Each year, Lecce is transformed into an evocative setting thanks to the initiative “Cortili Aperti”, a major cultural event that opens to the public places usually inaccessible. These include historic courtyards, secret gardens, and private noble palaces that, for one day only, reveal their hidden beauty to residents and visitors alike. Organized by the Italian Historic Houses Association – Puglia Section, in collaboration with public and private institutions, the event aims to enhance the architectural and cultural heritage of the Baroque city.
This year’s edition promises to be particularly rich and engaging. The program includes cultural itineraries, side events, art exhibitions, live music performances, and free guided tours led by experts and students passionate about local history. Everything takes place in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, among cobbled streets, Lecce-stone façades, and flowered balconies, offering an authentic experience deeply rooted in the city’s urban fabric and collective memory.
When Will “Cortili Aperti” Take Place in Lecce?
The “Cortili Aperti” Lecce 2025 event will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The initiative is organized by the Italian Historic Houses Association – Puglia Section, in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecce and with the support of local cultural institutions.
On this special day, Lecce’s historic center will come alive with a free itinerary through secret courtyards of historic palaces, exceptionally open to the public. Visits will be enriched by tour guides and volunteer students who will share stories and architectural insights about the residences.
In addition to the visits, a variety of side initiatives are planned, including classical music concerts, theatrical readings, choral performances, and educational activities for children. The opening of the courtyards represents a perfect opportunity to discover the city’s noble history, engage with its private cultural heritage, and enjoy a full day immersed in art, tradition, and Salento identity.
When Do the Gardens Open in Lecce?
The private gardens connected to historic palaces will also open on May 25, 2025, coinciding with Lecce Cortili Aperti 2025. In some cases, visitors will also be able to access secret vegetable gardens and small green spaces of historical and botanical value.
Many of these gardens are accessible only on this occasion, offering a unique opportunity to admire ancient ornamental plants, Baroque statues, pergolas, and historic fountains surrounded by greenery.
Often cared for by noble families for generations, these spaces reveal another side of Baroque Lecce: an intimate and silent one, made of shaded paths, citrus groves, sculpted hedges, and Lecce-stone basins. The gardens will also host floral exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional gardening techniques, offering a rare sensory and cultural experience.
What Are “Cortili Aperti”?
“Cortili Aperti” are inner courtyards of noble palaces that are usually closed to the public and opened only on special cultural occasions. In Lecce, these courtyards represent the architectural heart of the city, with structures dating back to the 16th–18th centuries, characterized by Baroque decorations, loggias, monumental staircases, and frescoes.
The initiative aims to enhance privately owned historical and artistic heritage, giving visitors the chance to discover the city’s most authentic side.
Many of these courtyards preserve rare architectural elements such as carved coats of arms, historic cisterns, and Roman columns reused in later centuries. The visit thus becomes a narrative journey intertwining art, history, and daily life, bearing witness to Lecce’s urban evolution and the influence of aristocratic families on its cultural development.
What to Do on Sunday in Lecce?
Sunday is an unmissable opportunity for lovers of art, history, and culture. In addition to the route through courtyards and gardens, the program includes:
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Temporary exhibitions and artistic installations in selected palaces
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Live concerts in courtyards
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Theatrical performances and itinerant readings
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Themed guided tours focusing on Baroque history and architecture
Visitors can also take advantage of the day to stroll through the historic center, taste Salento cuisine in traditional restaurants, and visit museums and churches open for the occasion.
How to Join the “Lecce Cortili Aperti 2025” Tour
Participation is completely free; however, in some cases online booking is recommended to access certain courtyards or to join themed guided tours. Detailed information regarding the list of palaces open to visitors, opening hours, and access procedures will be available in the weeks leading up to the event on the official event website and at the tourist information point located in Lecce’s historic center. Printed and digital maps will also be distributed to help visitors navigate the route easily.
To fully enjoy the experience, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and water in warmer weather, and plan your itinerary in advance, given the expected high attendance. Some courtyards, due to their architectural structure, may have limited access or be partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. For this reason, visitors are encouraged to check access conditions in advance and book guided tours to ensure a smooth and complete experience.
A Unique Opportunity to Rediscover Lecce
Lecce Cortili Aperti 2025 is not just an event, but a true journey through time. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore hidden corners, learn about Lecce’s historic families, and immerse themselves in the most authentic Salento culture. It is an experience highly recommended for both tourists and residents who wish to experience the city in a new and engaging way, through historical storytelling, Baroque art, and enchanting secret gardens.
The event also represents an important opportunity to reflect on the preservation of privately owned historical and artistic heritage. Thanks to the commitment of numerous property owners, institutions, and associations, Lecce succeeds every year in opening the doors to its past, offering a rare example of public–private collaboration. Cortili Aperti 2025 thus confirms itself not only as a cultural celebration, but as a project of heritage enhancement and territorial identity, strengthening the bond between citizens and collective memory.
Finally, the atmosphere experienced during the event is truly unique: live music, the scent of ancient flowers, storytelling voices echoing among Lecce-stone walls, and a diverse audience sharing emotions and discovery. A setting that blends tourism with emotional engagement, making this event an unmissable appointment in the Apulian cultural calendar.
