Castle of Charles V
Castello Carlo V
A trapezoidal castle expanded in the 16th century to defend against the Ottoman Empire, housing a papier-mâché sculpture museum and permanent exhibitions.
The Castle of Charles V sits on the east side of Lecce's old town. It was originally a medieval Norman castle. In the 16th century, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V had it expanded into a trapezoidal fortress with four pointed bastions to guard against Ottoman invasion. For a long time the castle served as a military barracks, and after restoration it became an exhibition centre. It houses the Cartapesta (papier-mâché sculpture) Museum, which introduces Lecce's traditional craft, where you can see religious figures made of paper pulp and plaster. The courtyard and the walkways along the walls often host temporary art exhibitions and summer concerts. Admission costs a few euros.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–21:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Roman Amphitheatre & Piazza Sant'Oronzo
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Lecce Old Town
- Museo Faggiano
- Lecce Cathedral & Piazza del Duomo
- Porta Napoli
- Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, Galatina
- Nardò