Visit the Castle in Lecce

The tour is led by a guide in Italian. International visitors are provided with an audio guide available in English, French, German, and Spanish.

The Charles V Castle in Lecce is the largest fortified structure in Puglia and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Although it takes its name from the 16th-century renovation, its origins date back much further: it was originally built as the residence of the Counts of Lecce during the Norman period in the 12th century, and later expanded during the Swabian and Angevin eras.

One of the most important historical figures connected to the castle is Maria d’Enghien, Countess of Lecce, Princess of Taranto and Queen of Naples, who lived here and left a lasting mark on the city’s history.

The guided tour allows visitors to explore the different historical phases of the castle, brought to light through recent archaeological excavations. You will visit atmospheric underground areas as well as the elegant halls of the noble floor.

Inside the castle, visitors can also discover the Papier-mâché Museum, dedicated to one of Lecce’s most distinctive artistic traditions. The museum showcases the history of papier-mâché craftsmanship, explaining techniques, tools, and materials used in the creation of sculptures, from the internal structure to the finished artwork. The exhibition also features a collection of sacred works, illustrating the development of this art form in Lecce’s workshops from the 18th century onwards.