Lecce is a beautiful city in the Puglia region of Italy, placed at the bottom of the Italian Peninsula, that has plenty of indulgences to refresh all moods and tastes. Referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce continues to charm audiences with its excellent cuisine, amazing Baroque architecture, incredible natural vistas, refreshing destinations, and friendly locals. This ancient city has a history of over 2000 years, and there are stunning places to visit in Lecce, Italy, giving you a deeper insight into Lecce’s culture and history. So get ready with your travel bags as we present the ultimate guide to the beautiful city of Lecce in Puglia.
Why should you visit Lecce, Puglia?
Lecce gives you a first-hand experience of Puglia’s fascinating culture and history. The narrow street alleys within the historic old center will leave you awe-struct at its brilliance and magnificence. Lecce gives you a wonderful opportunity to slow down the pace of your fast-moving lifestyle while admiring and getting lost in the intricate sounds and sights of this beautiful, laid-back region. Then, stop over at a local café for an expresso or a local wine to make it an eventful exploration journey.
How to get to Lecce, Puglia?
The major ports and arrival cities near Lecce, Puglia are Brindisi and Bari, which are 40 km and 150 km north of Lecce, respectively. The resort towns of Gallipoli towards the west and Otranto towards the east coast are also 40 km away. Rome is a 6-hour drive or 600 km away from Lecce.
Flight and car
Salento Airport in Brindisi is the closest airport to Lecce. However, you will witness the best of Lecce sightseeing by renting a car and driving down to Lecce in a 30-minute ride. You can also drive down by Bari, a city which is a 2-hour drive away from Lecce.
Train
You will easily find direct trains from the city of Brindisi and Bari. The journey time from the respective cities is 30 minutes and 90 minutes. The train journey is convenient, user-friendly, and economical as well.
Weather in Lecce, Puglia
The temperature is warm, and the typical temperate Mediterranean climate brings in hot summers and rainy winters. The temperatures hover from a low of 4o-13oC in January to a high of 20o-32oC in August. August is very humid all month. Spring or the early summer months are perfect for visiting Lecce.
Is Lecce Worth visiting?
If you are wondering whether this small city in southern Italy is worth a visit? Well, say no more and book your tickets because yes Of course! Lecce is filled with glorious Baroque architecture, enchanting history, museums, and Puglian cuisine that makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the South attracting millions of tourists every year making it undeniably a worth-visit tourist destination.
Best time to explore Lecce, Puglia
May, June, and September are the best time to explore Lecce, Puglia. The warm temperature with lower crowd intensity can help you easily relax and explore various destinations. An intense tourist crowd line up in Lecce during July and August, also the peak tourist season.
Planning your stay in Lecce, Puglia
Lecce, a relatively small city, can be easily covered in a day or two. However, if you have a week, you can explore the rest of Puglia and discover new aspects of the region’s culture and history.
Best places to visit in Lecce
1. Anfiteatro, the Roman Amphitheatre
One of the best Lecce sightseeing sights in the Piazza Sant’oronzo is this grand Roman Amphitheatre built almost 2000 years ago but hidden until the 1900s. This amazing masterpiece is a true reflection of Lecce city’s true nature and can easily hold up to 25,000 people across its two tiers at its prime. Thanks to several restoration efforts, you can get glimpses of its former glory. Today, several modern artists perform live performances all throughout the year.
2. Basilica di Santa Croce
Lecce is very popular in the region for its stylish Baroque-style designed buildings and structures. The Baroque Cathedral is a fine example of this architectural style. Starting from 1695, this cathedral was built over two centuries, where Lecce limestone was used to build this elegant masterpiece. The impressive façade features smooth white columns, sculptures, and intricate details about the region’s history and culture.
The large rose window is one of the key highlights that will take you to a fantasy world. The interiors are equally ravishing and opulent as its exteriors with the gold-painted ceiling, grand white columns, beautiful painting collections, glass windows, and 17 altars.
3. Centro Storico
Placed in the heart of Lecce city, Centro Storico gives you a wonderful opportunity to kick off your adventures. You can easily stroll around browsing the narrow streets, cute shops, restaurants & cafes, and bars lining the streets. Exploring the little gems, indulge in some shopping in Lecce, Italy, as this place comes to life post sunset when the locals arrive post work to kick off a fun and interactive evening.
