Cortili Aperti in Lecce

Thanks to Cortili Aperti in Lecce (“Open Courtyards”), on Sunday 19 May it will be possible to visit the most beautiful buildings in the historic city centre. The event, now in its 25th edition, brings together numerous visitors each year. Not only tourists but also citizens who want to discover the precious treasures hidden behind the closed doors of elegant buildings will flow into the Lecce’s old town.

 “Cortili Aperti”, event

The event “Cortili Aperti” is proposed by ADSI, the Italian Historical Dwellings Association under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic and with the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism. An event created to bring citizens closer to the knowledge of the local architectural heritage. An event that aims to make the public, the citizen and the visitor aware of the importance of preserving and enhancing cultural heritage.

Each Italy’s Region dedicates a day to this event allowing you to visit over 300 splendid residences, castles, villas, farmhouses, courtyards and gardens of public and private assets. Therefore, a special thanks go to those far-sighted owners who opened the doors of their private properties allow the rare opportunity to let them be admired by the public.

“Cortili Aperti” it’s totally free.

Itinerary

Map in hand, the number of courtyards that can be visited this year are as many as 27, a number that is growing year by year thanks to the success of this event.

This is the list of Palaces and Houses, Churches and Institutes that can be visited:

1. Palazzo Personè, Palazzo Adorno, Palazzo Maremonte, Casa a Corte, Casa a Corte Protonobilissimo, Palazzo Chillino.
2. Dimora Muratore, Palazzo Tinelli, Chiesa di San Leucio, Palazzo Gorgoni, Palazzo Guido, Chiesa Santa Maria della Nova, Palazzo Palmieri.
3. Palazzo Ferrante Gravili, Palazzo del Seminario, Palazzo Spada, Palazzo Palombi, Palazzo Andretta, Palazzo Brunetti, Palazzo Bernardini.
4. Convitto Palmieri, Palazzo Tamborino, Palazzo Morisco d’Arpe, Palazzo Lecciso, Palazzo Carrozzini, Palazzo Grassi, Istituto di Cultura e Lingue Marcelline.

In the map (to download for free) you will find the paths distinguished by colour.

The Palaces in the historic centre of Lecce

Behind the splendid Lecce stone facades of the palaces in Lecce’s historic centre, there are little-known riches. This is the case of the magnificent private gardens and facades on the inner courtyards of the buildings covered by greenery and flowers. Richly decorated entrance halls, lush gardens where you wouldn’t expect it. This and much more in the heart of this Baroque historical centre.

In this way, you will discover the presence of ancient hypogeous olive oil mills, as in the Ferrante Palazzo Gravili of the fifteenth century. You will admire the entrance hall of Palazzo Adorno, one of the most famous and admired palaces of Lecce for its references to Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. You will discover the history of this building that was built around 1592 by a Genoese admiral in the service of Charles V in the fight against the Turks.

Visit Dimora Muratore which includes part of the Messapian and Roman walls of the ancient city. You will discover the history of the wealthy families who lived there, including coats of arms and symbols of the past.

Visiting these places is a rare opportunity to admire the splendour of these architectures but also to discover the traces of the past of this city.

The tourist guide

As every year, guided tours will be precious thanks to the presence of numerous volunteer students. Students from various high schools in the city will accompany the numerous visitors, also providing language guides.

Excellence Handicrafts in Lecce

From 17 to 19 you can also visit the market exhibition “Artigianato d’eccellenza”.  The Made in Italy creations will be on display at the San Francesco della Scarpa church.

Over 60 exhibitors will present their unique creations. Between these, Les Ottomans, Zenobia i Pegoraro, Didiworld, Maghi e Maci, La Gallina Matta, Domitilla Gucci, lo Studio ExposedPress.

Salento’s Food and Wine 

After the architectural wonders of “Cortili Aperti” and those of the creations of “Artigianato d’eccellenza“, you will certainly have been captivated by the beauty of our Salento.

Why not end your visit to Lecce with a tasting to discover the gastronomic part of the territory? We are waiting for you with our Wine Tasting near Santa Croce church!

Update!

This article is about the 2019 event. You can read the news about this year’s event on Event “Cortili Aperti” 2020 in Lecce