Pinacoteca d'Arte Francescana (Franciscan Art Gallery), Lecce
The Franciscan Art Gallery, housed in the historic 16th-century Fulgenzio Palace, is a remarkable collection dedicated to sacred art spanning from the 16th to the 20th century.
Founded in 1968 by Father Egidio de Tommaso, the gallery preserves and showcases paintings originally from Franciscan convents across the Salento region, along with donations from private collections. Visitors can explore nine exhibition halls featuring works by notable artists such as Luca Giordano, Solimena, Oronzo Tiso, and Serafino Elmo, tracing the evolution of religious art in the area over several centuries.
Beyond paintings, the gallery also displays 19th-century papier-mâché sculptures and a sacred conversation attributed to Stefano da Putignano.
The building itself offers a unique experience with its nymphaeum-a cool retreat fed by fountains designed to offer relief during hot summers.
The permanent exhibition of Father Raffaello Pantaloni’s sketches and frescoes further enriches the visitor’s journey through Lecce’s religious artistic heritage.
Founded in 1968 by Father Egidio de Tommaso, the gallery preserves and showcases paintings originally from Franciscan convents across the Salento region, along with donations from private collections. Visitors can explore nine exhibition halls featuring works by notable artists such as Luca Giordano, Solimena, Oronzo Tiso, and Serafino Elmo, tracing the evolution of religious art in the area over several centuries.
Beyond paintings, the gallery also displays 19th-century papier-mâché sculptures and a sacred conversation attributed to Stefano da Putignano.
The building itself offers a unique experience with its nymphaeum-a cool retreat fed by fountains designed to offer relief during hot summers.
The permanent exhibition of Father Raffaello Pantaloni’s sketches and frescoes further enriches the visitor’s journey through Lecce’s religious artistic heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lecce. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Pinacoteca d'Arte Francescana (Franciscan Art Gallery) on Map
Sight Name: Pinacoteca d'Arte Francescana (Franciscan Art Gallery)
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Lecce, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Lecce
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lecce is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lecce's Baroque Churches Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Lecce Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles