On Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, Castelli Aperti FVG returns, the event promoted by the Consortium for the Safeguarding of the Historic Castles of Friuli Venezia Giulia dedicated to exploring manors, historic residences and parks in the region that are typically not accessible to the public.
The autumn 2026 edition brings together beautiful structures spread across the provinces and offers an itinerary that ranges from the mountains to the hills, from the plains to the coast.
The 2026 novelty is the Castle of Valvasone
Among the main novelties stands the Castle of Valvasone, which opens its doors to the public for the first time within Castelli Aperti: built in the 13th century, it formed the original core of the village of Valvasone and belonged to the ancient Valvasone family, later passing to the Cuccagna of Spilimbergo from 1293.
Over the centuries it has hosted important historical figures, including Pope Gregory XII, who stayed there in 1409, Pope Pius VI in 1782 and Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797.
Thanks to recent restorations of the central wing, during the Castelli Aperti days it will be possible to view some of the most significant interiors of the structure, starting with the eighteenth-century Teatrino, decorated with frescoes inspired by the works of the count Erasmo di Valvasone. In one of the rooms, thirteenth-century frescoes have also come to light, while on the upper floors the Oratory of the Immaculate enchants visitors, characterized by the seventeenth-century stuccoes created by Bernardino Barelio.
Twelve historic residences open in the Province of Udine
It is the Province of Udine that concentrates the greatest number of structures involved in the autumn edition, with twelve manors and historic homes. They form part of the circuit: the Castle of Strassoldo di Sotto and the Castle of Strassoldo di Sopra, the Monastery Estate – Villa Ritter de Záhony in Aquileia, the Castle of Flambruzzo and the Casaforte of Bergum in Remanzacco.
The itinerary continues with the Castle of Ahrensperg in Pulfero, the Castle of Villalta in Fagagna, Palazzo Romano in Manzano, Palazzo Steffaneo Roncato in Crauglio di San Vito al Torre, the Castle of Susans in Majano, the Castle of Colloredo in Monte Albano and the Casaforte La Brunelde in Fagagna.
The other splendid castles open
There are four structures in the Province of Pordenone taking part in Castelli Aperti FVG 2026: the Castle of Cordovado, Palazzo Panigai Ovio in Pravisdomini and the Castle of Spilimbergo, with the Castle of Valvasone added as the highlight of this edition’s new opening.
To represent the Province of Gorizia will be the Rocca di Monfalcone, while in the Province of Trieste the public can visit the Castle of Muggia, perched by the sea.
Reservations, tickets and information for visits
To participate in the visits, it is important to verify the procedures set by each structure: booking is mandatory for the Monastery Estate – Villa Ritter de Záhony, for the Castle of Spilimbergo and for the Castle of Colloredo di Monte Albano; it is recommended for the Rocca di Monfalcone, Palazzo Romano and the Castle of Valvasone. For the other castles, no booking is required.
The entry price ranges from 7 to 10 euros depending on the castle and the activities offered. For children aged 7 to 12, a ticket of 3.50 euros is provided, while entry is free for children up to 6 years old.
Regarding accessibility, the Castello di Cordovado, Palazzo Romano, Palazzo Steffaneo Roncato, the Castle of Susans and the Castle of Valvasone are indicated as accessible to visitors with disabilities. Animals are allowed at the Rocca di Monfalcone, at the Castle of Strassoldo di Sotto, at the Monastery Estate – Villa Ritter de Záhony, at the Castle of Flambruzzo, at the Casaforte of Bergum, at Palazzo Panigai Ovio, at Palazzo Romano, at the Castle of Strassoldo di Sopra, at Palazzo Steffaneo Roncato and at the Castle of Susans.
The complete program, with hours, visit modalities and any booking indications, is available on the website of the Consortium for the Safeguarding of the Historic Castles of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
