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.
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.
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, […]
Shopping in Lecce
Lecce, the capital of the Baroque Salento, is the favorite destination for tourists visiting Salento. The city offers its visitors not only an unparalleled historical and cultural wealth, but also a shopping experience that combines style, tradition and quality. Walking through the streets of the historic center, among historic buildings and elegant squares, you can […]
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 […]
Museums of Lecce
Lecce, the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most fascinating cities in Puglia, known for its extraordinary baroque beauty. In addition to the architectural wonders that adorn its squares and streets, Lecce hosts a vast array of museums that tell the story of the city and the region. Lecce’s […]
Ex Convitto Palmieri – Lecce
The ex Convitto Palmieri is one of the most significant historical sites in Lecce, a city that boasts an extraordinary cultural and architectural heritage. Located in the heart of the historic center, this building represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of the history of the city and its evolution over time. In this article […]