CASTLE
Charles V Castle is one of the most important monuments in the city.
Its long history, from its construction in the Norman era to its transformation into a barracks at the end of the 19th century, as well as the discoveries following the restoration and archaeological excavation works of recent decades, have allowed it to be defined even more as a symbolic place of the city of Lecce and of the entire Salento area.
Managed since 2023 by Castello Svevo di Bari - Regional Directorate of National Museums of Puglia, in collaboration with local bodies, the Castle is an important stop in the visit of the city, allowing you to delve into those historical, medieval and sixteenth-century phases, almost "hidden" by the urban and architectural development of the Baroque era, but fundamental for the development of our territory.
The Castle, in addition to hosting temporary exhibitions and events, contains two important installations inside. In the area of the ancient stables is the Cartapesta Museum, where, through important works, the history of this traditional Lecce art is told.
Recently, where the kitchens of the Castle were once located, a specific installation tells the story of the important Roman-era entertainment buildings of Lecce, the theatre and the amphitheatre, today also belonging to the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Puglia, thanks to two faithful reconstruction models of how these buildings must have appeared to the eyes of the inhabitants of Lupiae.
Recently, where the kitchens of the Castle were once located, a specific installation tells the story of the important Roman-era entertainment buildings of Lecce, the theater and the amphitheater, now also belonging to the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Puglia, thanks to two faithful reconstruction models of how these buildings must have appeared to the eyes of the inhabitants of Lupiae.
The Castle of Lecce is the largest fortified structure in Puglia. Commonly called "Castle Charles V", it has origins much older than the 16th century renovation visible today. It was in fact built as the residence of the Counts of Lecce, in the Norman era, in the mid-12th century, at the time of Roger II of Altavilla. The current fortress is the work of the General Engineer of the Kingdom Giangiacomo dell'Acaya, commissioned by the Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo, within the defensive renovation project of the territory promoted by the Emperor Charles V.
