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Castle · Lecce, Apúlia
Castello Carlo V
Fortress built from 1539 by order of Carlos V, next to the historic center. Today it serves as a cultural space run by the city council, hosting exhibitions and routes through the castle's former rooms.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castello Carlo V
In 1539 Emperor Carlos V ordered the demolition of Lecce's old medieval castle and the construction of a modern fortress adapted for artillery. The project was overseen by Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya, an engineer of the Kingdom of Nápoles, and the exterior part was completed in 1549. To make room for it the old Celestine convent was demolished and later rebuilt where Santa Croce now stands.
The castle has a trapezoidal plan with bastions at the corners, designed to defend against attacks from the Adriatic Sea. Incorporated into the middle of the structure is the oldest core, including a square tower from the 13th–14th centuries, revealed by archaeological research from the University of Salento.
From 1870 to 1979 the castle served as a barracks. In 1983 it became property of the city council, which uses it as a cultural center. The halls host temporary exhibitions, and there are routes through the historic rooms and along the old battlement paths.
The Museo della Cartapesta also operates in the castle, dedicated to Lecce’s papier-mâché tradition, used especially for religious statues.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours, depending on the exhibitions on display.
Best time
During the hottest hours of the day, as much of the visit takes place indoors. Check exhibitions and opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is located between Viale XXV Luglio and Viale Felice Cavallotti, about 300 meters from the Piazza Sant'Oronzo on foot.
Tip
Check the program beforehand: exhibitions change and some areas are only open on guided tours.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castello Carlo V
Who built the castle?
Charles V ordered its construction in 1539; the design was by Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya.
What is there to see inside?
Historic rooms, sections of the walls and temporary exhibitions, as well as a museum dedicated to cartapesta.
What is cartapesta?
It is papier-mâché, a traditional Lecce technique used to make sculptures, mainly religious ones.
How much time should you allow?
From 1 to 2 hours.