Franciscan Art Museum Roberto Caracciolo

In the center of Lecce, this lovely palace-museum is a repository of art history for the province's sacred art. You'll find four centuries of works here, established in 1968 by Fr. Egidio de Tommaso to preserve and highlight the pictorial heritage of the monasteries in the Salento. The works come from sacristies and monasteries throughout the Salento, as well as donations from private collections.

Housed in a once-noble palace, the collection is meant to be "a dialogue with beauty" and a reflection on sacred scripture to feed the soul and the mind through artistic spiritual expression that also provides cultural nourishment. With pieces from 1600 to the present, you can also trace the history and transformation of Salento art through the centuries. Stemming from the Francesican tradition, it also relates to the order's history and expression, as well.

One room is dedicated to Lecce's uniquely created paper mache sculptures. Others hold frecoes, and a cycle of paintings depicting the life of San Francis of Assisi, plus many more beautiful works.

The Pinacoteca d'Arte Francescano Roberto Caracciolo is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3:30 PM til 6:30 PM; other days and times by appointment. See their website for details and to reserve.