April, the sweet month for sleeping? Certainly not with all the events organized by FAI at its sites!

April 5-6

At Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, the "villa of delight" just steps from Lake Maggiore, don’t miss the 30th edition of the market exhibition “Le Giornate delle Camelie” (The Days of the Camellias), dedicated to these beautiful evergreen shrubs from the Far East and their gently rounded flowers, organized by FAI in collaboration with the Italian Camellia Society.

On Sunday, April 6, Villa dei Vescovi in the Euganean Hills hosts the first edition of “Herbarium,” an event dedicated to medicinal herbs, flowers, and plants, organized in collaboration with the Abbey of Praglia, which guards ancient traditions related to the cultivation and collection of medicinal plants. The event’s rich program will include a market exhibition, special guided tours, and interesting hands-on and creative workshops for both adults and children.

At the Bosco di San Francesco in Assisi, you can participate in “Herbatica,” a day of discovering spontaneous plant species found in the FAI site, walking and chatting outdoors with experts. This is a way to learn to recognize and appreciate the biodiversity of our territories, through the knowledge and stories of all the natural resources present. During the day, there will also be an art session led by medieval expert Monica Lupparelli, who will tell us about the plants that could be found in monastic gardens.

On the first Sunday of April, come and discover the Giardino della Kolymbethra in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with the initiative “Un Paesaggio da Mangiare” (A Landscape to Eat), dedicated to pistachios. Through the excellent local products, you’ll discover the history of the site in a new light.

April 12-13

In mid-April, the Monastero di Torba in Gornate Olona (VA) will host “Herbarium,” an event dedicated to medicinal plants and their numerous past and current uses, combining folklore, traditions, and science. This theme is closely tied to the history of the place, where the nuns of the monastery cultivated and processed medicinal and aromatic herbs for centuries. Over two days, this history will be told to the public through various activities, including hikes, workshops, and family-friendly experiences.

At the Castello di Avio, the second edition of “Selvatica” will take place, an event for families and children focused on the wildlife that populates the forest surrounding the castle walls. Badgers, foxes, owls, ibex, and not to forget the animals that are part of the castle’s life, like the spotted salamander and the kestrel. This event is organized in collaboration with CRAS - Centro Recupero Animali Selvatici and the Forest Service and Wildlife Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento.

For those who love walks and birdwatching, on Sunday, April 13, a special guided tour will take place at the Baia di Ieranto on the Sorrento Peninsula, where you can discover bird migrations, particularly of the peregrine falcon. The promontory is situated in the heart of one of the most important migratory routes for birds of prey, such as this species.

April 20-21: Easter and Easter Monday

From north to south, this year our sites are ready to welcome you for Easter weekend and Easter Monday. In particular, on Easter Monday, you can spend a pleasant and fun day surrounded by culture, art, and nature. Many activities are planned: you can enjoy a picnic on the lawn, participate in team games, take walks in nature, and join creative workshops for both adults and children.

April 25 and May 1: Italian National Holidays

On the occasion of Liberation Day and Labor Day, Villa Gregoriana becomes the ideal destination for a day trip just outside of Rome: a day to enjoy with family or friends in a unique and emotional setting, enriched with visits and activities for children, all in close contact with nature.

From April 25 to 27, the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate in Lecce will host “Lu Panieri,” the traditional agricultural fair representing a piece of local history, childhood memories, and a revived tradition thanks to the FAI for the Feast of Madonna di Cerrate. Historically, "Lu Panieri" was a small market for donuts, toys, kitchenware, fresh and dried fruits, and various trinkets, as noted by Castromediano. Today, it opens up to Salento craftsmanship, ancient trades, and the incredible variety of local gastronomy.

Also, from May 1 to 4, the Castello di Avio will host the second edition of “Herbarium,” a day dedicated to medicinal herbs, flowers, plants, and the story of their many uses, both past and present. In addition to the market exhibition, the program will feature practical workshops for adults and children to learn how to make seed bombs, aromatic salt, a small balcony garden, and to experiment with botanical drawing techniques.

From Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 4, the Castello di Masino in Caravino (TO) will host the 33rd edition of “Tre Giorni per Giardino” (Three Days for the Garden) one of the most important and appreciated floricultural events in Italy, dedicated to “The Possible Garden: Time and Care.”