by InTrieste
On Sept. 26 and 27, museums, castles, archaeological sites and historic archives across Friuli Venezia Giulia will join hundreds of cultural institutions throughout Italy for the 2026 edition of European Heritage Days, the continent’s largest annual celebration of shared cultural heritage.
This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk: Protect, Renew, Reimagine,” invites visitors to reflect on how historic places can be preserved while adapting to contemporary challenges, from climate change to urban transformation. The initiative is promoted by the Council of Europe and the European Commission and coordinated in Italy by the Ministry of Culture.
Highlights across the region
In Trieste, Miramare will host a special evening opening on Saturday, with cultural workshops and guided activities continuing throughout the weekend.
In Aquileia, the National Archaeological Museum will remain open until 11 p.m. on Saturday, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most significant Roman collections for the symbolic admission price of €1.
Meanwhile, Cividale del Friuli will combine archaeology and music with evening guided tours on Saturday and a Sunday concert inside the National Archaeological Museum, followed by optional visits to its Lombard collections.
In Udine, the State Archives will present the restoration of the historic Catastico Mazzarolli, while opening its normally inaccessible archival storage areas to the public.
A nationwide celebration
European Heritage Days have been held annually since 1991, encouraging Europeans to discover the cultural landmarks that connect communities across borders. Throughout Italy, many state museums will offer extended Saturday evening hours with admission set at just €1, while the national program continues to expand with updated events and guided visits.
More information can be found here.
