Guided Tour at the Rudiae Archaeological Park: archaeology

Guided Tour at the Rudiae Archaeological Park

On Saturday 9 May the Rudiae Archaeological Park, just outside Lecce, hosts a new event in the spring season of the SMART-IN project. The guided visit combines archaeology, accessibility and historical reenactment to present the site’s history in an inclusive format.

When: Saturday 9 May, 5:30 PM. Free entry with mandatory reservation.

The tour includes LIS (Italian Sign Language) interpretation provided by Paola Sorrento and is supported by a tablet-based virtual tour and informational panels with photographs, virtual reconstructions and graphic illustrations that trace the site’s development over time.

Rudiae began as a Messapian settlement (7th century BC) and later became Roman (3rd century BC). It is also known as the birthplace of the Latin poet Quintus Ennius (239–169 BC). The itinerary leads visitors to notable remains, including the Roman amphitheatre built during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD).

Practical information

• Tour length: approximately 1 hour.
• Location: Rudiae Archaeological Park, Via A. Mazzotta (entrance opposite IISS Presta Columella).
• Distance from Lecce: about 3 km southwest of the city.
• Parking: internal parking at Fondo Acchiatura.
• Recommendations: wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and water.
• Project: part of the “Rudiae, la città di Ennio” initiative – SMART-IN (POR Puglia 2014–2020), in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecce and the Superintendency, implemented by Archeologia Ricerca e Valorizzazione SRL – A.R.Va.
• Info & reservations: visit the official Rudiae Archaeological Park website (www.parcoarcheologicorudiae.it) for booking details and contacts.

This guided visit is a practical opportunity to explore an important Salento archaeological site using inclusive interpretation and multimedia tools designed to broaden public access.