Museo ferroviario della Puglia
Locomotives, carriages and historic wagons in the former railway workshops of Lecce, with models and dioramas of great precision.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo ferroviario della Puglia grew out of an initiative by a group of enthusiasts of real and miniature railways, who came together in 1997 in the association AISAF (Associazione Ionico Salentina Amici Ferrovie). In 1999, together with the Associazione Dopolavoro Ferroviario di Lecce and in agreement with the museum sector of the Ferrovie dello Stato, a project for a railway museum in Lecce was launched—a rare initiative in southern Italy, where only the national museum at Pietrarsa existed.
The site is the former “Squadra Rialzo” workshop of the Ferrovie dello Stato, in the station, operational until February 1992: two sheds with tracks, the first from the 1930s and the second from the early 1970s. Ordinary maintenance of carriages and freight wagons was carried out here, with vehicles raised above the track to work on bogies and wheelsets. The premises are made available by the Comune di Lecce.
Between 1998 and 2026, 32 pieces of rolling stock were recovered—locomotives, wagons and carriages—plus 7 service vehicles, from the Ferrovie dello Stato, the Ferrovie del Sud Est and the Manifattura Tabacchi di Lecce. The route includes steam, electric and diesel locomotives, railcars and a modeling area with models and dioramas. A visit usually lasts a couple of hours.
Highlights
- Steam locomotives of the FS and FSE from 1911–1913
- Historic electric and diesel locomotives
- Railcars and vehicles from the Manifattura Tabacchi di Lecce
- Railway models and dioramas
- Former “Squadra Rialzo” workshop at Lecce station
Permanent exhibition
- Rotabili storici e modellismo ferroviario – 32 pieces of rolling stock recovered, including locomotives, wagons and carriages, plus 7 service vehicles, and a section of models and dioramas.
- Operated by
- AISAF APS – Associazione Ionico Salentina Amici Ferrovie
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3adults over 65, children aged 6 to 18, students from primary school to university |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 18: reduced ticket. |
| Seniors | €3Over 65s: reduced ticket. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities; companions pay the full ticket. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Students from primary school to university: reduced ticket. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2.50 per personOrganized groups by reservation, per person. |
Tickets are bought at the box office at the entrance, in cash or by card (POS).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
According to the museum, younger visitors find the visit an exciting experience among locomotives, wagons and carriages from every era.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The premises are available for shows, exhibitions and photo or film shoots.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups and school classes can arrange guided tours, including on different days, by contacting the museum. From 1 June 2025, visits with an authorized professional guide are booked via welcomelecce.net (tel. 0832 1827321). |
