On Saturday 5th October, Italy will once again celebrate the National Day of Historic Places with a series of special events, guided tours, and tastings across restaurants, hotels, and cafés that have played a vital role in shaping the country’s history and culture.
Now in its fourth edition, the event will see 70 historic venues open their doors to the public, offering unique experiences and the chance to admire some of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious public establishments, witnesses of beauty and culture.
This year’s highlights include the celebration of the 267th anniversary of the renowned Del Cambio restaurant in Turin, once frequented by Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. Today, Del Cambio continues to be an icon of fine dining, with Michelin-starred chef Matteo Baronetto at the helm.
Among the other venues participating in this year’s festivities is Rome’s iconic Antico Caffè Greco, located on the historic Via dei Condotti. After a much-anticipated reopening, the café welcomes visitors once more for this annual celebration of Italy’s historic places.
New Entries and Historic Icons
Also in Rome, the famed Il Vero Alfredo restaurant is a notable new addition to the National Association of Historic Places of Italy. This institution, known worldwide for its signature fettuccine Alfredo, became part of the association in 2023. Its walls are adorned with photographs of celebrities who have enjoyed its famous dish, making it a must-visit for those exploring the city’s culinary heritage.
In Naples, visitors can stop by the Locanda del Cerriglio, a historic tavern where the artist Caravaggio was attacked and disfigured in 1609 after dining there. Genoa’s Confetteria Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano, the country’s most distinguished confectionery, is another key participant. This illustrious sweet shop is renowned for its candied fruit, once praised by Giuseppe Verdi, who noted how it “exquisitely seasoned every type of fruit.”
Venice’s Hotel al Sole – Palazzo Marcello also joins the initiative, while Turin’s Caffè Confetteria Abrate, a former supplier to the Royal House, is taking part for the first time this year.
In Norcia, the historic Albergo Palazzo Seneca, a hotel that has hosted many prominent figures over the years, will welcome visitors to explore its restored beauty.
Historic Moments and Unforgettable Locations
The Caffè dell’Ussero in Pisa is another key participant. It holds the distinction of being the venue where the Lumière brothers’ first animated images were shown in 1899. Meanwhile, Palermo’s Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a legendary spot where Giuseppe Garibaldi is said to have refreshed himself during the conquest of Palermo, opens its doors for the occasion.
Milan’s Ristorante da Berti, known in the past as the “thieves’ tavern” but now a gathering place for intellectuals and writers, will also take part.
The National Day of Historic Places offers a rare opportunity to step inside these extraordinary venues, each with its own unique story and cultural significance.
