Charles V Castle of Lecce

A true historical fortress in the heart of Lecce. Castello Carlo V is an impressive structure that tells centuries of military and political history. Originally built during the medieval era, the castle was expanded under Emperor Charles V in the 16th century to reinforce the city’s defenses. Today, the structure blends ancient stonework with archaeological remains, exhibitions, and peaceful inner courtyards (cortili interni) that reflect the grandeur of the past. The entrance is simple and rustic, but once inside, you can explore towers (torri), old prisons (prigioni), a small museum, and even the Cappella di Santa Barbara. Un viaggio affascinante nel cuore della storia leccese. Don’t miss it if you want to feel the military soul of Lecce.

Our guide gave us a very detailed insight into the history of this exceptional small fortress. Guided tour gave us access to the original chapel, dwellings and dungeon.

3 October 2025. The website was broken so couldn’t buy tickets ahead. Turned up early for 1600 tour. Lovely ladies at the desk had no idea website wasn’t working so walked them through what we did - apparently an upgrade occurred yesterday. Was told tickets are €10 each and have to do a guided tour (consistent with website). However, tour is only in Italian. You have to download an app (you can use their wifi), then download 20mb specific to the castle and follow via an audio tour. So basically you pay €10 for a self guided audio tour but have to walk with the guide. And then technology used is crap and problematic - kicked me out multiple times as we walked around and had to delete and reinstall several times. As an IT professional it’s a disgrace. The front desk, if it wasn’t for the lovely ladies, was an utter debacle. Majority of our tour were English speaking and everyone had problems with the app and the wifi. To the tour, the guide was helpful with letting us know where we were and when to use the audio app. Her English was limited so really couldn’t ask questions. The guide enabled us to see locked off areas of the castle, most of which relied on the audio. There were a couple of spots where there were information posters in English. Maybe it was the rain but I think we missed parts of the castle. Would I recommend? IT Issues aside, no.

Very interesting tour and two helpful ladies on ticket desk.

Just did the paid tour of Castello, amphitheatre & arena (with Roberta as our guide), we found her tour enjoyable and good value. Having the opportunity to enter areas that the public cannot and hearing from our knowledgeable guide extra stories and historical information was great. Would recommend.

A really interesting and historically & culturally important monument of Lecce. The guided tours are really informative and great value for money!!!

12th century castle in the historic centre of Lecce. Some sections are closed for renovation. Tickets required for walking inside.

Very interesting site from what we could see of it, but the majority is off-limits unless you're participating in one of their tours, and the next English tour with availability was days away. Worth a free walk-through of the open areas, but wish we'd seen more.