Charles V castle in Lecce

Near St Oronzo square rise a castle which was built by Carlo V in 1539. The project of the building was made by the architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya and to build this fortress two constructions were pulled down: the Chapel of the Trinity and the Monastery of the Benedictine Order of the Saint Cross. The castle didn’t has only defensive functions, in the XVIII century one of its rooms was used as theatre. From the 1870 to the 1979 it was used as military district. Nowadays it is the seat of the Cultural Affairs of the township of Lecce, a perfect backdrop for all the cultural initiatives that here take place. Visitors will remain charmed with the delicate ornaments of the interiors: the capitals and the decorated big room, with imposing big stained glass windows. The rooms of the upstairs are sustained by imposing stone columns. There’s a legend linked with this castle: it tells that the family which owned this castle in XIV century, the Orsini del Balzo family, kept a white bear in the moat of the castle. This animal was a status symbol and, at the same time, it scared prowlers.

Informations to visit the Castle of Lecce:
When: from 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: free entrance
How to get here: the Castle is in Viale XXV Luglio, near St. Oronzo square.