Cultural Sunday in Tuscany: XIV Giornata Nazionale ADSI

May 23, 2024 – Looking for ideas on what to do next Sunday in Tuscany? Then check out this tip: XIV Giornata Nazionale ADSI. Here, we’ll explain exactly what it is and how it works: but let me tell you upfront, it’s a unique and free event in the major cities of Italy.

What is the Giornata Nazionale ADSI?

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Tuscany will transform into the world’s largest open-air museum with the XIV Giornata Nazionale dell’Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane (ADSI).

This annual event, which has already become a tradition, offers a unique opportunity for lovers of history, culture, and architecture to explore more than 450 exclusive sites across Italy for free.

From imposing castles to luxurious villas, and from lush parks to charming gardens, the Giornata Nazionale allows for a deep immersion into Italy’s rich cultural heritage. Besides being an unforgettable experience, the event highlights the potential of these historic sites for the country’s long-term sustainable development.

During this special day, visitors will have access to an impressive variety of historic properties, many of which are usually closed to the public. The full list of attractions throughout Italy is available here.

Below are some suggestions of what to see in Florence (but there are options in many other cities in Tuscany!).

Giornata Nazionale ADSI in Florence

Have you already visited the main attractions in Florence like the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia and are looking for something new and interesting? Exclusively on Sunday, May 26, 2024, you will have the opportunity to enter some incredible places for free.

Palazzo Corsini Gardens (Via Il Prato 58) will be open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM without the need for a reservation, and to top it off, there will be a concert at 4:00 PM by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.

In the heart of Florence, Palazzo Antinori (Piazza Antinori 3) will also open its doors to visitors from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM with free entry and no reservation required. The building was constructed between 1461 and 1469 at the request of banker Giovanni di Bono Boni, and a few years later, in 1475, it was purchased by Lorenzo de’ Medici, “the Magnificent,” after Boni’s bankruptcy. The palace then passed to Carlo and Ugolino Martelli, who sold it to Niccolò di Tommaso Antinori.

Palazzo Frescobaldi (Via Santo Spirito 11) will be open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM with free entry and no reservation required. The current Palazzo Frescobaldi is the result of successive renovations over the centuries, culminating in a careful restoration by architect Emilio Dori in the 20th century. The construction of the grand palace, which unites ancient structures such as towers and medieval and Renaissance houses, was commissioned by Matteo Frescobaldi between 1621 and 1644. Located in the so-called “Fondaccio di Santo Spirito,” the result was a more spacious and representative residence that, behind a modern, linear, and simple facade, internally retained some structural elements of the ancient buildings.

So, if you’re in Tuscany next Sunday, don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the region’s hidden gems and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Italy!