Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate

The Abbey of Cerrate is open to the public during the following opening hours:

February 14 to February 28
Open Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Guided tours: Thursday to Sunday at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 4:00 PM

March 1 to May 31
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Guided tours: Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 4:00 PM

June 1 to August 31
Open daily, 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Guided tours: Daily at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 4:00 PM, and 5:30 PM

We’d like to inform our visitors that on August 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2025, set-up and take-down work for an upcoming event will be taking place in the courtyard.

September 1 to October 31
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Guided tours: Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 4:00 PM

November 1 to December 31
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Guided tours: Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:00 PM

Mass Schedule
Latin rite Mass: First Sunday of each month at 9:00 AM
The next Byzantine rite Mass will be celebrated on September 20 at 6:00 PM (please call to
confirm).

For more details and to check special openings or closures due to holidays or events, click here.

We’d like to inform our visitors that on August 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2025, set-up and take-down work for an upcoming event will be taking place in the courtyard.

Purchase your ticket online: it's safe, fast, and with no extra fees – click here.

Tickets

• FAI members: free entry
• Adults: € 9,00
• Reduced (aged 6-18): € 5,00
• Students aged 25 or under: € 5,00
• Children under 6: free entry
• Family: €23 for 2 adults and 2 or more children (6 - 18 years old)
• Members INTO - The International Trust members*, ICOM*: free entry
• Members of Mécènes and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre: free entry
• Visitors with disabilities and their companion: free entry

Guided tours

English-Language Guided Tours
Available Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 AM – book here

• FAI members: € 5,50
• Adults: € 14
• Reduced (aged 6-18): € 9,50
• Students aged 25 or under: € 9,50
• Children undred 6: € 9,50
• Members INTO – The International National Trusts Organization members (for more informations www.into.org/places/), ICOM: € 5,50
• Members of Mécènes and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre: € 5,50
• Visitors with disabilities and their companion: € 5,50
• Family (2 adults + 2 or more children 6-18 y.o.): € 35

*with the exception of specific events, when only the additional event charge will apply. During events the price may be subject to change.

English-Language Guided Tours
Available Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 AM – book here
Group Visits
Discounted rates available for groups of 10 or more. For bookings and quotes, click here.

On Fridays and Saturdays guided tours in English, book your tickets here

By car

The Abbey is located between Lecce and Brindisi.

Take the SS 613 (Lecce–Brindisi) and exit at Squinzano, then follow the signs for Casalabate (SP 100).

Salento in Bus – Province of Lecce

This seasonal public transport service runs from July 1 to August 31.

Route 203 (Lecce – Trepuzzi – Campi – Squinzano – Casalabate) includes a stop at the Abbey.

For full details and schedules, please refer to the official Salento in Bus website.

Transfer Service

From Lecce, it is possible to book a transfer service:

• €40 round trip (1 to 4 passengers)
• €7.50 for each additional person (up to a maximum of 8 people)

The service is available by reservation only and is managed by Società Cooperativa Solidarietà & Lavoro.

For information and bookings: Tel. 339 6402204 E-mail: opiag57@gmail.com

By train

The nearest train station is Squinzano, about 7 km from the Abbey. A transfer from the station to the site can be arranged upon request.

By Bicycle

Bicycles can be rented in Lecce for those who wish to reach the Abbey on two wheels. Guided tours with a local expert are also available.

This service is provided by Slow Active Tours – Lecce.

For information and bookings: Tel. +39 0832 1826868 Email: info@slowactivetours.com

Admission to the Abbey – Guided Visits for Groups
Guided tours for groups are available by reservation.
To request a quote or make a booking, click here.

Educational Visits for Schools
Click here to choose the most suitable tour for your class.

For further information and reservations, please email faicerrate@fondoambiente.it or call 0832.361176

Parking is available near the Abbey.

Visit Our Shop

Stop by and explore FAI-branded products and local specialties. Every purchase helps support our mission.

Visitors with disabilities, along with an accompanying person where applicable, are entitled to free admission in accordance with Ministerial Decree 507/1997, updated by D.M. 13/2019 and Law 104/1992.

In the case of guided tours, events, or other additional services, only the cost of the extra service will apply.

Guide dogs and certified assistance dogs for persons with disabilities are allowed inside the Abbey and must be kept on a leash at all times.

The Abbey is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility or who use a wheelchair.

Access and Visit Details

• Visitors may drive up to the entrance of the Abbey for drop-off. We kindly ask the accompanying person to move the vehicle to the designated parking areas afterward.

• The ticket office is located on the ground floor and is accessible via a low step. A step-free entrance can be arranged in advance with staff.

• Outdoor pathways consist of grass and compacted earth.
• The site includes the Monastic House, the Farmer’s House, the Church, and the Hypogeum.
• All ground-floor areas are accessible; steps are overcome using fixed or portable ramps.
• The upper floor of the Monastic House can be reached via a staircase and a lift with a cabin

that accommodates a wheelchair, with clear space in front of the door for easy access.

Please note: to access the video exhibit, a short flight of stairs must be climbed. Upon request, the video can also be viewed on a portable device on the ground floor.

• The Hypogeum is accessible only via stairs.
• Accessible restrooms are available on the ground floor.
• Seating is available along the visitor route.
• Easy-to-read and AAC guides (in Italian and English) can be downloaded here: Easy-to-Read and

AAC Guide.

These guides support self-guided visits or, upon reservation, guided visits with staff for individuals or small groups.

They were developed as part of the Bene FAI per tutti initiative in collaboration with l’Abilità.

For more information and to book accessibility services:
Sara Cerullo
eventi.cerrate@fondoambiente.it
+39 0832 361176 (available during opening hours)

Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas, provided they are kept on a leash.

To ensure the protection and preservation of the site, only guide dogs and certified assistance dogs accompanying persons with disabilities are allowed inside the Abbey, and must also be kept on a leash.

During events and special initiatives organized on site, photos and video recordings may be taken to document the day. These materials may be used on our official communication channels, bothonline and offline, and shared with local and national media.