Cortili Aperti 2026 in Puglia: free visits to over 40 historic residences

Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026

The regional initiative opens more than 40 cultural properties — palaces, villas, courtyards, former convents, churches and private residences — to highlight sites that are often closed to the public and to promote the protection of Puglia's monumental heritage. The 2026 theme is "Custodians of the future: a living heritage for shared value."

Where: Lecce and various towns across the Salento area, with additional openings throughout Puglia.

• Examples in Lecce: Palazzo Tamborino Cezzi, Palazzo Sambiasi, Palazzo Rollo, Palazzo Protonobilissimi, Palazzo Persona-Taurino (Jewish Museum), Palazzo Marrese, Palazzo Maresgallo, Palazzo Guido, Palazzo Grassi, Palazzo dei Perroni, Palazzo Carrozzini, Palazzo Apostolico Orsini, Palazzetto Palmieri.
• Other regional sites (examples): Villa La Meridiana (Santa Maria di Leuca), Palazzo Granafei (Sternatia), Palazzo Ducale Venturi (Minervino di Lecce), Palazzo Briganti (Gallipoli), Castel di Salve winery (Depressa), Villa Pantaleo (Taranto).

Admission: free

Visitor tips

• Arrive early: many visits have limited places or are organized in shifts.
• Check official schedules, routes and entry points before leaving.
• Respect the instructions of guides and owners: do not touch furniture, artworks or restricted areas.
• Keep an eye on updates: the list of openings may change up to the event day.

This day is also a chance to consider the social and economic value of conservation: keeping these residences active helps preserve Puglia's cultural and landscape identity.