'THE FAI' DAYS
abril 1, 2026
CURIOSITIES
The FAI Day (Italian Environment Fund) in Bologna is an extraordinary opportunity to discover and rediscover the historical, artistic and cultural wonders of the city. This event, which takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn, allows access to places often closed to the public and to deepen knowledge of the city’s heritage through guided tours, meetings with experts and thematic itineraries. Choosing the Hotel Commercianti you will have the opportunity to leave your car in our private parking and enjoy Bologna in peace on foot or by bike.
What is FAI Day?
Bologna, with its rich past and its dense urban fabric of history, offers a perfect scenario for the FAI Day. Thanks to the collaboration with local institutions, private citizens and volunteers, the FAI opens the doors of historic buildings, churches, convents, hidden gardens and other sites of interest that are not normally accessible to the public. One of the most fascinating aspects of FAI Day is the opportunity to explore secret corners of the city. For example, in some past editions it has been possible to visit noble palaces such as Palazzo Boncompagni, the former residence of Pope Gregory XIII, or Palazzo Davia Bargellini, with its art collections and striking baroque architecture. These buildings, with frescoes, decorated ceilings and antique furniture, tell stories of noble families and artists who have left their mark on the history of Bologna.
Churches and places of worship
The churches of Bologna, with their artistic masterpieces and their spiritual value, are another highlight of the FAI Days. Among these, we can mention the Church of San Procolo, a Romanesque jewel little known to the public, or the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, famous for the Mourning on the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell'Arca. Visitors can admire these places with a different perspective, thanks to the explanations of art historians and FAI volunteers.
Secret gardens and green spaces
In addition to the palaces and churches, a distinctive element of FAI Day in Bologna is the opening of private gardens and secret vegetable gardens. The city, famous for its arcades, hides within it green spaces of extraordinary beauty, often hidden behind imposing facades of historic buildings. In the past, participants had the opportunity to visit the Garden of Palazzo Albergati or the Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna, discovering the rich variety of plants and the history of these places.
Another fascinating aspect of FAI Day is the in-depth exploration of the city’s industrial and scientific heritage. Bologna, in fact, has a long scientific and technological tradition, linked to its ancient university and the many industries that have characterized its economic development. In this context, the FAI has in the past opened the doors of places such as the Opificio Golinelli, a centre for scientific and cultural innovation, or the Industrial Heritage Museum, where you can discover the manufacturing roots of the city.
Why attend the FAI Conference?
FAI Day guided tours are not limited to providing historical and artistic information, but often include testimonies of experts and curators, offering an immersive and engaging experience. FAI volunteers, often university students or art history enthusiasts, play a fundamental role in welcoming visitors, telling anecdotes and curiosities related to the places visited.
In addition to the visits, the FAI Day in Bologna is enriched by events such as concerts, readings, temporary exhibitions and workshops for children. These initiatives help to make the day a complete cultural experience, able to involve a diverse audience and convey the importance of the protection of historical and artistic heritage.
Participating in the FAI Day also means contributing to the mission of the Italian Environment Fund, which has been committed to the conservation and enhancement of our country’s cultural heritage for years. The contributions made during the event are intended for the restoration and maintenance of numerous artistic and landscape assets, ensuring that these wonders can also be enjoyed by future generations.
Where to stay in Bologna for FAI Days?
For those who want to fully experience the FAI Day in Bologna, the Art Hotel Commercianti is an ideal choice for your stay in Bologna. Located in the heart of the historic centre, just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore and the main attractions of the city, this elegant hotel offers a refined atmosphere and authentic hospitality. With its rooms decorated with original frescoes and antique furniture it allows guests to immerse themselves in the history of Bologna, making the stay a unique and unforgettable experience. After a day discovering the hidden treasures of Bologna. Art Hotel is the perfect central hotel for guests who want to relax in a cozy and refined environment, enjoying exclusive services and a privileged location that facilitates access to FAI events.
In conclusion, the FAI Day in Bologna represents a unique opportunity to explore the city with new eyes, discovering hidden treasures and deepening the knowledge of its history and culture. Thanks to the commitment of the FAI and its volunteers, each edition offers visitors unforgettable experiences. A stay at the Art Hotel Commercianti further enriches this experience, after having tasted local delicacies at our breakfast buffet offering a perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the historical and artistic atmosphere of the city.
Book now a the room at the Art Hotel Commercianti to discover the secrets of Bologna up close!
What is FAI Day?
Bologna, with its rich past and its dense urban fabric of history, offers a perfect scenario for the FAI Day. Thanks to the collaboration with local institutions, private citizens and volunteers, the FAI opens the doors of historic buildings, churches, convents, hidden gardens and other sites of interest that are not normally accessible to the public. One of the most fascinating aspects of FAI Day is the opportunity to explore secret corners of the city. For example, in some past editions it has been possible to visit noble palaces such as Palazzo Boncompagni, the former residence of Pope Gregory XIII, or Palazzo Davia Bargellini, with its art collections and striking baroque architecture. These buildings, with frescoes, decorated ceilings and antique furniture, tell stories of noble families and artists who have left their mark on the history of Bologna.
Churches and places of worship
The churches of Bologna, with their artistic masterpieces and their spiritual value, are another highlight of the FAI Days. Among these, we can mention the Church of San Procolo, a Romanesque jewel little known to the public, or the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, famous for the Mourning on the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell'Arca. Visitors can admire these places with a different perspective, thanks to the explanations of art historians and FAI volunteers.
Secret gardens and green spaces
In addition to the palaces and churches, a distinctive element of FAI Day in Bologna is the opening of private gardens and secret vegetable gardens. The city, famous for its arcades, hides within it green spaces of extraordinary beauty, often hidden behind imposing facades of historic buildings. In the past, participants had the opportunity to visit the Garden of Palazzo Albergati or the Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna, discovering the rich variety of plants and the history of these places.
Another fascinating aspect of FAI Day is the in-depth exploration of the city’s industrial and scientific heritage. Bologna, in fact, has a long scientific and technological tradition, linked to its ancient university and the many industries that have characterized its economic development. In this context, the FAI has in the past opened the doors of places such as the Opificio Golinelli, a centre for scientific and cultural innovation, or the Industrial Heritage Museum, where you can discover the manufacturing roots of the city.
Why attend the FAI Conference?
FAI Day guided tours are not limited to providing historical and artistic information, but often include testimonies of experts and curators, offering an immersive and engaging experience. FAI volunteers, often university students or art history enthusiasts, play a fundamental role in welcoming visitors, telling anecdotes and curiosities related to the places visited.
In addition to the visits, the FAI Day in Bologna is enriched by events such as concerts, readings, temporary exhibitions and workshops for children. These initiatives help to make the day a complete cultural experience, able to involve a diverse audience and convey the importance of the protection of historical and artistic heritage.
Participating in the FAI Day also means contributing to the mission of the Italian Environment Fund, which has been committed to the conservation and enhancement of our country’s cultural heritage for years. The contributions made during the event are intended for the restoration and maintenance of numerous artistic and landscape assets, ensuring that these wonders can also be enjoyed by future generations.
Where to stay in Bologna for FAI Days?
For those who want to fully experience the FAI Day in Bologna, the Art Hotel Commercianti is an ideal choice for your stay in Bologna. Located in the heart of the historic centre, just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore and the main attractions of the city, this elegant hotel offers a refined atmosphere and authentic hospitality. With its rooms decorated with original frescoes and antique furniture it allows guests to immerse themselves in the history of Bologna, making the stay a unique and unforgettable experience. After a day discovering the hidden treasures of Bologna. Art Hotel is the perfect central hotel for guests who want to relax in a cozy and refined environment, enjoying exclusive services and a privileged location that facilitates access to FAI events.
In conclusion, the FAI Day in Bologna represents a unique opportunity to explore the city with new eyes, discovering hidden treasures and deepening the knowledge of its history and culture. Thanks to the commitment of the FAI and its volunteers, each edition offers visitors unforgettable experiences. A stay at the Art Hotel Commercianti further enriches this experience, after having tasted local delicacies at our breakfast buffet offering a perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the historical and artistic atmosphere of the city.
Book now a the room at the Art Hotel Commercianti to discover the secrets of Bologna up close!