Lecce Papier-Mâché Workshop

Lecce's most distinctive craft is cartapesta, the art of papier-mâché, which began as a humble way for artisans to make religious statues without costly stone or wood and grew into a refined local tradition. Figures of saints, nativity scenes, masks and decorative objects are still made in workshops in the old town, using layers of paper, paste and straw over a clay or wire form, then painted in rich colours. A guided walk and workshop lets you meet the craft first-hand: you hear how it developed, see finished pieces in a working studio and then try the technique yourself, working with a master artisan who guides you through each step. The appeal is both cultural and practical. Few experiences connect you so directly with a place as making something with local materials alongside a craftsman whose family has done it for generations. By the end, you have a handmade souvenir that is far more personal than anything on a shop shelf, and a clear sense of why Lecce's artisans are proud of their trade.

Sessions often begin with a short walk through the old town, pointing out where the craft appears in churches, shops and street shrines, and finish in the workshop with the hands-on part. You may model a small figure, decorate a mask or paint a pre-formed piece, depending on the programme and the time available. The materials are forgiving, so no artistic skill is needed, and children can usually join with a little help. Expect to get paste on your fingers; aprons are normally provided, but wear clothes you do not mind marking.

Because the object you make needs to dry, some workshops finish the piece for you to collect later or send it on, while others use pre-formed bases so you can take it away the same day. Ask how this works when you book if you are leaving town soon. Fragile items should be wrapped well for travel, and the studio can usually advise. If you plan to buy a larger piece, ask about shipping, since the best statues are delicate.

The workshop fits a slow day in Lecce. Start with the Baroque sights in the morning, join the food tour for lunch, and settle into the workshop in the afternoon. It is also a good wet-weather option, as most of it is indoors. Confirm the length of the session, the group size, the language of instruction and whether the finished piece can be taken with you.

Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and choose your project before the group starts. Tipping is not expected, but buying a small piece from the studio is a welcome way to say thanks.

Some artisans also show how they prepare the clay moulds, how they mix the paste and how a statue is built up from layers, which is a pleasure to watch even if your own piece is simple. Ask about the history of the craft, from religious figures in churches to the lighter, more playful designs of today.

If you want a lasting souvenir, choose something small and sturdy, such as a mask or an ornament, rather than a tall figure. Bring a bag or ask for a box to carry your work home, and keep it away from damp, which is the enemy of papier-mâché.