The Italian city of Vicenza is set to welcome nearly 950 members of an extended family who will essentially take complete control of its historic center.

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The Italian news agency ANSA reported Saturday that when hundreds of members of the Zarantonello family arrive in Vicenza next weekend for their family reunion, their vast numbers will force the Via Palladio center to close its doors to the general public.

Instead the historical locale will only service the Zarantonellos on May 27, when they congregate to share their familial tales and gossip from around the globe.

To mark the special occasion and temporary closure of one's of the city's most treasured locations, Vicenza's mayor sent a letter to each of the prospective visitors inviting them to attend.

"We'll welcome you in Vicenza's main street and in Piazza dei Signori just like a relative would welcome you into the best room of the house," Mayor Enrico Hullbeck wrote.

While dozens of family members have not confirmed their attendance, ANSA said the event will still mark the family's largest reunion since they began in 1994.