The Hidden Courtyards of Lecce

The 19th May 2019 marked a whole day to discover the treasures hidden in the dwellings of the historic city centre that open to the eyes of tourists and visitors between music and shows.

LECCE - For twenty-five years now, the "Cortili Aperti"  or “open courtyards” have been presented to a public of enthusiasts who, year after year, follow the event organized by the A.D.S.I. (Italian Historic Houses Association).

Under the careful direction of Alessandra Carucci and Paola Valentini, the beautiful residences of the historic centre of Lecce were revealed to the eyes of lovers and lovers of beauty of antiquity in art, sculptures, gardens and beautiful flowers in full bloom.

The evening was accompanied by music, art and poetic inspiration of the many artists who like every year, have decided to embellish the Lecce palazzo's.

The idea of ​​the event is to encourage the owners to open their "Houses" to the public and to share the hidden beauty of their gardens and courtyards which usually sit behind closed doors.

The aim of the event is to create a bond that unites owners and amateurs bringing them to a common purpose: that is, to protect the expressions of Lecce’s culture.


Italy is a nation rich in art and culture. It is right that the public and private organizations work together to protect art and therefore the beauty that permeates it’s nation and it’s cities.

Open courtyards, for a day, aspires to create this atmosphere around those who decide to take advantage of the occasion. And the people did take advantage in large numbers with the locals of Lecce leisurely walking the winding streets and enjoying its baroque architecture in its full glory.

With the feeling that it is now known that man lives better if surrounded by beauty...and Lecce certainly has that in abundance. 

We hope that you too will join us next year for this wonderful event.
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