State of the Union - Open day at Villa Salviati

From 7 to 9 May 2026, the State of the Union (a plenary meeting of key representatives from the European Union to discuss the major issues facing the current international landscape) will take place in Florence. During this days the European Union is celebrated with a series of events taking place in Florence, where the EU institutions have important locations.

Open day at Villa Salviati

The Historical Archives of the European Union are housed in Villa Salviati, an ancient residence that overlooks the Mugnone valley from Via Bolognese and has the Badia Fiorentina with the European University Institute in front of it. Villa Salviati has ancient origins and a fortified appearance, but above all it has a splendid park ‘with a view’ extraordinary open on this occasion.

On 9 May, with the Open Day, Villa Salviati will be open to everyone: a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the villa, its enchanting grottoes, the courtyard decorated with friezes and terracotta roundels; the magnificent 16th-century chapel was built to celebrate the marriage that united the Salviati family with the Medici. Visit the Archives to discover the history of the European Union!

Check the programme to see all the events, including concerts, circus performances and guided tours (free of charge, but with prior booking).