At the City Gates
The historic centre of Lequile becomes an immersive stage for art, music, and creativity
About At the City Gates
A widespread festival in the heart of Lequile
At the City Gates is the cultural event that, on an early summer evening, lights up the historic centre of Lequile, a small town in the province of Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region of Puglia. For one night, the alleys, courtyards, ancient palaces, and hidden gardens of the village open to the public, transforming into an immersive stage where every corner holds a surprise: an exhibition, an installation, a craft demonstration, or a concert.
A journey through courtyards and secret gardens
The route winds through Piazza San Vito, via Trieste, via San Vito, and via Umberto I, all enhanced by scenic arrangements and artistic decorations. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a charming itinerary through the town's most characteristic streets, where the usually closed doors of private homes swing open to reveal courtyards, balconies, and secret gardens brought to life by music and art.
One hundred protagonists of Salento
Each edition involves nearly one hundred participants: artists, cultural associations, artisans, musical groups, writers, poets, dancers, and performers. Music is at the heart of the event, spanning various genres from Salento's traditional pizzica to jazz and electronic sounds, while visual arts and local crafts showcase the region's creativity. The event aims to highlight Lequile's hidden heritage and strengthen the sense of community.
An event growing year by year
Established just a few years ago, the festival has become a staple of the Salento summer calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from Lecce and across Puglia. Promoted by the Municipality of Lequile with the organizational support of local entities, At the City Gates is now one of the most original showcases of the town's cultural life, where art, music, and tradition intertwine in the village streets.
Why it is worth visiting
- An entire historic centre transformed into an open-air museum and theatre
- Private courtyards, palaces, and gardens normally closed to the public
- Live music of various genres, from pizzica to electronic
- Free admission and a festive atmosphere for the whole family
At the City Gates — edition 2026
The fourth edition of At the City Gates brought the historic centre of Lequile to life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM. The opening ceremony, hosted by Ramona Visconti in front of the Town Hall, kicked off a sold-out evening: courtyards, balconies, palaces, and secret gardens were transformed into exhibition spaces and stages for music, ranging from pizzica and jazz to electronic beats.
A particularly poignant moment was dedicated to art and memory, with the donation to the Municipality of the work «Grande Concerto d'erba» (Great Grass Concert) by master Renato Centonze. The event involved nearly one hundred participants, including artists, musicians, artisans, and local cultural associations, confirming its status as one of the most anticipated events of the Salento summer.
Programme At the City Gates 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
- 7:30 PM — Opening ceremony in front of the Town Hall, in Piazza San Vito, hosted by Ramona Visconti
- Donation to the Municipality of the work «Grande Concerto d'erba» by master Renato Centonze
- Immersive itinerary through Piazza San Vito, via Trieste, via San Vito, and via Umberto I: art exhibitions, creative installations, craft demonstrations, and musical performances in courtyards and secret gardens
- Live music of various genres: pizzica, jazz, and electronic
- Final concert with Enzo Petrachi & Friends, featuring Luigi Bruno, Cesko, and Puccia from Après La Classe
Nearly one hundred artists, cultural associations, artisans, and musicians from Salento took part in the event.
Highlights At the City Gates 2026
Prices At the City Gates 2026
Practical information — At the City Gates
How to get there
Lequile is located a few kilometres south of Lecce, the capital of Salento. By car, it can be reached from the Lecce ring road in about 10 minutes; the reference railway station is Lecce, which is well-connected to Bari and the rest of Puglia. During the event, the historic centre is closed to traffic: it is advisable to park in the areas outside the village and continue on foot.
Admission
The event has free admission. The opening ceremony takes place in front of the Town Hall in Piazza San Vito.
Tips
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking tour through the town centre. As it is a very popular evening event, it is best to arrive early to enjoy the courtyards and gardens at a leisurely pace.
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Where does it take place — At the City Gates
Centro storico di Lequile
Palazzo di Città, Piazza San Vito, 73010 Lequile