Putignano Carnival – Edition 2026

The Putignano Carnival is one of those festivals you can feel in the alleys, touch with your hands the floats, and laugh at the masks: a celebration with ancient origins and a deeply popular soul. Its history dates back to 1394: in that year, to protect the relics of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr from possible incursions along the Apulian coast, they were moved from a seaside abbey to the inland town of Putignano.

It is said that, as the procession passed, the farmers—who were working the land—abandoned their vineyards and work to join in dances, songs, and dialect satires: thus was born the first seed of what would become a carnival tradition.

From that moment on, every year—between religion, folklore, and lively irony—the city prepares for a period of celebration.

2026 Edition of the Putignano Carnival: Official Dates

In 2026, the Putignano Carnival will celebrate its 632nd edition. This year’s theme is “Where Everything Is the Opposite of Everything,” an invitation to reflect on the paradoxes of contemporary life.

The main parades, featuring allegorical floats and masked groups, are scheduled for:

• Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Saturday, February 7, 2026
• Sunday, February 15, 2026
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)

An entire city transforms into a stage: papier-mâché masters have been working for months to create gigantic floats ready to parade through the streets and amaze visitors.

2026 Edition: What to Expect and Why Participate

The Putignano Carnival is more than just floats: it’s an immersive experience, filled with music, satire, participation, art, and community. This year, too, you can experience unforgettable moments, such as:

• Admiring unique papier-mâché works, crafted with care and imagination;
• Experience the most authentic side of Carnival, far from commercial excess, amid dialectal satire, traditions, and community.
• Combining travel and celebration: Puglia, with its villages, food, and people, becomes the perfect setting for a vacation that balances culture and lightheartedness. You can also experience a popular tradition during the off-season and appreciate the region’s cultural heritage even more.

How to participate: practical information

If this article has convinced you to participate in the Putignano Carnival, then all you have to do is buy your ticket!

You can purchase your ticket on the official Putignano Carnival website.

Attention! There are different ticket types:

• Flexible ticket: This ticket gives you access to one day. You can choose later (up to one day before the event) which days you want to participate in.
• 4-day pass: This pass gives you access to all four days. The pass is personal.
• Day Ticket: This ticket is valid for 1 day only. Choose the day when purchasing.
• Young Adult Day Ticket (11-14 years old): This ticket is valid for 1 day only. Choose the day when purchasing.

Now that you have all the information, all that’s left to do is reserve your seat!

In the deep South, where the sea meets history, Carnival takes on a special flavor: this is what Gallipoli offers, with a tradition that combines ancient rites, local masks, satire, and the desire to be together.

The Gallipoli Carnival is a blend of the sacred and the profane: traditional rites, popular legends, and the daily life of a seaside town intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere.

The Legend of “Lu Titoru“: the symbolic mask of Gallipoli Carnival

Among the most iconic figures of the Gallipoli Carnival is “Lu Titoru” a character who, in each edition, comes to life through allegorical floats and various performances. His origins are rooted in Lecce tradition: it is said of a soldier who, on the occasion of Carnival, returned to Gallipoli, where he was greeted with such an abundance of food that he gorged himself on meatballs and meat until he choked to death.

Even today, the parade features a hearse carrying the coffin of “Lu Tidoru,” surrounded by extras who lively and ironically enact his mourning, transforming even a dramatic moment into a spectacle brimming with satire, joy, and a sense of community.

What to expect from the 2026 Gallipoli Carnival

The celebrations, first held in 1941, reach their 85th edition in 2026, confirming their status as one of Puglia’s most beloved and historic events. Reflecting the event’s national importance, in recent years it has even been associated with the Italian Lottery.

For 2026, the Gallipoli Carnival aspires to brighten the streets of the city center, particularly Corso Roma, and the seafront with its joy. During the parades, there’s no shortage of music, dancing, confetti, performances, and, as is tradition, moments of celebration perfect for families, tourists, and young people.

The official dates for this year’s edition have not yet been released, but we can already anticipate that, as per tradition, the Carnival will take place over 3-4 days between late February and early March. Each year, the parades are spread across multiple dates, each packed with events, floats, and celebrations. For the final schedule and all the details of the event, we invite you to stay tuned: official updates will be coming soon!

Why Experience Carnival in Gallipoli?

If you love street parties, authentic atmospheres, folklore, colors, and the Salento sea—the Gallipoli Carnival is one of those quintessential experiences you should experience at least once in your life. It’s perfect for those who want to combine vacation and culture, fun and tradition, in a setting reminiscent of salt, history, and smiles.

For those visiting from out of town, it will be an opportunity to discover a less summery, more authentic Salento, made up of community, traditions, and a passion for their homeland. For those who live in Salento, it will be an opportunity to experience and remember the traditions of their land, in a spirit of community and participation.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to enrich your holiday in Puglia during the low season, this article suggests the most unmissable destinations, perfect for experiencing a quieter climate, away from the typical summer tourist crowds.

Located in the heart of Puglia, a few kilometers from the city of Andria, stands one of the most fascinating monuments in Italy: Castel del Monte, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and a symbol of an era rich in mystery and culture.

The castle is located on a hill at 540 meters above sea level, within the Alta Murgia National Park, which makes it a fascinating destination for hikers, cyclists and visitors from all over the world, attracted by its medieval and astronomical charm.

Architectural and cultural features

The castle was built in the 13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in a privileged position, in the center of the two most important settlements of Andria and Garagnone, near Gravina.

Castel del Monte has always been famous for its unique and symbolic architecture: a perfect octagonal structure, with eight octagonal towers, which reflects the extraordinary mathematical, astronomical and philosophical knowledge of its creator. Its intended use has been debated at length: it is not a military castle or a royal residence in the traditional sense, but a place that seems designed to amaze, inspire and perhaps even contemplate.

What to see

For visitors who come here, it is recommended to take a guided tour (lasting about 1 hour), during which you can explore:

• The eight internal rooms, all trapezoidal and with refined architectural elements.
• The spiral staircase, which connects the two floors of the castle, also designed according to a precise symbolic design.
• The panoramic view from the hill on which the castle stands, which extends to the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
• Temporary exhibitions and artistic installations are often hosted inside.

Although the interior is bare of furnishings, the evocative atmosphere and perfect geometry make it an unmissable stop for those who love history and art.

What to do nearby

In addition to visiting the castle, explorers who come to this part of Puglia can visit charming villages and scenic and cultural beauties present in the homonymous province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. For example, we recommend:

• Taking a nature walk along the paths of the Alta Murgia National Park.
• Tasting typical local products in the restaurants and agritourisms of the area, such as Altamura bread, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil.
• Visiting the charming village of Gravina in Puglia, immersed in a natural canyon.

How to get to Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte can be reached from Andria by means of the urban bus line n° 6 which, starting from the Bus Terminal (Largo Ceruti), arrives at the Castle or by means of a convenient taxi or NCC service.

This service guarantees comfort, punctuality and the convenience of a professional driver who takes care of the journey without stress and without having to comply with public bus timetables.

With an NCC you can:

• Leave directly from your accommodation in Andria or another location (for example: from Brindisi or Bari airport)
• Enjoy the scenic drive through olive groves and hills.
• Have the time and flexibility to visit the castle at your leisure.
• Be taken back in comfort without having to think about parking or public transport.

A visit to Castel del Monte is much more than a simple excursion: it is a journey through time, into the mind of one of the most cultured emperors of the Middle Ages and into the beauty of a region that preserves its authenticity intact. If you are in Puglia and are thinking of going outside the most popular locations, we recommend including it in your tour.

If you need some advice on organizing your trip to Puglia, at this link you can find a series of itineraries recommended and designed by us depending on the days you have available.

Brindisi, overlooking the Adriatic and embraced by the warm light of the South, is a city rich in history, charm and authenticity. Often considered only a point of arrival thanks to its port and airport, Brindisi deserves much more than a simple “passing through” stop. It is the ideal place to begin a journey to discover Puglia, in particular Salento, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and genuine flavors.

A city between history and sea

The beating heart of the city is its port, one of the most evocative in the Mediterranean. Walking along the Regina Margherita seafront at sunset is an unmissable experience: from here you can enjoy an enchanting view of the old city and the calm waters of the port, where merchants and crusaders once landed on their way to the East. In this article we tell you more about this enchanting place.

Not far away, the staircase that leads to the Monument to the Italian Sailor offers a breathtaking view and a touch of military history. Climbing to the top, the view opens up over the whole of Brindisi and the Adriatic coast.

What to see in Brindisi in one day

Among the unmissable places here in Brindisi there is certainly the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and the Roman Columns, symbol of the end of the ancient Via Appia, the consular road that connected Rome to the port of Brindisi. Next door, the Archaeological Museum “Ribezzo” houses finds from the Messapian and Roman eras that tell the thousand-year history of the city.

You can’t miss a visit to the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with its circular plan and medieval decorations: a small jewel often ignored, but surprising.

Don’t miss the two medieval castles: the Alfonsino Castle and the Swabian Castle.

Flavors not to be missed

Brindisi is also taste and tradition. In the alleys of the historic center you will find taverns and restaurants that offer the best of Salento cuisine: orecchiette with turnip tops, broad beans and chicory, very fresh fish and excellent local wines such as Negroamaro and Primitivo. There are also numerous bars on the seafront, ideal for a breakfast or an aperitif overlooking the sea in true Apulian style!

Starting point for exploring Puglia

Brindisi’s strategic position makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Puglia. Less than an hour’s drive away are some of the most fascinating places in Salento:

• Lecce, with its baroque masterpieces and elegant squares.
• Ostuni, the “White City”, nestled among the olive trees and overlooking the sea.
• Alberobello, with its famous trulli, a UNESCO heritage site.
• Polignano a Mare, for a dip in the crystal-clear waters beneath the cliffs.
• And of course, the entire coast of Salento, from Porto Cesareo to Santa Maria di Leuca, for those who dream of Caribbean beaches and authentic seaside villages.

How to get to Brindisi

Together with Bari, Brindisi is the only city in Puglia with an airport with national and international connections, making it a popular destination for many international tourists who decide to visit Puglia by arriving right here.

In addition to the airport, Brindisi can also be reached by ferry (the main connections are with Greece and Albania) or by cruise ships (Costa Crociere and Msc Crociere).

Another solution, ideal especially for those coming from Italy itself or from neighboring countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland, is the train. Brindisi in fact has direct connections with the main Italian cities (for example Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin) from which it is easy to change trains and continue to southern Italy.

Once you have reached your destination, to move around the Region it is advisable to rent a car or rely on a convenient transfer service with a private driver.

Although the city of Brindisi has direct buses and trains to the main cities of Puglia (e.g. Lecce, Ostuni, etc.), reaching the more remote locations such as the typical Puglian masserie, the trulli or the beautiful beaches of Salento is very complicated.

At this link you can find a series of itineraries studied by us starting from Brindisi.

The Adriatic coast, and in particular that of Salento, represents an authentic treasure chest of inestimable value; therefore a unique opportunity to be discovered, especially in summer when you travel by car, in the name of freedom and carefreeness.

Summer holidays on the Adriatic coast of Salento can fully satisfy tourists of all types, from couples to families with children, from young people looking for fun to those who simply want to relax.

Salento, as is known, overlooks both the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, and it is precisely for this reason that this strip of Puglia is considered a truly unique territory. It is truly impossible to say which is the most beautiful coast of Salento, the Adriatic or the Ionian, since both boast so many breathtaking locations.

There is nothing left to do, therefore, but prepare for your car trip and discover which are the best itineraries in Salento!

The seaside locations not to be missed along the Adriatic coast of Salento

Transparent waters, indescribable scents of Mediterranean scrub, sea caves and coastal towers are just some of the most evocative elements that you can find starting from the marinas of Lecce, such as Torre Rinalda (it is the northernmost marina which takes its name from the tower of the same name Spanish construction, today reduced to a ruin), Torre Chianca, Frigole (stands out for its sand dunes and the Acquatina basin) and San Cataldo (finally hosts a protected area, the Cesine Protected Reserve).

Moving south we find the marinas of Melendugno, San Foca, Torre dell’Orso and Sant’Andrea, each of them has a particularity.

From Otranto the most beautiful beaches of Salento are easily reachable, very close is Baia dei Turchi, so called for a tragic and bloody event, the landing of the Turks during the siege of Otranto and cause of the subsequent domination. The bay is a small beach of very fine sand where the sea is incredibly crystal clear, a wonderful natural landscape which the FAI in 2007 declared to be among the top 100 places to be protected in Italy. It has also been declared a site of community importance (SIC) and is part of the protected oasis of the Alimini lakes.

The cultural locations along the Adriatic coast

• Torre Sant’Andrea, a town characterized by a predominantly rocky coast, full of caves and small inlets, takes its name from the tower, where the lighthouse is located, which dominates the small port. Thanks also to the evocative show of lights and colors between sea and sky. It is much loved by tourists thanks to the presence of various clubs that make it one of the nightlife locations on the Adriatic coast.

• Otranto is a small town located in the easternmost point of Italy, the ancient capital of the earth, which overlooks the Mediterranean with its oriental charm and its crystal clear sea; after passing the inhabited center you reach one of the most spectacular and uncontaminated scenarios of Salento, between the white spit of Punta Facì and the promontory of Capo d’Otranto (dominated by the lighthouse of Punta Palascia, the easternmost point of Italy) it extends the Baia delle Orte, with a series of small sandy coves protected by the pine forest. Nearby there are the “Russian lands”, old abandoned bauxite quarries that have been transformed into lakes of incredible colours.

• A few kilometers south of Otranto, stands an ancient watchtower: the Torre del Serpe, one of many scattered throughout Salento, built to immediately spot the Saracen threat. Its name is linked to an ancient legend, which envelops the site in a veiled mystery and enveloping charm.

• Continuing south, we recommend a dip in the small bay of Porto Badisco. Those who come here in summer can enjoy a unique landscape: the bay is covered by the yellow blanket of brooms that sprout on the rocks, reflecting in the green-blue, clear and crystalline sea. In Badisco you can also enjoy the priceless flavor of sea urchins, sold on stalls or in the typical trattorias of the small village.

The most beautiful caves along the Adriatic coast of Salento

• San Foca is home to the famous Lovers’ Cave, according to legend so called because two young men took refuge there to shelter from the cold north wind. San Foca is a picturesque fishing center that offers a suggestive panorama: on the horizon, when the sky is clear, it is possible to see the outline of the mountains of Albania, about 72 miles away.

• Torre Dell’Orso is a place loved by numerous visitors who choose it every year to spend their holidays. To the south of the cliff there is the cave of San Cristoforo and even further south, a short distance from the beach, there are two stacks, called “The Two Sisters“. According to legend, the name derives from two sisters who dived from a cliff into the stormy sea, losing their lives and the gods transformed them into stacks, so that they could admire their beauty forever.

• Just 7 km away you enter the Castro area, in a suggestive setting between the green of the olive trees and an uncontaminated sea, with a jagged coast, with inlets and icy springs. Just before the town the famous Castro caves including the famous Romanelli cave inside which there are red graffiti, the oldest human representations in the field of figurative arts.

• After a few kilometers Santa Cesarea Terme, a small town perched on the coast, famous for its spas and the beneficial qualities of its waters, and which in its countryside includes 16km of coastline rich in thick pine forests and deep, emerald waters, numerous stacks and coves (of which the most important is that of Porto Miggiano). The most famous cave here is certainly the “Zinzulusa Cave” whose name derives from the dialect “zinzuli” that is, rags, the particular limestone formations that ‘hang’ from the ceiling.

Santa Maria di Leuca: where the journey ends

The journey ends in Santa Maria di Leuca, located precisely at the top of what is the “heel of Italy“, and therefore also called “de finibus terrae“, where it has always been believed that the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet. Pearl of the extreme edge of Italy, it lies on a stretch of coast alternating with cliffs and small sandy coves, with caves of great historical and naturalistic interest and the seabed which is a true paradise for underwater tourism.

A hinterland full of history and culture, splendid landscapes to admire, sumptuous and colorful nineteenth-century villas that slope towards the seafront. Leuca stands on a promontory on which the basilica and the lighthouse stand, and from which you can admire the wonderful coast from above and enjoy the spectacle of the sea. Here at the edge of the earth, you look towards the horizon, you are silent and you admire the infinite.

The entire Adriatic coast of Salento is a succession of splendid seaside resorts concentrated in less than 100 km. A car tour is the best solution to have full autonomy when traveling and not miss those places that otherwise cannot be reached by public transport.

Lecce, the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most fascinating cities in Puglia, known for its extraordinary baroque beauty. In addition to the architectural wonders that adorn its squares and streets, Lecce hosts a vast array of museums that tell the story of the city and the region. Lecce’s museums are treasure troves of art, archaeology, traditions and local culture, and are ideal places for those who want to learn more about this corner of Puglia.

In this article, we discover together the most significant museums in Lecce, unmissable stops for history buffs. Our advice is to visit at least one during your visit to the city.

1. “Sigismondo Castromediano” Museum

The “Sigismondo Castromediano” Provincial Archaeological Museum is one of the main cultural landmarks in Lecce. Located in a historic building that once housed the monastery of Santa Teresa, the museum takes its name from Sigismondo Castromediano, an aristocrat and passionate collector from Lecce. Inside, visitors can admire a vast collection of archaeological finds that tell the ancient history of the area, from prehistory to the Roman period.

Among the most significant pieces of the museum are the Roman statues and inscriptions, vases and everyday objects that testify to life in ancient Messapia, the civilization that inhabited Puglia before the arrival of the Romans. Particular attention is also paid to the collection of ancient coins and the tools used for working ceramics and metal.

2. Faggiano Museum

Another interesting stop for history buffs is the Faggiano Museum, which is located in an ancient historic residence in the center of Lecce. This museum is unique in that it was created in a building that, during renovation work, revealed an important underground archaeological area.

The museum is organized in such a way as to make visitors experience the emotion of a real archaeological “discovery”. Each room tells a part of the site’s history, with finds ranging from ancient floors to everyday furnishings, from human remains to liturgical instruments. The Faggiano Museum is a perfect example of how history and art can be discovered almost by chance, thanks to a series of lucky coincidences.

3. Cartapesta Museum

Lecce is also famous for its artisan tradition linked to the processing of papier-mâché, a technique that has centuries-old roots in the city. The Cartapesta Museum is located inside the Carlo V Castle in Lecce and offers visitors a complete immersion in the art that has made Lecce famous throughout the world. Papier-mâché is used to create works of art, statues and decorations for traditional religious processions, but also for the creation of sculptures and masks.

The museum displays numerous works created by master craftsmen from Lecce, which show the evolution of the technique and its importance for the local culture. The exhibition itinerary unfolds between history and contemporaneity, with sections dedicated to the stages of production, from the first ideas and sketches to the finished product. Every year, the museum also hosts workshops and events dedicated to this extraordinary art, which continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

4. Jewish Museum of Lecce

The Jewish Museum of Lecce is located in the heart of the city’s historic center and represents a testimony to the Jewish presence in southern Italy. The museum, which is located inside an ancient palace, tells the story of the Jewish community of Salento, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Through a series of historical artifacts, documents and liturgical objects, the museum offers an overview of the daily life, culture and traditions of the Jews who lived in Lecce and the surrounding areas. The exhibition also includes information on the medieval synagogue of Lecce, the anti-Semitic laws and the diaspora.

5. Puglia Railway Museum

For train lovers, the Puglia Railway Museum, located near the Lecce train station, is a must-see! The museum houses a vast collection of railway-related artifacts, including steam locomotives, carriages, tools, and historical documents that trace the development of railways in Puglia, from the 19th century to the present day.

The ex Convitto Palmieri is one of the most significant historical sites in Lecce, a city that boasts an extraordinary cultural and architectural heritage. Located in the heart of the historic center, this building represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of the history of the city and its evolution over time. In this article we will discover together the elements that distinguish this important place of culture, providing you with the necessary elements for your visit to the city.

The history of the ex Convitto Palmieri

1. The Convitto Palmieri has a history that dates back to the 17th century. Founded thanks to the generosity of Don Giovanni Palmieri, a nobleman and philanthropist from Lecce, the boarding school was born as an educational institution with the aim of welcoming deserving and needy young students. Palmieri, driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, decided to allocate a large part of his fortune to the creation of a school that could give access to education to those who could not afford it. This altruistic gesture contributed to improving education and culture in a city that, at the time, was in full development.
2. In 1807, following the first suppression of religious orders by order of King Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother), the convent was used for civilian purposes (barracks, depot and cavalry hospital), and then in 1816 it became the seat of the “Collegio-Convitto di S. Giuseppe”, the only high school in the Province of Terra d’Otranto, whose management was entrusted to the Jesuit Fathers from 1832. The arrival of the Jesuits marked the transformation of the religious complex into a prestigious educational structure, which was the fulcrum of education for generations of young people from Lecce.
3. Shortly after, with the fall of the Bourbon Monarchy, the Jesuits were expelled in 1860 and the Real Collegio San Giuseppe became the “Liceo Ginnasiale e Convitto Nazionale”, which was given the name of the illustrious economist and enlightened Salento scholar of the 1700s, Giuseppe Palmieri.
4. During the First World War, the school premises were used as a military hospital and the church remained closed to worship.
5. In 1960, the “Liceo Ginnasiale Giuseppe Palmieri” was definitively transferred to its current location, in Viale dell’Università, while the “Convitto Nazionale Palmieri” retained its location, remaining in Piazzetta Giosuè Carducci and continuing to educate and host boarders (i.e. students who, in addition to studying, also stayed to sleep) and semi-boarders (who, instead, only studied).
6. The “Convitto” operated until 2000 when, due to a lack of boarders (students who stayed to sleep), it was definitively closed, falling into a state of abandonment.
7. Its spaces were reopened to the public in 2009, starting from the moment in which the Convitto Palmieri hosted the Provincial Library “Nicola Bernardini” which includes the reading room, the multimedia room, the small theater, the many exhibition spaces and the offices intended for the reception and consultation of the archives.
8. Today, the monumental complex, owned by the Province of Lecce, after important restoration works has become one of the most important cultural spaces of the city, managed by the Polo Biblio-Museale of Lecce.

The educational function of the ex Convitto Palmieri

Today the Convitto Palmieri is still active as an educational institution, albeit with a slightly different mission than in the past. Originally conceived as a school for less well-off young people, the boarding school has expanded its educational offering over the centuries, evolving into a high school with high-level preparation. The facility hosts students from different parts of Italy and also from abroad, attracted by the quality of the education provided there.

In addition to its educational function, the Convitto Palmieri is also an important cultural center. It organizes events, conferences, exhibitions and other initiatives that involve not only students, but also citizens. Thanks to these activities, the Convitto continues to play a leading role in the cultural life of Lecce, promoting the spread of culture and integration between different generations.

What to see inside

• The ancient provincial library “Nicola Bernardini“, built in 1873, was reopened in 2009 after restoration. In addition to housing a vast book collection and a historic Salento newspaper library with over 100 local newspapers no longer active, the library is intended as a place for cultural exchange and dialogue. Many citizens frequent the public spaces of the cloister, furnished with comfortable colored seats, where it is possible to read, study and meet.
• The boarding school houses the “Fabbrica delle Parole”, a permanent printing museum, which exhibits ancient printing machines, the first computers and other tools that have represented the evolution of typography.
• Don’t miss the “Carmelo Bene Archive” which collects the book collection, the personal collection and heterogeneous materials, such as costumes, stage elements and personal furnishings of the Salento artist.

In the center of the square, first called “piazzetta degli Studi” and since 1904 named after Giosuè Carducci, was placed the marble bust of the poet, created by the Lecce sculptor Luigi Guacci.

Curiosity

Piazzetta Giosuè Carducci was chosen by the Turkish director Ferzan Özpetek as the setting for some scenes of two of his films shot in Lecce: “Mine vaganti“ from 2010 and “Allacciate le misura” from 2014, so much so that it was renamed by some, “Piazzetta Özpetek”.

In the heart of Lecce, one of the most fascinating cities in Puglia, there is a corner that embodies all the magic and history of Lecce’s Baroque style: Piazzetta Santa Chiara. This small and evocative urban space is not just a point of passage, but a real meeting and entertainment place, a privileged location for Lecce’s nightlife, with young people who love to stay until night.

In addition to being the heart of Lecce’s nightlife with numerous pubs, bars and clubs in the surrounding streets, the square is also a suggestive place to stop during the day, where tourists and citizens find a moment of rest for a drink during walks among the shops and artistic beauties of the historic center.

Historical notes

The history of Piazzetta Santa Chiara is closely linked to the Church of Santa Chiara, an ancient religious building that stands right next to the square. The church was founded in 1413 by the Poor Clare nuns, an order that dedicated itself to prayer and meditation. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous restorations and transformations, but it has remained one of the main religious and cultural landmarks of the city.

Curiosity

Under the square there is an archaeological treasure. The excavations carried out in 2008, during the work of renovating the square, revealed the presence of a Roman thermal complex underground. This discovery confirms the existence, in imperial Roman Lecce, of a real entertainment district, consisting of the Amphitheatre, the Theatre, the Thermal Baths and the Temple of Isis.

Its function today

Over time, the square has evolved, becoming a meeting place and passage for residents and visitors, while maintaining its atmosphere of serenity intact.

Many tourists stop in this little square not only to admire the view, but also to take a coffee break in the small bars that surround it, enjoying the typical delicacies of the area, such as the pasticciotto leccese or the caffè leccese. Furthermore, the proximity to the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Museo Faggiano, which is located nearby, makes this square a point of reference for tourists who want to discover the history, art and culture of Lecce.

Piazzetta Santa Chiara also hosts cultural events and local events, such as concerts and shows that make it a lively and dynamic place.

Lecce, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in Puglia, is famous for its unique Baroque style, but also for its ancient gates that tell centuries of stories. Among these, Porta Rudiae is one of the most significant, not only for its architectural beauty, but also for the role it has played in the history of the city.

Open on the arm of the eastern walls of the city, Porta Rudiae is the most interesting and ancient of the gates of Lecce, the one that faced the ancient destroyed city of Rudiae (today an archaeological site a few kilometers from Lecce), the place of origin of the family of the poets Ennio and Virgilio.

It is located in via Adua, near the intersection between viale dell’Università and via Dalmazio Birago.

Historical notes

Built on the ruins of an older gate that collapsed towards the end of the 17th century, Porta Rudiae was rebuilt in 1703 by the nobleman from Lecce Prospero Lubelli. Like all the other gates of Lecce, Porta Rudiae had a primarily defensive and commercial function. As the main entrance gate for those coming from Rudiae and other surrounding areas, it served to protect the city from invaders and to regulate the traffic of goods. Lecce, in fact, was a crossroads of trade between central and southern Italy, and Porta Rudiae played a crucial role in ensuring order and safety in its streets.

Architecture

The gate consists of a single arch, flanked by two columns on each side that rest on a podium and support a frieze in which the busts of the mythical founders of the city are placed: Malennio, Dauno, Euippa and Idomeneo.

This gate, also called Sant’Oronzo, is surmounted by the statue of the saint, protector of Lecce, and by those of the other protectors of the holy city Irene and San Domenico. A Latin epigraph recalls how the gate was rebuilt by order of the Lecce native Prospero Lubelli under the mayor Cesare Belli.

Its function today

Today, Porta Rudiae no longer has a defensive or commercial function, but retains a historical and cultural importance that makes it one of the most loved and visited landmarks in the city. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Lecce, a destination for visitors who come to the city to admire the architectural beauties and discover the history of Salento.

The gate, located along the route that connects the historic center of Lecce to the more peripheral area of ​​the city, is also an important symbol of the architectural tradition of Salento. Tourists often stop to photograph it and admire its details, while residents consider it a gateway to their city, which harmoniously blends past and present.

In addition, Porta Rudiae continues to play an important role in religious and social celebrations. During some holidays, the area surrounding the gate comes alive with cultural and religious events, keeping alive the connection between the city and its traditions.

Lecce, with its enchanting historic center, is a city that fascinates for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. One of the most fascinating testimonies of this history is represented by its gates, which once marked the entrance and exit of the city. Among these, Porta San Biagio, located at the north-east entrance of the historic center of Lecce, emerges as one of the most emblematic examples. If you are a history buff and want to know more about this “monument”, I suggest you continue reading this article.

Brief historical notes

Lecce was once surrounded by walls that protected it from invasions and dangers. The gates were the passages through which one entered the city and each of them had a specific function. Today, in addition to Porta San Biagio, you can still admire other historic gates, such as Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae and Porta San Martino, each with a history full of curiosities and legends.

In addition to its defensive function, Porta San Biagio was also a point of passage for trade and the transit of goods. The gate has therefore had a strategic importance that goes beyond the function of a simple “entrance”.

Its construction dates back to the medieval period, although over the centuries it has undergone several modifications and restorations that have changed its appearance. The structure we see today, in fact, is the result of renovations that have sought to maintain its original beauty, but at the same time to adapt it to the needs of the city.

Cultural function of Porta San Biagio

One of the traditions linked to Porta San Biagio is the “Festa di San Biagio”, the patron saint of the city. The festival is celebrated every year on February 3 with great devotion by the local population. During this festival, many Lecce residents go to the church of San Biagio, not far from the gate, to ask for the saint’s protection against illnesses and calamities: a tradition that has its roots in popular religiosity and that still today represents an opportunity for citizens to meet and celebrate.

Architectural elements

The architecture of Porta San Biagio is a perfect example of a fusion between medieval and baroque elements. The structure looks like a triumphal arch, with a large opening that allows the passage of carriages and pedestrians. On the sides of the arch you can see decorations in Lecce stone, a limestone typical of Puglia, which gives the door a bright and refined appearance. The upper part is enriched by a curved tympanum, while the entire composition is harmonious and well-integrated into the urban context.

The function of Porta San Biagio today

Even today Porta San Biagio represents the entrance to what is the beating heart of Lecce: its historic center. A succession of alleys and streets where you can taste typical dishes in one of the many restaurants or go shopping in one of the many souvenir and/or local craft shops.

If you are in Lecce or plan to visit it during your trip to Puglia, our advice is to “enter” through all the gates of Lecce and discover the history of each of them.