A model at the Museo del Teatro Romano reconstructs a large urban area of imperial-era Lupiae, ancient Lecce. The museum preserves archaeological finds from the excavations that uncovered the Roman monument and presents the exhibition “Roma. La scena della vita” on stage design and illusionistic representation in the Roman world. Here, tangible finds meet a spatial view of the ancient city.
Archaeology and Urban History
The timeline stretches far back: the Museo Provinciale “Sigismondo Castromediano” in Lecce is the oldest museum in Apulia. Its archaeological exhibitions explore the history of Salento from prehistoric times, with particular focus on the Messapian and Roman periods. The MUST – Museo Storico della città di Lecce adds its own perspective: its permanent archaeological exhibition covers the Messapian era, the Roman imperial period and the Middle Ages. 3D virtual reality, an immersive virtual tour and 3D clips focus on Lecce’s Baroque heritage.
At the MUSA – Museo Storico-Archeologico dell’Università del Salento, finds and research take centre stage. Five galleries document the work of historians and archaeologists at the university in Salento and other Mediterranean regions. More than 300 artefacts from the university’s excavations in Salento are complemented by archaeological reproductions and multimedia videos. Alongside the permanent exhibitions, the programme includes temporary exhibitions and conferences open to everyone.
The history of the Jewish community can also be traced through specific places and details. The Museo Ebraico di Lecce is housed in a medieval palace on the site of a 15th-century synagogue, in the historic Jewish quarter. On display are basins for ritual ablutions, a doorpost niche for a mezuzah, and remains of the church building on the site of the former synagogue. The museum presents the traditions and history of the Jewish community that lived in Lecce in the late Middle Ages.
Art Collections and Historic Sites
Paintings, sculptures, silverware and liturgical vestments are on display at the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di Lecce. Part of the collection comes from the liturgical treasury of Lecce Cathedral and consists mainly of objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Pinacoteca d’Arte Francescana in Palazzo Fulgenzio, a 16th-century building, houses more than 300 paintings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. It also features works by Apulian landscape painters of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as an exhibition area for papier-mâché sculptures.
Those interested in railway history will find 34 historic FS and FSE vehicles, as well as five service vehicles, at the Museo Ferroviario della Puglia. Adjacent rooms also display railway memorabilia, models and signalling equipment. The Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate offers a different historical perspective: its foundation is dated to between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. At that time, Bohemond of Hauteville founded a community of Greek monks.
Archaeology and Nature Outdoors
The Parco Archeologico di Rudiae includes the urban area founded by the Messapians and a Roman amphitheatre built under Trajan in the early years of the 2nd century AD. The visitor route begins in the Fondo Acchiatura area. There, visitors can see two paved streets running at right angles, a place of worship and a Hellenistic hypogeum. Mediterranean plants such as thyme, white-flowering rocket and orchids grow on the site.
For nature watching, the Riserva Naturale Oasi WWF Le Cesine offers a different perspective: more than 180 bird species live there at various times of the year. Visitors can observe wetland birds from bird hides. Those interested in combining landscape and culture can also do so along the Ciclovia del Salento Ionico. The route follows the coast from Ugento to Manduria through five parks and green spaces, connecting coastal and inland landscapes with art, culture and areas shaped by wine and food culture.
More Experiences in Salento
The 2026 edition of SalentoinBus offers additional connections to the coasts, villages and other places in Salento. As routes and timetables are seasonal, check connections before travelling. As a culinary highlight, an enogastronomic tour focusing on Primitivo and Negroamaro wines is offered in Salento. Check availability and the provider in advance.
Discover more destinations: Castro Di Lecce, Gagliano Del Capo, Gallipoli, Lido Marini, Ugento, Marittima, Morciano Di Leuca, Otranto, Porto Badisco, Porto Cesareo, Racale, Salve, Santa Caterina, Santa Cesarea Terme, Santa Maria Al Bagno, Torre Dell'orso, Torre Pali, Torre San Giovanni, Tricase Porto, Lecce, Corsano, Rosa Marina, Spongano, Merine, Tricase, Alezio, Torre Specchia Ruggeri, Taviano, Galatone, Carmiano, Tuglie, Serrano, San Foca, Poggiardo, Neviano, Monteroni Di Lecce, Minervino Di Lecce, Melendugno, Maglie, Leuca, Giurdignano, Galatina, Casalabate, Arnesano, Alliste, Marina Di Mancaversa, Parabita, Martano, Fontanelle, Castrignano Del Capo, Supersano, Corigliano D’otranto, Cavallino, San Cassiano, Acaia, Sannicola, Cannole, Bagnolo Del Salento, Marina Di Andrano, San Cesario Di Lecce, Andrano, Casarano, Nociglia, Uggiano La Chiesa, Nardò, Specchia, Cutrofiano, Marina Di Pescoluse, Presicce, Sogliano Cavour, Taurisano, Seclì, Veglie, Vignacastrisi, Felline, Ruffano, Capilungo, Borgagne, Campi Salentina, Scorrano, Casamassella, Lizzanello, Collepasso, Vernole, Patù, Muro Leccese, Cocumola, Matino, Conca Specchiulla, Leverano, Torre Lapillo, Diso, Novoli, Vitigliano, Lequile, Surbo, Cerfignano, San Cataldo, Tiggiano, Alessano, Salice Salentino, Marina Di Novaglie, Montesano Salentino, Calimera, Sanarica, Marina Di Ugento, Cursi, Marina Serra, Melissano, Sternatia, Carpignano Salentino, Torre Vado, Squinzano, Sant'isidoro, Torre Chianca, Zollino, Aradeo, Trepuzzi, Torre Rinalda, Copertino, San Pietro In Lama, Depressa, Galugnano, Lucugnano, San Donato Di Lecce, Giuggianello, Punta Prosciutto, Gemini, Guagnano, Torre Mozza, Acquarica Del Capo, Ortelle, Palmariggi, Collemeto, Castrignano De' Greci, Soleto, San Dana, Baia di Gallipoli, Surano, Frigole, Strudà , Torre Saracena, Torre Suda, Villaggio Resta, Ruggiano, Marina San Gregorio, Caprarica di Lecce, Melpignano, Baia Verde, Posto Rosso, Pacci, Rivabella, Marina di Marittima.
For the overview of the wider area: Apulia.
