Easter and Easter Monday: museums and routes to visit in Puglia and

Easter and Easter Monday: museums, exhibitions and routes in Puglia and Basilicata

The Easter holidays are a good chance to combine cultural visits with outdoor time. From city museums to heritage sites and regional parks, there are many options for spending Easter Sunday and Easter Monday exploring art, history and nature.

Practical information

• Free entry: the first Sunday of the month often means free admission to state museums and archaeological parks; always check the individual venue for confirmation.
• Easter Monday opening: many cultural sites remain open on Easter Monday, including some that usually close on Mondays; check schedules and ticketing policies.
• Reservations: book in advance for popular exhibitions and guided tours, especially during holiday weekends.

What to see in Puglia

The region offers several highlighted visits and temporary exhibitions. Recommended stops include:

• Bari – The Corrado Giaquinto Metropolitan Art Gallery: temporary photographic exhibitions and the permanent collection. The Swabian Castle hosts historical collections alongside contemporary exhibitions.
• Taranto – The MarTa museum: archaeological holdings paired with temporary shows that bring together ancient artefacts and contemporary themes.
• Lecce – Castromediano Museum: works that connect local devotion, popular tradition and art.
• Bitonto – National Gallery of Puglia: exhibitions on Baroque art and themed displays spanning historical and modern works.
• Other venues – Civic museums and cultural centres organise graphic art comparisons, cinema-related projects and visual narratives linked to the sea and landscape.

Family-friendly events

• Activities for children – Many sites offer workshops, egg hunts and guided activities designed for families.
• Outdoor concerts and events – Religious concerts in cathedrals and music marathons in parks are common on Easter and Easter Monday.

Basilicata: Matera and the parks

Basilicata is perfect for those seeking history and dramatic landscapes. Matera, with its Sassi and rock-hewn churches, is especially evocative during the holidays; wandering its lanes and viewpoints offers a memorable experience.

• Murgia Materana Park – Scenic trails and rock art; the Sentiero 406 links city viewpoints to the natural areas around the ravine.
• Pollino National Park – Trails for hiking, picnic spots and family-friendly routes.
• Appennino Lucano Park – Highlights such as the suspended bridges at Sasso di Castalda (Ponte alla Luna) provide thrilling walks and panoramic views.

Final tips

• Always verify opening hours and access rules on the official website of each museum or park.
• Book online when possible to avoid queues during peak holiday times.
• Wear comfortable clothing if you plan to combine museum visits with outdoor walks or light hikes.

This guide lists selected suggestions for spending Easter and Easter Monday in Puglia and Basilicata immersed in art, culture and nature. For the most up-to-date information on openings and tickets, consult the official pages of the individual institutions.