by InTrieste
This weekend, Italy will join countries across the continent to celebrate European Heritage Days, an annual event that draws millions to explore Europe’s rich cultural legacy. On Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, museums and cultural sites across the country will host guided tours, concerts, workshops, and special openings, all under the theme “Heritage on the Move.” The celebration, which echoes the European slogan “Routes, Networks, and Connections,” invites participants to reflect on the cultural connections forged over centuries.
From the historic Miramare Castle in Trieste to the ancient Roman city of Aquileia and the Lombard stronghold of Cividale del Friuli, visitors will have a chance to experience Italy’s heritage through interactive, family-friendly activities designed to bring history to life.
A Celebration of Heritage at Miramare Castle
The iconic Miramare Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, will open its doors for a weekend of extraordinary events. On Saturday afternoon, a themed tour will be followed by a children’s workshop, “Salad of Words,” where young visitors will create their own imaginative menus after exploring the castle’s historic kitchens.
For evening visitors, Miramare will offer a special nighttime opening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with admission priced at just €1. The evening promises a rare chance to explore the castle’s majestic halls under moonlight.
On Sunday, families can participate in the “Castle in Bloom” activity, a themed tour and workshop where children and parents alike can uncover the floral details of the royal residence and craft their own flower arrangements.
Aquileia and the Rediscovery of Roman Heritage
In Aquileia, once a key Roman trading post, the National Archaeological Museum will offer an equally exciting program. Friday will see the launch of the EducA project, a new initiative aimed at enriching the educational offerings at UNESCO sites across Italy. Designed in collaboration with the Aquileia Foundation, the project promises to bring students of all ages closer to Italy’s archaeological heritage through guided tours and workshops beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Saturday morning will feature a guided tour by the museum’s director, Marta Novello, followed by a treasure hunt for children in the afternoon. The museum will remain open until 10:00 p.m., with entry at just €1 after 7:00 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy a piano concert at 6:30 p.m. by Diego Vrech, featuring works by Liszt.
On Sunday, Aquileia will continue its musical offerings with a “Romantic Matinée” concert at 11:00 a.m., where young musicians will perform pieces by Schubert and Schumann.
Cividale del Friuli: Journeying Back to the Lombard Era
Cividale del Friuli, the city once ruled by the Lombards, will also host a full weekend of activities designed to take visitors back in time. On Saturday afternoon, guests can join a “Journey through Time with the Lombard Passport,” where they will meet reenactors portraying Lombards and explore historical objects. A Saturday night concert, “Dechameron,” will transport audiences to medieval Florence, with music inspired by Boccaccio’s Decameron performed on period instruments.
Sunday will bring a unique adventure for children in “A Hunt for Stories: Fantastic Animals and Where to Find Them.” The workshop will lead young visitors on a treasure hunt through the museum’s archaeological collections, imagining mythical creatures along the way.
A Weekend of Connections
The theme of this year’s European Heritage Days—exploring the networks and connections that have shaped European identity—resonates across all the events. From the ancient Roman roads in Aquileia to the trade routes that passed through Lombard Cividale, these sites are reminders of how cultural exchange has shaped the world we live in today.
With events designed for all ages, the European Heritage Days offer a chance to engage with Italy’s cultural heritage in new and exciting ways. Whether discovering the floral secrets of Miramare Castle or journeying back to the medieval world in Cividale, this weekend’s events promise to bring history alive.
