and fresco of the Madonna della Pietà : among the most voted places in the Marche in the 'Places of the Heart' census, with a rare depiction of the Virgin with blonde, loose hair.
Tours and accessibility
- Guided tours by the Apprentice Cic erones, students from local schools trained by teachers and supported by FAI volunteers.
- Special tours in English upon request.
- Accessible tour in LIS (Italian Sign Language) on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with interpretation by Anios Marche, by reservation at 340 6764280.
Highlights FAI Spring Days Acquaviva 2026
Prices FAI Spring Days Acquaviva 2026
Practical information — FAI Spring Days Acquaviva
When
The FAI Spring Days take place on a weekend in March (Saturday and Sunday). For the dates and locations of the current edition, always consult the official website.
Typical opening hours
Morning from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (last entry 12:30 PM) and afternoon from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM).
Admission
Free with voluntary contribution to the FAI. Priority access for members of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano.
How to get there
Acquaviva Picena (AP) can be reached by car from the A14 highway exit of San Benedetto del Tronto, a few kilometers from the coast. The nearest train station is San Benedetto del Tronto, connected to the village by local buses.
Information and reservations
Special and accessible tours (LIS) by reservation at +39 340 6764280. Full program at fondoambiente.it searching for "Acquaviva Picena".
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Where does it take place — FAI Spring Days Acquaviva
Centro storico di Acquaviva Picena