The Museo Provinciale holds the most significant collection of ancient objects from the Salentine peninsula — the heel of Italy's boot, which was densely settled by the Messapians before the Greeks and Romans arrived. The ceramics are the highlight: distinctive geometric Messapian pottery, painted red-figure Greek vessels, and a strong collection of terracotta votive objects that tell you what ordinary people in this corner of Italy believed in.
The museum occupies a neoclassical building and is not the most dramatic setting, but the quality of the objects justifies a visit, particularly if you are spending time in the surrounding region. The Messapians are a poorly documented civilisation and this is one of the few places where their material culture is well displayed. Free on the first Sunday of the month.