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Museum · Lecce, Apúlia
Museo Sigismondo Castromediano
The oldest museum in Apúlia, founded in 1868, with Messapian and Roman pieces from the Salento, an art gallery and a reconstruction of the Grotta dei Cervi of Porto Badisco, featuring prehistoric paintings.
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 Museo Sigismondo Castromediano
The museum was founded in 1868 by Sigismondo Castromediano, Duke of Cavallino, and is considered the oldest in Apúlia. It occupies a modern building on Viale Gallipoli, a few minutes' walk from the historic center.
The archaeological collection is its main strength. There are many Messapian vases, including the trozzelle—typical jars with little wheels on the handles—and items from the Roman period coming from Rudiae and other Salento sites. The prehistory section reconstructs the Grotta dei Cervi of Porto Badisco, near Otranto, famous for its cave paintings.
The picture gallery brings together paintings that show Byzantine and Venetian influences on the region's art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with works by Bartolomeu and Alvise Vivarini, among others. One section is dedicated to Baroque decorative arts, such as ceramics, bronzes and silverwork.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, which help to understand the Salento before and after the Baroque that dominates the city center.
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
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
During the hottest hours of the day or on rainy days. Check opening times and current exhibitions before you go.
How to get there
It is located on Viale Gallipoli, to the south of the historic center, about a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Sant'Oronzo and near the train station.
Tip
Start with the section on the Messapians to understand who lived in Salento before the Romans. It's on the route between the station and the centre, good to fit in on arrival or departure.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Sigismondo Castromediano
Who were the Messapians?
A people who lived in Salento before the Roman conquest. The museum has many of their ceramics, such as the trozzelle.
What is the Grotta dei Cervi?
A cave near Otranto with prehistoric paintings. The museum has a reconstruction of it.
Is it far from the center?
No, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Sant'Oronzo.