L’Aquila, January 23, 2025—The first day of “Palazzi aperti” was presented , kicking off the program for L’Aquila, Italian Capital of Culture 2026. The initiative was presented during a press conference attended by the deputy mayor of L’Aquila, Raffaele Daniele; the national vice president and president of ADSI Abruzzo, Giovanni Ciarrocca; and the president of the Angelo de Nardis Association of Prata, Carlo Ferdinando de Nardis.

Organized bythe Italian Historic Homes Association— Abruzzo chapter—andthe Angelo de Nardis Association of Prata, in close collaboration, “Palazzi aperti” consists of special public openings of historic buildings, noble palaces, oratories, courtyards, and monumental sites in the city of L’Aquila and the surrounding area—places that are normally inaccessible or little known.

The first day is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, and marks the start of a series of events that will run throughout 2026: One Sunday a month, dozens of historic homes will open their doors, offering residents and visitors a journey of discovery through the widespread architectural heritage that has helped shape L’Aquila’s urban and social identity over the centuries. The dates for “Palazzi aperti” are: January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26, May 24 (National Historic Homes Day), June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 29, and December 27.

“Open Palaces” is the first initiative of the “Cultural Residences” project, which, in a comprehensive manner, will bring together the activities of L’Aquila’s cultural institutions with its private heritage.

The schedule for January 25

On January 25, there will be guided tours—organized in collaboration with WelcomeAQ and available for online booking—as well as free access to courtyards and common areas in the historic center.

Among the scheduled guided tours:

• Sala Baiocco – Albergo Italia, an iconic venue in L’Aquila from the Belle Époque era, has reopened for a preview thanks to a collaboration with the L’Aquila Young Association;
• Palazzo Alfieri – Istituto Santa Maria degli Angeli, the first major Renaissance palace in L’Aquila and a 15th-century masterpiece of the city;
• Palazzo Benedetti, an architectural complex where the medieval quarters of the Gaglioffi family coexist with the sumptuous halls of the 18th and 19th centuries;
• Oratory of St. Anthony of the Knights of Nardis, a private church that is one of the city’s masterpieces of Baroque architecture;
• Palazzo Cipolloni-Cannella, an important building that—thanks to the Gliubich Auction House, which occupies its main floor—stands as a notable example of the dialogue between historical heritage and cultural entrepreneurship.

In addition to the guided tours, numerous historic courtyards will be open to the public, including Palazzo Carli-Benedetti, Palazzo Dragonetti, Palazzo Nardis, Palazzo Pica Alfieri, and other buildings in the historic center, offering a wide-ranging urban itinerary that explores architecture, history, and daily life. The day will conclude at 5:30 p.m. at Palazzo Nardis with the lecture “Gods and Warriors Among the Sabines and Vestini. L’Aquila between the 8th and 1st centuries B.C. in light of the latest discoveries, ” organized by the Archeoclub L’Aquila and presented by archaeologist Alberta Martellone (SABAP L’Aquila and Teramo). The event kicks off a series of twelve lectures dedicated to the city’s history, hosted in historic palaces during the open house events. Through “Palazzi aperti – Dimore culturali,” L’Aquila aims to highlight its private architectural heritage as a vibrant space for culture and community engagement, built on collaboration among associations, institutions, property owners, and the community.

“‘Open Palaces’ is an initiative that fully embodies the spirit of L’Aquila as the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture: a culture that is widespread, accessible, and capable of engaging the entire city. Opening these buildings means giving back to the community a fundamental part of our history and creating a journey that will accompany L’Aquila throughout the year, strengthening its cultural identity,” said Raffaele Daniele, deputy mayor of L’Aquila.

“In organizing ‘Palazzi aperti,’ dialogue with local cultural institutions and the city’s vibrant network of organizations was crucial. This collaboration made it possible to develop a shared program that combines historical research, public outreach, and community participation, highlighting L’Aquila’s urban and community dimensions,” emphasized Carlo Ferdinando de Nardis, president of the Angelo de Nardis Association of Prata.

“The project, which involves so many historic homes, highlights the role of private cultural heritage within the virtuous relationship and intersections between cities and their surrounding areas, citizens, and institutions. The members of the Association of Italian Historic Residences, the families, and the businesses that have joined the project—opening their homes with a great sense of responsibility—demonstrate how the promotion of cultural heritage depends on dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors. This is particularly true on this occasion—a unique one for L’Aquila—of deepening understanding and fostering connections, as President Mattarella noted in his opening remarks,” concluded Giovanni Ciarrocca, national vice president of ADSI and president of ADSI Abruzzo.

The list of courtyards open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.:

Palazzo Alessandri (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 112); Palazzo Ardinghelli (Piazza Santa Maria Paganica); Palazzo Burri-Gatti (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 111); Palazzo Cappa-Cappelli (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 23); Palazzo Carli-Benedetti (Via Accursio, 17); Palazzo Ciccozzi (Via Indipendenza, 13); Palazzo Colantoni (Via Cembalo di Colantoni, 26/28); Palazzo Dragonetti (Via Santa Giusta, 10); Dragonetti Palace (Via Fortebraccio, 12); Nardis Palace (Via San Marciano, 9); Porcinari Palace (Piazza San Pietro); Pica Alfieri Palace (Via Andrea Bafile, 19).

For reservations: https://tinyurl.com/palazziaperti
Email: info@welcomeaq.com
Phone: 0862295927 and 3791508492