Italy sees the return of the National Day of the Italian Historic Houses Association (ADSI) on Sunday 23 May. More than 300 castles, fortresses, villas, parks, gardens across Italy will open their doors for free as part of the 2021 edition of the Giornata Nazionale dell’Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane.

The ADSI says the day offers "an important opportunity to rediscover the beauties of our country" which, prior to the pandemic, attracted 45 million visitors a year. The association also paid tribute to the owners of the private properties along with the gardeners, artisans and restorers who are crucial in maintaining the valuable heritage sites.