Rudiae Archaeological Park (Lecce): weekend with LIS-guided tours and

Rudiae Archaeological Park: accessible archaeology and gladiator reenactment

On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May the Rudiae Archaeological Park, located just outside Lecce, hosts two afternoons of events combining guided visits with accessibility services and a historical reenactment in the amphitheatre. The initiative is designed to make the site welcoming and engaging for a wide audience.

The guided route traces the site’s history from its Messapian origins to the Roman phase, highlighting the amphitheatre’s structure, the spectacles once held there and the local gladiators.

• Dates and times: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, guided tours start at 16:30; amphitheatre reenactment from 17:30.
• Admission: free; booking required by phone at +39 349 590 7685.
• Accessibility: Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpretation will be provided to include deaf visitors.
• Duration: the visit lasts about one hour.
• Visitor tips: wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and water.
• Location: about 3 km southwest of Lecce; entrance on Via A. Mazzotta, opposite IISS Presta Columella (on-site parking at Fondo Acchiatura).

Visitors will find multimedia supports such as virtual tours on tablets, photographic panels and digital reconstructions to enhance understanding of the site’s phases. The reenactment, staged by historical reenactment groups, aims to reproduce combat techniques and arena dynamics consistent with ancient Roman practice.

The events are part of a broader project to promote and increase accessibility to archaeological heritage. For the full program and updates, check the official social channels of the Rudiae Archaeological Park.