Antica Saliera – Studio | Gallery | Hypogeum
A contemporary art space housed within a thirteenth-century building in Lecce’s historic center, built around a subterranean chamber linked to the legendary River Idume.
At a glance
Antica Saliera occupies a restored medieval structure on Via degli Antoglietta, accessed from Piazzetta Longobardi near Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The venue functions as a studio, gallery, and cultural hub across three levels: basement chamber, ground-floor gallery and multipurpose space, and first-floor gallery with teaching room. Its name references the piazza’s former use as a salt market.
History
The building dates to around 1200 and once formed part of a Jesuit convent complex. Located in Lecce’s sixteenth-century historic core, it was designed with a quadrangular courtyard plan. Beneath its foundations lies evidence of earlier occupation: an underground chamber with historical and anthropological significance, later repurposed as a sculpture and ceramics gallery.
Local tradition holds that the River Idume, which flows silently beneath the city, was once used by Jewish communities for ablution rituals—Hebrew inscriptions visible in certain basements attest to their presence. Folklore describes the river as sacred to nymphs and inhabited by playful spirits whose laughter reportedly echoed through the city’s wells.
What you see
The building’s medieval fabric remains legible through its stone walls and courtyard layout. Conservation work has preserved original structural elements while adapting the interior for contemporary use. The basement chamber—the hypogeum—features archaeological deposits and now displays sculpture and ceramics against walls that once drew water from the Idume.
Cultural significance
Antica Saliera bridges Lecce’s layered past with present-day cultural practice. The space documents the city’s medieval history, Jesuit heritage, and multicultural fabric while functioning as an active venue for exhibitions, conferences, and courses. Its hypogeum connects visitors physically and imaginatively to the subterranean hydrology and spiritual traditions that shaped medieval urban life.
Key facts
- Address: Via degli Antoglietta 11/A, Lecce
- Coordinates: 40.3536205, 18.1686553
- Building date: circa 1200
- Original function: Part of Jesuit convent complex
- Current use: Studio, gallery, events space, and cultural center
- Phone: +39 327 3463882
- Website: https://www.ginaaffinito.com/
Practical information
Hours and admission details are not listed; check the official website or contact the venue directly. The space is available for solo and group exhibitions, presentations, conferences, courses, and cultural events.
Getting there
Antica Saliera is located in Lecce’s historic center. Access the entrance from Piazzetta Longobardi, near Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Lecce is served by rail and road connections; local transportation will bring you to the historic core, where the gallery is within walking distance of the cathedral and other major landmarks.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (4)
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto