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Museo Faggiano (Faggiano Museum), Lecce
The Faggiano Museum, in the historical center of Lecce, is a privately-owned establishment that opened its doors to the public in April 2008. It houses a remarkable collection of historical and archaeological artifacts spanning over 2000 years, from the Messapi civilization in the 5th century BC to the Romans, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. These artifacts can be experienced firsthand through a tangible, visible, and accessible historical route.
The discovery of this museum is quite extraordinary. It all began unexpectedly in 2001 when the owner, Mr. Luciano Faggiano, had to dig up the floor of his house to replace the problematic sewer pipes. During this process, the first archaeological evidence started to resurface unexpectedly. Mr. Faggiano, along with his three sons (Marco, Andrea, and Davide), embarked on a seven-year excavation journey. They funded the entire project themselves, and the archaeological works were carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Superintendence of Taranto.
Through these extensive excavations, the house transformed into a genuine archaeological site, now accessible to the public. The Cultural Association "Idume," founded by Luciano Faggiano, is responsible for the preservation and management of the museum.
Over the course of history, this location served as a Templar home from 1000 to 1200 and later became a Convent of Franciscan Nuns of the Saint Clare's order until 1600. The excavation works unearthed an array of remarkable findings, including tombs, granaries, cisterns, hypogeums, a well, Templar frescoes, ossuaries, underground escape routes, and over 5000 archaeological artifacts.
In essence, this one house encapsulates 2500 years of captivating history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.
The discovery of this museum is quite extraordinary. It all began unexpectedly in 2001 when the owner, Mr. Luciano Faggiano, had to dig up the floor of his house to replace the problematic sewer pipes. During this process, the first archaeological evidence started to resurface unexpectedly. Mr. Faggiano, along with his three sons (Marco, Andrea, and Davide), embarked on a seven-year excavation journey. They funded the entire project themselves, and the archaeological works were carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Superintendence of Taranto.
Through these extensive excavations, the house transformed into a genuine archaeological site, now accessible to the public. The Cultural Association "Idume," founded by Luciano Faggiano, is responsible for the preservation and management of the museum.
Over the course of history, this location served as a Templar home from 1000 to 1200 and later became a Convent of Franciscan Nuns of the Saint Clare's order until 1600. The excavation works unearthed an array of remarkable findings, including tombs, granaries, cisterns, hypogeums, a well, Templar frescoes, ossuaries, underground escape routes, and over 5000 archaeological artifacts.
In essence, this one house encapsulates 2500 years of captivating history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lecce. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Museo Faggiano (Faggiano Museum) on Map
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Sight Name: Museo Faggiano (Faggiano Museum)
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Lecce, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Lecce
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lecce is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lecce Introduction Walking Tour
The beginning of Lecce is a legend. According to the story, a town existed close to the location of today's Lecce, dating from the Trojan Wars. The town was taken by Romans in the 3rd century BC. They called it "Lupiae." The Roman Emperor Hadrian didn't like the location, so he moved it 2 miles to the northeast. Lecce had a theatre and an amphitheater which can be partially... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Lecce's Baroque Churches Walking Tour
Often defined as the “Capital of Baroque” – an artistic trend born in Italy in the 17th century, the town of Lecce has this signature style present in most of the buildings throughout its historic center. Characterized by elaborate facades and the extensive use of local stone known as "pietra leccese", Lecce's Baroque architecture reached its pinnacle in the form of churches,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles