FAI Autumn Days come back on the 15h and 16th October 2022, for their 11th edition.

FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano, has the mission of protecting and promoting the immense artistic, historic and cultural heritage of Italy. During the FAI Autumn Days, there are many places that are open to the public, where tourists are usually not allowed. More than 700 attractions in 350 cities can be visited during that weekend.

In this article, you will find a list of places that are visitable during the FAI Autumn Days 2022 in Sicily, among noble palaces, churches, and villas.

Donnafugata Pantesco Garden, Pantelleria

In Pantelleria, there are particular gardens: they have a circular shape and they are built with stones. Their shape serves as a protection for plants from the strong winds of the island.

The Donnafugata Pantesco Garden is included in the frame of those gardens and it's one of the remaining few. In its center, you will find a secular orange tree. The fence is in lava stone, which is responsible for the creation of a micro-climate inside, keeping the plant watered.

Loggiato San Bartolomeo, Palermo

Loggiato San Bartolomeo is the remaining piece of an XVIII century hospital. It was built during the Reign of the viceroy Vigliena, who expanded it with an arcade and a courtyard.

During WWII, it was bombed and almost entirely destroyed. Nowadays, the only thing left is loggiato.

Porta Nuova, Palermo

One of the old entrances to Palermo, Porta Nuova is representative of the eras that the city has crossed. Each facade is different and has different architectural style: from classical to mannerist, and arabic.

It will be visitable without booking from 11:00 to 16:30 and it's near Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Dome of Carmine Maggiore, Palermo

Dome of Carmine Maggiore is one of the main panoramic point of the square, from which you can admire the city.

Basilica of San Nicolò L'Arena, Catania

The Church of San Nicolò L'Arena is located in Catania, and it's the tallest place of catholic worship in the island. It was built after the Etna eruption of XVII century, and it substitutes an older temple that was located there.

Spirduta, Syracuse

Among the alleys of Ortigia, the ancient part of Syracuse, there are many hidden legends. One of those is about the spirduta, a story of love, betrayal, and suicide. This story was set in a precise point in Ortigia, which is nowaday known as the "spirduta", rather than its real name, via Anacreonte. This is an itinerary that is carried by the FAI Autumn days 2022 in Sicily, and you can take part in it.

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October 11th, 2022