On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November, the long-awaited FAI Autumn Days return, as the Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary. A special weekend dedicated to rediscovering the beauty scattered across the Italian landscape, between art, nature, and memory. The Marche region, the only one in Italy with a plural name, will be featured with a selection of extraordinary places, often little-known but rich in history and charm.
Thanks to the commitment of FAI volunteers, visitors will be able to explore monuments, gardens, palaces, and scenic viewpoints along the Riviera del Conero, accompanied by stories, insights, and engaging itineraries.
Here are the sites selected to enrich this two-day event:
Villa Favorita (ISTAO Headquarters) – ANCONA
Built between the late 18th and early 19th century by Count Luigi Ricotti, Villa Favorita stands on a hill in the Baraccola district, once countryside, now industrial. Surrounded by a 16,000 m² park, it remains secluded and serene. On 29 September 1860, the peace after the Battle of Castelfidardo was signed here, marking the annexation of the Marche to the Kingdom of Italy. Since 1998, it has hosted ISTAO, following restoration led by Giorgio Fuà.
Opening hours:
Saturday 15:00–18:00
Sunday 10:00–18:00
Villa Bonci – LORETO
Commissioned by tenor Alessandro Bonci in 1904 to honor his homeland and rival Beniamino Gigli, Villa Bonci overlooks the sea and the Sibillini Mountains. In the 1930s, the adjacent Baracca Institute was founded to support orphans of the Air Force. The project continued until 1984 and today the Air Force still maintains the complex.
Opening hours:
Saturday 15:00–18:30
Sunday 9:30–12:30 and 15:00–18:30
Fire Brigade Headquarters – ANCONA
Located near the city center and Galleria Risorgimento, the Ancona Fire Brigade Headquarters manages a diverse territory and strategic sites like the port, airport, and refinery. Built with seismic isolators and advanced technologies, the complex includes operational spaces, offices, and underground facilities.
Opening hours:
Saturday 15:00–18:00
Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00
City Hall (formerly Palazzo del Popolo) – ANCONA
Facing Piazza XXIV Maggio, this rationalist-style building was inaugurated in 1932 and designed by architect Luchetti Gentiloni. Once a symbol of central power, it was renamed after fascism and now houses the City Council and municipal offices.
Opening hours:
Sunday 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–17:30
Church of Santa Barbara (inside the Naval Base) – ANCONA
Built in 1956 within the Piano San Lazzaro military compound, the church houses relics from the Famedio of the Italian Sailor, brought from Pola in 1947. Designed by architect Grassi, it blends modern structure with neo-Byzantine elements.
Opening hours:
Saturday and Sunday 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–17:30
Bishops’ Hall (Apostolic Palace) – LORETO
Commissioned by Pope Julius II and designed by Bramante, the Apostolic Palace overlooks Piazza della Madonna. The Bishops’ Hall, usually closed to the public, will display rare works including Lorenzo Lotto’s ledger and Pomarancio’s drawings.
Opening hours:
Saturday 15:00–17:30
Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–17:30
The Garden on the Hill of Infinity – RECANATI
Part of the ancient S. Stefano complex, this garden was restored in 2019 for the bicentenary of Leopardi’s poem. It offers a peaceful view over the hills, sea, and mountains, and concludes the visit from the nearby Leopardi Study Center.
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00–19:00
For more information, visit the FAI website and explore all the experiences offered during the FAI Autumn Days.