by InTrieste
Sumptuous halls, valuable pieces of art, architecture and dream gardens: Castelli Aperti, one of the most popular events in Friuli Venezia Giulia, returns for the spring edition this weekend, 6-7 April.
Various private castles of Friuli Venezia Giulia are opening their doors to public this weekend – from castles overlooking the gulf, on the green hills, in the city center, or surrounded by parks. A great event for everyone wanting to discover the most beautiful castles of our region, which hide their secrets behind the front doors: magnificent gardens, halls full of artworks, history and memories of ancient times. Visitors will be personally welcomed by the owners, excellent guides, or by professional tourist guides.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is the only Italian region to have been fortified with this many castles during Middle Age. During the Roman Age its geographical location played a strategic role indeed. The Romans had built a net of fortresses, from which later the Longobards benefited for the defense of the Cividale Dukedom. FVG castles were built and run by Germanic families, that later would have become the feudal nerve center of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Other citadels were built in the period of the Patriarchs of Aquileia (1077-1420). In the same period many communities were equipped with fortresses such as Venzone, Gemona, Udine, Cividale, Monfalcone, Trieste and Muggia. During the Venetian domination (1420-1797) no new castles were built, except for Palmanova. Several elements of this defensive system are still in good preservation, while a great number is now in ruin or incorporated by more recent buildings.
There are 18 castles participating in this 2024 edition:
Castello di Aiello
Castello di Strassoldo di Sopra
Castello di Strassoldo di Sotto
Castello di Susans
Castello Savorgnan di Brazzà
Castello di Cordovado
Casaforte La Brunelde
Rocca Bernarda
Palazzo Steffaneo Roncato
Fortezza – Rocca di Monfalcone
Palazzo Panigai-Ovio
Torre San Paolino
Castello di Tricesimo
Castello di San Floriano
Castello di Villalta
Castello di Ahrensperg
Castello di Flambruzzo
Castello di Arcano
Guided tours start at these times: Saturday 15 at 15-16-17-18 / Sunday 16 at 10-11-12 and 14-15-16-17-18
Check the brochure to see which facilities require reservations.: https://consorziocastelli.it/visitare/eventi/castelli-aperti-6-7-aprile-2024-1/programma-castelli-aperti-primavera-2024
