online@designholidays.co.uk
Borgo Egnazia – Museum Lovers’ Paradise
Italians have always been renowned for their love of art. Every year millions of tourists flock to cities such as Rome, Venice and Turin to visit museums and catch a glimpse of art collections. However, away from those loud cities known by all and sundry, elite tourists know that some of Italy’s finest artifacts, historical items and paintings are housed in Puglia; the Borgo Egnazia museums.
Puglia is an important historical location. The ancient, historic city of Egnathia, home to ruins dating back to the 5th century B.C, is in the Puglia region. You will encounter the ruins of Necropolis and what remains of the Roman and Greek occupation walking through the cities. Its shores also bear telltale signs of the marks left by ancient invaders and conquerors.
Hence, it is not surprising that Purglia hosts a number of museums that will delight and keep the art and history lover occupied and intrigued for a long time. Below are some of the best museums to visit from Borgo Egnazia:
The Museum ‘Sigismondo Castromediano’
Museo Provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano (MPSC), as it is officially known, is one of the most popular destinations for savvy tourists. It’s located in Lecce, the capital of Salento and boasts works of art from all over the area. A visit to the museum is a journey from prehistoric times to the 1900s.
You can easily learn the history of Salento during the Roman occupation just by visiting the museum from Borgo Egnazia. And you can also take a leisurely stroll through the Greek origins of Puglia down through the Hellenistic period. From the Hellenistic period, you can easily connect to the Middle Ages before arriving at the present time.
There are hundreds of Greek-style vases and ceramics that are hallmarks of ancient civilization to ensure your walk is pleasurable and informative. Roman statues of the imperial age, as well as marble that came from the amphitheatre located at the centre of the city, are just a sampling of the delights that spice up a visit to MPSC.
Once you start exploring the remarkable paintings dating as far back as the 13th century, and up to the 20th century, you will begin to understand why MPSC is a treasure trove and continues to draw in elite historians and artists. We know because we’ve been privileged to host a few of them at Borgo Egnazia.
The most important set of paintings, as well as bronzes and silvers, from the European Neolithic era is the reconstruction of prehistoric Grotta dei Cervi of Porto Badisco, and they are just one of the many treasures MSCP shelters.
The MSCP collection is impressive and alluring. Entrance for Borgo Egnazia to this museum is free and since it’s convenient to visit from Borgo Egnazia, our Guests can’t resist the temptation of a trip back in time.
Ceramic’s Museum in Grottaglie
The Ceramic’s Museum in Grottaglie is located in the charming Castello Episcorpio. When it comes to art pottery, this museum is second to none in Puglia. There are various archeological sections for the art and history lover to choose from, such as tiles, contemporary and traditional ceramics, including cribs.
The items in the tile section date from the early 17th century to the first half of the 20th century. They maintain an impressive collection of dishes, as well as water and wine jugs, usually referred to as “sruli”. But these jugs are not your typical ancient civilization jugs. Some of these liquid containers are ingeniously designed with a secret, complicated hydraulic mechanism that makes it difficult to pour out liquid from them. And you will have lots of fun trying to during lunch (we just let you in on a secret, but try it, you and your table companions will have great fun trying to).
There are also devotional ceramic in the museum that is associated with the local devotion. The statues of saints and religious figures (St. Michael, St. Cyrus, Our Lady of Sorrows, etc) are impressive and inspiring.
Borgo Egnazia Museum of the Roman Empire
Museo del Teatro Romano, as it is known in Italian, is located at the heart of Lecce, in Puglia. The Fondazione Memmo set it up in the 17th century Roman palace. This is the home to finds discovered in 1929 by chance from the excavation of the Roman Theatre of Lecce.
Their treasure trove also includes reproductions of Roman monuments. For an art or history lover, or anyone interested in ancient civilizations, this museum is a must-visit.
Diocesan Museum near Borgo Egnazia
The Diocesan Museum is situated in the city of Lecce, not too far from Borgo Egnazia. It is located in the Seminary of Piazza Duomo. It is a must-see site for historians and Christians. The first floor is dedicated to modern art whilst the second floor, dedicated to religious arts, houses ancient liturgical sculptures, vestments and silverwares – all for an admission fee of €4.
The list of borgo Egnazia museums could go on, and each museum in Puglia has an array of historical artifacts that is unique to it.
At Borgo Egnazi, we love history and art and we can’t wait to help you plan a visit to the various museums in the Puglia region.
You can be certain that the staff will be waiting to give you a treat and spoil you once you return.
Make your reservation today. Borgo Egnazia can’t wait to meet you.
