The Castle
The symbol of the town: it tells centuries of history through its stones and the exhibitions it hosts.
Baroque heart of Upper Salento
Mesagne, a town shaped like a heart
Mesagne is a town thick with history, its origins lost in time. An important Messapian centre, then Roman and medieval, today it charms visitors with a historic centre shaped like a heart.
Walking its narrow streets you breathe an atmosphere of its own, where baroque art meets medieval architecture. The Norman-Swabian Castle, with its imposing keep, dominates the town and houses the “Ugo Granafei” Archaeological Museum.
In 2023 Mesagne was a finalist for the title of Italian Capital of Culture — a recognition of the artistic and cultural life that runs through the town all year.
What to see
Chiesa Matrice
A fine example of Apulian baroque architecture, in the heart of the historic centre.
Archaeological area
Remains of the ancient Messapian civilisation, visible in several parts of the town including the lanes of the old centre.