FAI Spring Days in Borgofranco d'Ivrea

A weekend discovering the Canavese region

The FAI Spring Days are the flagship event of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (National Trust of Italy). Every year, at the beginning of spring, this major national festival opens hundreds of usually closed or little-known sites to the public. In Borgofranco d'Ivrea, located in the heart of the Canavese area near Turin, the initiative is organized by the FAI Delegation of Ivrea and Canavese, turning a whole weekend into a journey through history, architecture, and local traditions.

Palazzo Marini and the historic center

The highlight of the openings in Borgofranco is Palazzo Marini, a historic residence on Via Marini in the town center. The visit offers a chance to explore rooms and architectural details rarely open to the public, described with care by young volunteers. The village is famous for its Balmetti, unique natural cellars carved into the foot of the morainic hills, which have been used for centuries to age wine and local products—a defining element of the Canavese landscape.

The Bajo Dora Dairy Museum

In the hamlet of Bajo Dora, the Dairy Museum opens its doors, showcasing the local dairy tradition. The tour explores the techniques, tools, and culture of milk processing that shaped the economy and daily life of the area, offering an authentic glimpse into the rural world of the Canavese.

The 'Apprendisti Ciceroni'

All tours are conducted by Apprendisti Ciceroni, specially trained high school students who accompany visitors, sharing the history and secrets of these sites. This is one of the most appreciated aspects of the FAI Days: culture told by the youth, fostering a direct dialogue between generations and heritage.

A widespread event across the territory

The openings in Borgofranco d'Ivrea are part of a broader program involving various municipalities in the Canavese and Ivrea areas, including castles, parish churches, and historic sites. Participating means actively supporting the FAI's mission to protect and promote Italy's cultural and landscape heritage, in an atmosphere of discovery accessible to the whole family.