Virtual Archive

The Historical Archive of the Municipality of Lecce has been partially digitised, and these records are available for consultation online.
To enhance your exploration of this virtual archive, we have created three curated paths that offer an immersive journey through the records. Our goal is to demonstrate how individual documents are intricately linked and how, through these connections, it is possible to uncover surprising insights that help us better understand the Lecce of today.

Note for Researchers: Digital scans display the original handwritten documents, all of which are hand written in Italian. Therefore, to fully appreciate and interpret these records, a functional command of the Italian historical bureaucratic terminology and archaic handwriting styles is required.

Curated Journeys

The Archive preserves a rich heritage that tells the story of Lecce through many voices and perspectives. To help you navigate and explore further, we have created three thematic pathways where historical documents are woven into a guided narrative. Each path demonstrates how these materials are interconnected, revealing unexpected links that help us better understand not only the past but also the city of today.

The history of the civic archive from its beginnings

Lecce in transformation: visions, choices and projects of a city in the making

Enchanting Lecce: palaces, theatres and shopping streets

Research Guide

Need help navigating the Archive’s collections? This section guides you step-by-step through the consultation process—both online and on-site—providing useful tools, practical instructions, and expert advice to help you begin or refine your research