Research Guide

The Historical Archive preserves a vast and varied documentary collection (approximately 11,800 archival units), consisting of registers and faldoni (archival boxes). This collection bears witness to the activities of the Municipality of Lecce from the mid-19th century through to the 1960s and 1970s.

Note for Researchers: All original handwritten records, municipal minutes, and historical maps are in Italian.

Dettaglio di una persona che consulta documenti dell'Archivio Storico del Comune di Lecce

For example, you can find:

  • registri di stato civile e anagrafe (civil status and registry office registers)
  • deliberazioni (deliberations/minutes) of the giunta (executive committee), of the consiglio (council), the Commissari prefettizi (prefectural commissioners), and the Podestà
  • records concerning municipal assets, public works, and school buildings
  • Authorisation documents for the construction of public and private buildings
  • public education, health and public hygiene, trade, industry, and agriculture
  • security, municipal personnel, and contenzioso (litigation)
  • charity and social welfare
  • cultural, sporting, and entertainment events
  • religious worship, the military draft/conscription, local festivals, and anniversaries
  • records relating to the bilancio (budget) and the accounting of the entity

Documents can be consulted in our reading room, which is freely accessible during the archive’s opening hours, following the completion of the consultation form (available to download, in Italian only), to be sent once completed to archivio.storico@comune.lecce.it

Consultation request form

FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions

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Is there a list of the documents available in the Archive?

Yes, you can consult the complete inventory here. In the Virtual Archive you’ll find the fonds of Section 1 and part of Section 2. For everything else, you can contact us to learn more and book a visit on site.

I can’t find the document I need online. What should I do?

You can send a request via the online form or get in touch with us: we’ll be happy to help you schedule a consultation at the Archive.

I’m tracing my family history. Can you help me?

The Historical Archive holds civil status registers (births, marriages, deaths) from around 1809 to 1900.
Original copies of these registers, transferred from the Municipalities to the Courts as required by law, are also preserved at the State Archive of Lecce and are available online via the Portale Antenati.

Please note that in some cases these registers differ slightly from those we hold: while they contain the same personal data, the registers preserved at the former Augustinian Convent include handwritten annotations not found in the digital versions.

Do I need authorisation to use the documents for editorial or creative purposes?

Yes. Any use other than personal research must be authorised. Please contact us for all the information you need.

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How can I book a visit or consultation?

Simply fill out the online form, call us, or send an email to archivio.storico@comune.lecce.it . Our staff will be happy to arrange an appointment and discuss how best to support your research.

Can I consult documents from home?

Part of the collection is available in the Virtual Archive. You can explore it online, but for more in-depth research we recommend visiting in person.

Who can access the Archive?

The Archive is open to everyone: students, scholars, curious citizens and enthusiasts alike. Visits are by appointment, and our team will guide you through your research.

Does the Archive offer activities for schools and students?

Yes! The Historical Archive organises educational programmes and workshops for schools of all levels. These activities combine history, creativity and active participation, helping children and young people engage with the city’s memory in an accessible and inspiring way. Teachers and school representatives can contact us for further details.