Museo provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano, Archaeological museum in Lecce, Italy.
The Museo Castromediano is an archaeological museum in Lecce that gathers and displays finds from prehistoric times through the Roman era. It is complemented by a collection of regional paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, documenting the area's artistic tradition.
It was founded in 1868 by Duke Sigismondo Castromediano and stands as the oldest museum in Puglia. The institution marked a turning point in the region's effort to preserve its local heritage.
The museum displays Messapian artifacts, including pottery with Mycenaean influences, showing how ancient Mediterranean peoples connected with this region. These objects reveal the trade routes and cultural exchanges that shaped the Salento area long ago.
The museum is located on Viale Gallipoli and welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday. Plan enough time to explore both the archaeological collections and the paintings section.
The prehistoric section features a reconstruction of the Grotta dei Cervi from Porto Badisco, with replicas of ancient rock paintings. This allows visitors to see the original cave art without risking damage to the fragile site itself.
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