Historic center of Lecce
Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South“, is one of the most fascinating destinations for those visiting Salento. With its thousand-year history, its fascinating mix of baroque art and centuries-old traditions, the historic center of the city offers a unique experience that captures the heart of every tourist. If you are traveling in Salento, you cannot miss a walk through the streets of its historic center, where every corner tells a story of beauty and culture.
When you enter the center of Lecce, through one of its “Gates” (Porta San Biagio, Porta Rudiae and Porta Napoli), it is impossible not to be fascinated by the unique style of its buildings. In this article we recommend some of the unmissable stops to include in your itinerary in Lecce.
- Piazza del Duomo
The beating heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo is one of the most evocative places in Lecce. Here you can admire the majestic Duomo of Lecce, a cathedral that enchants with its baroque facade and interior rich in artistic details. Don’t forget to climb the bell tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. - Roman Amphitheater. In the heart of Lecce, a few steps from the famous Piazza Sant’Oronzo, is the Roman Amphitheater, which dates back to the 2nd century AD. This ancient theater, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, is still an evocative place to imagine the gladiators and the shows of antiquity.
- Basilica of Santa Croce. Another masterpiece of Lecce’s Baroque style is the Basilica of Santa Croce, with its imposing façade that seems to tell religious and mythological stories through an incredible variety of sculpted motifs. The interior of the basilica is equally fascinating, with its imposing altar and works of art that decorate every corner.
In addition to the monuments, Lecce is a city to be experienced through its streets. The streets of the historic center, such as Via Giuseppe Mazzini and Via del Duomo, are perfect for strolling, shopping in the artisan shops and stopping to enjoy a coffee in the typical bars. Don’t forget to taste thetypical dishes of Salento, such as the puccia salentina, the rustico leccese, the pasticciotto, and much more.
Lecce: to-do list
Lecce, located in the heart of Salento, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in Puglia thanks to the important historical-artistic testimonies of its buildings and monuments. Not only that, Lecce also lends itself to the organization of numerous itineraries thanks to its privileged position, close to the beaches of the Salento […]
Must see in Lecce
Lecce, a charming corner of Puglia, is a city that enchants visitors with its thousand-year history, lively traditions and its unmistakable architectural style: the Lecce Baroque. Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is a true open-air museum that deserves to be discovered in all its nuances. If you are planning an itinerary in […]
Carlo V Castle in Lecce
Among the many wonders that the city of Lecce hosts, we cannot forget the Carlo V Castle, which stands a short distance from the famous Piazza Sant'Oronzo, a must-visit place for anyone who finds themselves in the splendid baroque city.
Porta Rudiae in Lecce
Lecce, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in Puglia, is famous for its unique Baroque style, but also for its ancient gates that tell centuries of stories. Among these, Porta Rudiae is one of the most significant, not only for its architectural beauty, but also for the role it has played in […]
One-Day itinerary in Lecce
What to do in Lecce in one day? Among churches, abbeys, amphitheatres, squares and museums... it is possible to follow an itinerary that will give you a 360-degree experience of this wonderful Apulian city.
How to get to Lecce
If you are planning a trip to Salento and have chosen Lecce as your “base” for your trip, you have several options for reaching this destination. Whether you arrive by train, bus, plane or car, in this article we will explore the various ways to get to Lecce, with practical details for each means of […]