Museo Faggiano, Lecce

Museum in Lecce

Museo Faggiano
Museo Faggiano
© Museo Faggiano

Museo Faggiano is one of the most unusual and fascinating places to visit in Lecce, thanks to its extraordinary origin story. What began as a search for a broken sewage pipe in a modest building became a seven-year archaeological odyssey for Luciano Faggiano and his three sons. Their determined excavation revealed layer upon layer of Lecce's past-Messapian tombs, medieval walls, Roman storage rooms, Templar markings, and Franciscan remains-all hidden beneath an ordinary home. This astonishing site is now a highlight of any walking tour of Lecce, offering visitors a rare chance to descend through the city's buried history.

Today the house operates as Museo Faggiano, the city's only independent museum. Glass floors, narrow passages, and spiral staircases guide visitors through the many strata of civilisation uncovered during the family's hunt for a faulty pipe-proof that even the most mundane task can lead to extraordinary discovery.

History and Significance of Museo Faggiano

The story of Museo Faggiano begins in the early 2000s, when Luciano Faggiano purchased a building in Lecce's old town with dreams of turning it into a trattoria. A persistent plumbing problem prompted him to start digging into what he thought was a simple false floor. Instead, he and his sons uncovered medieval paving stones and then, astonishingly, a Messapian tomb dating to centuries before the Roman era.

As they dug deeper, more layers of history appeared: a Roman granary, remnants of a Franciscan chapel, etchings from the Knights Templar, a Jesuit ring, and countless everyday objects left by the many communities who lived here across two millennia. The family uncovered more than 5,000 artefacts before authorities stepped in to regulate the excavation.

Allowed to continue only under professional supervision-and at their own expense-the Faggianos persisted until both the plumbing problem and the archaeological mystery were resolved. The museum, opened in 2008, stands today as an intimate and authentic record of Lecce’s deep past.

Things to See and Do in Museo Faggiano

Walking through the museum is like travelling through time. Visitors navigate a warren of staircases, underground corridors, and exposed archaeological layers that reveal the building’s remarkable past. Glass floors allow you to peer directly into ancient rooms and excavated pits.

Among the most notable discoveries are Messapian tombs, Roman storage vats, medieval walls, cisterns, and religious symbols etched by Templars and Jesuits. Each room is carefully labelled, helping visitors understand which era they have stepped into. The combination of raw archaeological remains with the preserved structure of the house creates an atmosphere unlike any traditional museum.

The museum's layout invites curiosity and exploration. Rather than static displays, it offers a hands-on, spatial experience-one that highlights how the successive civilisations of Lecce built directly atop one another.

How to Get to Museo Faggiano

Museo Faggiano is located in the historic centre of Lecce, making it easy to reach on foot from Piazza Sant'Oronzo or other major landmarks. The nearest major airport is Brindisi Airport, which provides quick and convenient access to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lecce on Booking.com.

Lecce's main train station connects the city to Bari, Brindisi, and other Apulian destinations. From the station, the museum is a short walk or a bus ride into the old town. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If arriving by car, parking areas are available around the edge of Lecce’s historic centre, which is mostly restricted to pedestrians. From these parking zones, visitors can walk to the museum through Lecce’s winding Baroque streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Museo Faggiano

  • Suggested tips: Wear comfortable shoes-the museum includes narrow staircases and uneven surfaces.
  • Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
  • Entrance fee: A standard admission fee applies.
  • Opening hours: Typically open daily; hours vary by season.
  • Official website: Check the museum's site or Lecce tourism pages for updates.
  • How long to spend: Around 45-60 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for visitors with mobility issues due to tight passages and stairs.
  • Facilities: Limited; cafés and shops nearby.
  • Photography tip: Capture the contrast between ancient stonework and modern glass walkways.
  • Guided tours: Staff may offer explanations; private guides are also available.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous trattorias and cafés within a short walk.

Where to Stay close to Museo Faggiano

For a comfortable stay near Lecce’s key landmarks, Risorgimento Resort offers refined accommodation. Travellers seeking boutique charm may enjoy Patria Palace Hotel, close to the Basilica di Santa Croce. For a luxurious and artistic retreat, La Fiermontina provides tranquillity within walking distance of the museum.

Is Museo Faggiano Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Museo Faggiano is one of the must-see places in Lecce, offering a unique and unforgettable journey through the city's subterranean past. Its raw, authentic spaces and extraordinary discoveries make it unlike any other museum in Italy. Whether you love archaeology, unusual museums, or simply good stories, this is a place you won't forget.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,375)

Museo Faggiano, on Via Ascanio Grandi in Lecce, is a surprising small museum housed in what looks like an ordinary home where a renovation uncovered two millennia of archaeology; visitors pass through multiple levels revealing Roman cisterns, medieval escape routes and other long-buried features while family members often share the personal story behind the discovery, making the visit intimate and engaging—note there are many steep, narrow stairs so it may be difficult for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.

Sophia Boleckis
5 months ago
"I didn’t know what to expect from Museo Faggiano, but it turned out to be one of the most surprising and unique museum experiences I’ve had. From theoutside, it looks like an ordinary building, but inside it reveals an incredible archaeological journey uncovered during a simple home renovation. Every room holds secrets from centuries past — from Roman cisterns to medieval escape routes. One of the family members was there to share the story, and his passion made the visit even more special. A true hidden gem in Lecce — totally worth your time, even if you're not usually into museums!..."
Barilee Traveling
5 months ago
"Really nice museum, and what an amazing story of discovery! A pleasant way to walk through local history in the heat of the day. We also verifiedwith locals that this is indeed a genuine historical place, so rest assured...."
Emma Conyngham
3 months ago
"Very unique and interesting. Lots of steep stairs so not accessible if youre on the larger side or have bad knees... or claustrophobia."

FAQs for Visiting Museo Faggiano

By accident, during the Faggiano family’s attempt to fix a broken sewage pipe.
The layers span more than 2,000 years, from the Messapian era to the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Yes, though supervision is recommended due to narrow stairs and openings.
Not required, but explanations from staff or local guides add valuable context.

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The Museo Faggiano appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lecce!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Museo Faggiano, Via Ascanio Grandi, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy
Lecce: 0 km

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