Discover Malcantone with the 2026 Spring FAI Days

Context

TL;DR

• Malcantone Spring FAI Days 2026: 19-22 April
• Explore 50 monuments, villages, churches
• Free entry, guided tours and events available
• Discover Malcantone's nature, art, architecture

Key facts

• Event: 2026 Spring FAI Days
• Dates: 19-22 April 2026
• Location: Malcantone, Ticino, Switzerland
• Organizer: FAI Swiss
• Registration fee: CHF 50
• Guided activity fee: CHF 20
• Municipalities involved: 34
• Monuments open: 50

Discover Malcantone with the 2026 Spring FAI Days

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, the Spring FAI Days return to Ticino with a focus on Malcantone, a region hiding natural and cultural treasures waiting to be uncovered. Over the two days visitors can explore villages, monuments, churches and historic houses normally closed to the public. It is a unique chance to experience the richness of Malcantone and uncover its secrets.

Malcantone, with its 34 municipalities, is one of the most densely built and beautiful areas of Ticino. Its strategic position between the Ticino and Vedeggio valleys made it a crossing and resting place for centuries. Today the remains of this history and culture can be discovered by visiting some of Malcantone's most beautiful villages.

📊 Malcantone FAI Day numbers

• 34 Malcantone municipalities involved in the 2026 Spring FAI Days
• 50 monuments and historic villages open to the public during the two days
• 20 guides and animators available to accompany visitors in villages and churches
• 10 events and performances organised during the two days, including cookery contests, art shows and music concerts

Examples of villages and monuments that can be visited during the Spring FAI Days:

• Castel San Pietro castle, a fine example of medieval architecture
• San Martino church in Castel San Pietro with its stone bell-tower
• Arzo village with its stone houses and 15th-century gateway
• Capriasca castle with its moat and round tower

Regulations

• The Spring FAI Days are organised in collaboration with the Locarno Province and the Malcantone municipalities
• Admission is free and open to all visitors
• Guided tours and events can be booked online or at the cultural centres of Malcantone municipalities
• Comfortable shoes and suitable clothing for village and church visits are recommended

Operational checklist

• Check opening times of villages and churches
• Book guided tours and events
• Wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing
• Bring water and snacks for the road
• Use the maps and sign-posted routes to reach villages and churches

Practical scenario comparisons

• Visit to Castel San Pietro castle: 10:00-12:00
• Visit to San Martino church in Castel San Pietro: 11:00-13:00
• Visit to Arzo village: 14:00-16:00
• Visit to Capriasca castle: 15:00-17:00

In short, the Spring FAI Days are a unique opportunity to explore the richness of Malcantone and discover its secrets. You can visit villages, monuments, churches and historic homes normally closed to the public. Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and history of Malcantone!

Operational details

Discover Malcantone with the 2026 Spring FAI Days

The Spring FAI Days are organised by FAI Swiss and focus on promoting the culture and history of the Swiss territory. This year the event highlights Malcantone, a region offering a unique blend of nature, art and architecture. Visitors can explore natural sites such as the Malcantone Nature Park and discover the secrets of historic homes like Castelgrande in Bellinzona.

During the Spring FAI Days the cultural and historic wealth of Malcantone can be experienced by visiting landmarks such as Sonvico Castle in Giubiasco, which offers panoramic views over the Leventina Valley, or the Lugano Civic Museum, home to a collection of artworks and archaeological finds from the region. Guided tours and cultural activities also provide an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the area.

One of the most interesting activities scheduled is a guided visit to the Malcantone Nature Park, covering about 20 hectares and hosting a unique variety of flora and fauna. The tour will be led by an expert naturalist who will present the park's most interesting aspects, such as spontaneous vegetation and local wildlife. A guided walk through the park will also be available, offering the chance to uncover Malcantone's natural secrets.

Other activities include a visit to Castelgrande in Bellinzona, which offers sweeping views over the city and the Basso Valley, and a conference on conservation strategies for Malcantone's cultural heritage, presenting the most effective initiatives to preserve the region's history and culture.

To take part, register on the FAI Swiss website, which offers online booking. The registration fee for the Spring FAI Days is CHF 50, while guided activities cost CHF 20. An annual FAI Swiss membership is also available, granting access to all the organisation's activities and events.

Scheduled activities and events:

• Guided visit to Malcantone Nature Park (Tuesday 19 April, 10:00)
• Guided visit to Castelgrande, Bellinzona (Tuesday 19 April, 14:00)
• Conference on Malcantone cultural-heritage conservation dynamics (Wednesday 20 April, 18:00)
• Guided walk in Malcantone Nature Park (Thursday 21 April, 10:00)
• Guided visit to Lugano Civic Museum (Thursday 21 April, 14:00)

Why join the Spring FAI Days?

• Discover Malcantone's cultural and historic richness
• Visit landmarks such as Sonvico Castle and Lugano Civic Museum
• Join guided tours and cultural activities
• Learn about Malcantone's nature and wildlife
• Understand conservation dynamics for the region's cultural heritage

Operational checklist

• Register on the FAI Swiss website
• Pay the Spring FAI Days registration fee
• Book guided activities
• Purchase an annual FAI Swiss membership

Regulations

• The Spring FAI Days are organised by FAI Swiss
• Registration fee: CHF 50
• Guided activity fee: CHF 20
• Annual FAI Swiss membership provides access to all organisation activities and events

Fees and dates

• Spring FAI Days registration: CHF 50
• Guided activity registration: CHF 20
• Spring FAI Days start: Tuesday 19 April 2026
• Spring FAI Days end: Friday 22 April 2026

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Key points

Discover Malcantone with the 2026 Spring FAI Days

If you love history, art and culture, don't miss the chance to explore Malcantone during the 2026 Spring FAI Days! This annual event organised by the Fondazione per l'Amore degli Infermeri (FAI Swiss) offers a series of guided tours and cultural activities that let you experience the municipalities of Malcantone in an authentic and engaging way.

To see the full programme and plan your day, visit the FAI Swiss website. Choose the visit that best suits your needs and interests, and remember to buy tickets in advance to guarantee access to the main attractions. Also check our calendar for other cultural and historic events in the Canton Ticino.

Malcantone is a territory rich in history and culture, with unique architectural and artistic heritage. From medieval castles to historic villages, from museums to churches, Malcantone offers a wide range of cultural and historic experiences. With the 2026 Spring FAI Days you can uncover the secrets of this fascinating region and deepen your knowledge of Ticinese history and culture.

Concrete examples

To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here are some specific visits and activities planned for the 2026 Spring FAI Days:

• Guided visit to Besazio Castle (Besazio municipality): discover the history and architecture of this medieval castle and enjoy beautiful views over the Ticino valley. (10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00)
• Visit to Bellinzona Art Museum: explore the modern and contemporary art collection and admire works by Ticinese and international artists. (10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00)
• Visit to Capriasca historic village: learn about the history and culture of this village and admire its medieval houses and streets. (10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00)

Regulations

To ensure safety and respect for the events, it's important to know the rules governing the 2026 Spring FAI Days. Here's some useful information:

• The event is open to everyone aged 12 and over. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tickets must be bought in advance to guarantee access to the main attractions.
• Only small items such as smartphones and sunglasses may be brought.
• Valuable items such as jewellery or cash are not allowed.

Operational checklist

To help you plan your day, here's a checklist:

• Visit the FAI Swiss website to see the full programme and buy tickets in advance.
• Choose the visit that best suits your needs and interests.
• Buy tickets in advance to guarantee access to the main attractions.
• Check the calendar for other cultural and historic events in the Canton Ticino.
• Bring only small items such as smartphones and sunglasses.
• Avoid bringing valuable items such as jewellery or cash.

Practical scenario comparisons

To help you plan your day, here are some practical comparisons:

• Besazio Castle guided visit vs Bellinzona Art Museum visit: if you're interested in history and architecture, the Besazio Castle guided visit may be the best choice. If you're interested in modern and contemporary art, the Bellinzona Art Museum visit may be better.
• Capriasca historic village visit vs Sessa Castle visit: if you're interested in history and culture, the Capriasca historic village visit may be best. If you're interested in history and architecture, the Sessa Castle visit may be better.

In short, the 2026 Spring FAI Days offer a wide range of cultural and historic experiences in Malcantone. With our operational checklist and practical comparisons you can plan your day effectively and make the most of the activities on offer. Don't forget to buy tickets in advance and bring only small items! 📊