Piazzetta Santa Chiara – Lecce

In the heart of Lecce, one of the most fascinating cities in Puglia, there is a corner that embodies all the magic and history of Lecce’s Baroque style: Piazzetta Santa Chiara. This small and evocative urban space is not just a point of passage, but a real meeting and entertainment place, a privileged location for Lecce’s nightlife, with young people who love to stay until night.

In addition to being the heart of Lecce’s nightlife with numerous pubs, bars and clubs in the surrounding streets, the square is also a suggestive place to stop during the day, where tourists and citizens find a moment of rest for a drink during walks among the shops and artistic beauties of the historic center.

Historical notes

The history of Piazzetta Santa Chiara is closely linked to the Church of Santa Chiara, an ancient religious building that stands right next to the square. The church was founded in 1413 by the Poor Clare nuns, an order that dedicated itself to prayer and meditation. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous restorations and transformations, but it has remained one of the main religious and cultural landmarks of the city.

Curiosity

Under the square there is an archaeological treasure. The excavations carried out in 2008, during the work of renovating the square, revealed the presence of a Roman thermal complex underground. This discovery confirms the existence, in imperial Roman Lecce, of a real entertainment district, consisting of the Amphitheatre, the Theatre, the Thermal Baths and the Temple of Isis.

Its function today

Over time, the square has evolved, becoming a meeting place and passage for residents and visitors, while maintaining its atmosphere of serenity intact.

Many tourists stop in this little square not only to admire the view, but also to take a coffee break in the small bars that surround it, enjoying the typical delicacies of the area, such as the pasticciotto leccese or the caffè leccese. Furthermore, the proximity to the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Museo Faggiano, which is located nearby, makes this square a point of reference for tourists who want to discover the history, art and culture of Lecce.

Piazzetta Santa Chiara also hosts cultural events and local events, such as concerts and shows that make it a lively and dynamic place.