The country with one of the most remarkable cultural heritage collections and a home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (54) is preparing an exciting weekend for heritage enthusiasts.

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September, Italy will celebrate The Art of Sharing within European Heritage Days 2018 (Giornate Europee del Patrimonio). Museums and cultural sites throughout the country will welcome visitors to take part in the spectacular cultural experience that will include guided tours, special openings, and various thematic activities.

Places that are normally closed to the public and numerous well-known cultural sites will promote heritage sharing as well as some of the oldest and most extraordinary European traditions. With all Italian regions participating, local and international visitors are offered more than 1,000 activities ranging from visiting Duomo Museum in Milan to exploring the Legacy of Women in Florence and learning the tradition of beekeeping in Sardinia.

A trip in the Selargino territory

On Saturday 22nd September, a three-hour event in Selargino will take guests to the exploration of the extraordinary and culturally significant commune in Cagliari, Sardinia. The tour will first examine Middle Age pilgrims and the evolution of pilgrimage to Rome. Later on, visitors will be introduced to traditional Sardinian rural culture and apiculture, and will get an opportunity to learn about the structure and the historic role of the former Cavalleggeri Barracks.

Discovering the gardens of Emilia-Romagna

As a part of the fifth edition of the regional review, ViVi il Verde explores the beautiful gardens in Rimini. On Sunday 23rd September, the focal point of the guided tour through the green sites in Rimini will be the green border of the Marina Centro and the Fellini Park which are a part of the magnificently designed Kursaal gardens.

Exploring Torre del Fiscale in Rome

Ahe Appia Antica Archaeological Park organises guided tours to Torre del Fiscale Park in Rome. On this occasion the visitors will be able to visit and learn more about the monumental core of the impressive Roman aqueduct system.

From the Damages to the Museums in Napoli

The Palazzo Donn'Anna Theatre will host the event The Private Collections: From the Damages to the Museums on Saturday 22nd September. Organised by the De Felice Foundation, the programme includes a story of the magnificent Neapolitan tradition, Baroque music performances, and a video installation that narrates the idea of the project that transformed the Palazzo Donn'Anna Theatre into a centre for cultural and scientific sharing.

By celebrating and sharing its rich cultural heritage tradition in a variety of creative ways, Italy is exploring its pan-European connections and common values that have shaped its culture. This year’s participants are given the chance to discover the old legacy using the innovative means of sharing and promoting mutual heritage and principles.

Visit Italy this weekend and follow and participate in the initiative using the hashtags: #GEP2018, #artedicondividere, #museitaliani, #EHDs, and #EuropeForCulture.

For the detailed list of events, visit the official website of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities.