Museo Archeologico Provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano

The Museo Provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano in Lecce is one of Puglia's oldest public museums, founded in 1868 to preserve the archaeology and art of the Salento.

Why it matters

The museum brings together material from the region's prehistoric, Messapian, Roman and later histories. It grew from the collections and initiative of Sigismondo Castromediano, a patriot and archaeologist who helped establish public care for the Salento's heritage.

What to notice

The collection includes a decorated Messapian trozzella from Rudiae, a caryatid from Vaste, amphorae linked to Adriatic trade and Roman sculpture from Lupiae. Later sections include medieval and Baroque works, papier-mache, wood sculpture and a reconstruction of the painted Grotta dei Cervi at Porto Badisco.

Context and history

The museum was established on 10 December 1868 by the provincial council of Terra d'Otranto, following Castromediano's initiative. It first occupied rooms in the Celestini palace, then moved to the former Collegio Argento, redesigned by architect Franco Minissi and opened in 1980. Its collections extend beyond archaeology to medieval and modern art and applied arts.