Open Courtyards in Puglia: 20+ Historic Houses Open to the Public – 24

Open Courtyards in Puglia: guided access and special openings on 24 May 2026

On Sunday 24 May 2026 Puglia takes part in the 16th National Day of Historic Houses with the "Open Courtyards" initiative: a chance to enter inner courtyards and interiors of palaces, villas and private residences, often not accessible on regular tourist routes.

The national theme for 2026, "Guardians of the future. A living heritage for shared value", highlights the need to safeguard and pass on historic private properties as cultural and social resources. In Puglia, ADSI opens more than 20 sites to visitors with free informative tours and interpretative activities.

What to expect

• Date: Sunday 24 May 2026 (all-day event).
• Admission: many visits are free; some locations may require booking or have capacity limits—check on-site instructions.
• Types of sites: noble palaces, historic villas, castles, churches and cultural institutions.
• Purpose: promote awareness, encourage conservation and improve public access to privately owned heritage.

Selected list of sites open in Puglia on 24 May 2026

The programme includes (list subject to updates):

• Villa La Meridiana, Santa Maria di Leuca (LE)
• Palazzo Tamborino Cezzi, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Scarciglia, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Sambiasi, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Rollo, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Protonobilissimi, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Persona, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Marrese, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Maresgallo, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Maremonte, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Lecciso, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Guido, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Grassi, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Granafei, Sternatia (LE)
• Palazzo Ducale Venturi, Minervino di Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Ducale Castromediano, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Ducale, Andria (LE)
• Palazzo dei Perroni – Pollicastro Boutique Hotel, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Carrozzini, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Carrelli Palombi, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Brunetti, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Briganti, Gallipoli (LE)
• Palazzo Bernardini, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzo Apostolico Orsini, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzetto Palmieri, Lecce (LE)
• Palazzetto Bensanti, Lecce (LE)
• MUST – Museo Storico Città di Lecce, Lecce (LE)
• Liceo Artistico e Coreutico Ciardo-Pellegrino, Lecce (LE)
• Istituto di Cultura e Lingue Marcelline, Lecce (LE)
• II Circolo Didattico “Edmondo De Amicis”, Lecce (LE)
• Former Augustinian Convent – Church of Santa Maria di Ogni Bene, Lecce (LE)
• Dimora Storica Muratore, Lecce (LE)
• Church of the Nativity of the Virgin "la Nova", Lecce (LE)
• Castello Dentice di Frasso, Lecce (LE)
• Noble Chapel of San Leucio, Lecce (LE)
• Castel di Salve winery, Depressa (LE)
• Borgo Sant’Anna, Lecce (LE)
• Accademia di Belle Arti, Lecce (LE)
• Church of Santa Elisabetta, Lecce (LE)
• Villa Pantaleo, Taranto (TA)

Practical tips

• Plan to arrive early: some sites manage visitor flow with timed entries.
• Follow directions from stewards and respect the conservation rules of each property.
• Check for last-minute updates, opening hours or reservation requirements with the individual locations or the organising association's channels.
• Combine nearby openings into a walking itinerary to make the most of the day, especially in Lecce and the Salento area.

Attending "Open Courtyards" helps raise awareness and supports the conservation of privately owned monuments, keeping alive the stories and architecture that shape local identity.