You May Like: Incredible Things to Do in Genoa, Italy
4. Church of Saint Irene
Another beautiful example of a Baroque-style church is the Chiesa di Sant’Irene/the Church of Saint Irene, built in the late 1500s and early 1600s. This church was home to the beloved saint of the city, Saint Irene. The stunning façade displays a statue of Saint Irene, an oak tree, and a she-wolf sculpture representing the Lecce city. The interiors feature 17th-century altarpieces and individual chapels. Being very close to the Piazza del Duomo and the Baroque Cathedral, you can plan to visit them in one go.
5. Piazza del Duomo
You will find it hard to avoid the irresistible charm of the Piazza del Duomo that is placed in the heart of the Lecce’s old historic town. Browse through the city’s architectural masterpieces during your exploration journey. Each structure or building here has intricate details of Baroque architecture. An iconic highlight is the bishop’s residence, Lecce Bell Tower, and the Palace of Seminary.
6. Shopping in Lecce Italy
You will not find high or luxury brands while shopping in Lecce, Italy. Lecce provides several options to fulfill your shopping desires, but it is more about local brands. Some top destinations to indulge in some shopping experiences are Artefatto L’Idea in Terracotta, Ijo’ Design, Liberrima, Maria Paola Barretta, Punto Verde Vivai, and Re di Quadri.
Best hotels to stay in Lecce, Puglia
You will find numerous places to stay in Lecce, Puglia, but we suggest staying at the La Fiermontina Hotel to explore the historical aspects of the city and Grand Hotel di Lecce to explore all the action within the city.
1. La Fiorentina
This traditional family home has been transformed into a small and luxurious hotel. This hotel gives you a wonderful sense of the historic Lecce town. It’s well-connected and not very far from the Lecce railway station and the charming Piazza Del Duomo. Being a typical ancient family home, you will see a lot of stone arches and intricate details to catch your curiosity.
2. Grand Hotel Di Lecce
This is a mid-range hotel placed 10 minutes from the historic old town and 200 meters from the Lecce railway station. Few places will give their in-house guests a grandeur stay than this hotel. The Art Nouveau building features classic ornate details and a charming décor for a comfortable stay.
Best things to do in Lecce
1. Visit Museums
While in Lecce, one of the best things you can do is to take a peek at the history of the area through these two museums named, Museo Ebraico di Lecce & the Museo Faggiano.
Through the Jewish Museum in Palazzo Taurino, opened in 2016 you get to uncover the hidden history of the once-thriving Jewish community, abruptly expelled in 1540. Roam through seven halls showcasing their lives, with remnants of their identity on display. Nearby, Santa Croce now stands where Jewish buildings once thrived.
Venture into another world at the second museum, a former house turned archaeological marvel. In 2001, a routine sewerage fix unveiled treasures dating back 2500 years – graves, rock dryers, and a mysterious underground road. From Knights Templar times (1000-1200) to a Franciscan convent (until 1600), this building holds secrets. Embark on a self-guided tour to explore cisterns, tombs, and hidden passages.
2. Explore city gates
To delve more into the historical past and survival of this city, you can explore the three city gates that protected the citizens several times. Among the four built by King Chares V, three exist with Porta Napoli as Lecce’s standout gate, catching your eye with its impressive beauty and the lovely avenue leading to it. Tour buses often stop here, making it a convenient spot for tourists to hop on and off as they explore the city.
You can also enter the Historical Center through two other gates, Porta San Biagio (known as “St. Blaise Gate”) and Porta Rudiae, both upgraded from medieval gates. Porta Rudiae, done up in a Baroque style, shows off a statue of St. Oronzo up top, surrounded by cool mythological figures on the sides, adding some extra historical charm to the city’s vibe.
3. Go for Passeggiata-a-Leece.
In Italy, the evening stroll, known as La Passeggiata, which usually starts at 6:00 pm, is an escape for families and friends of all ages to casually stroll through Old Town Lecce. They often follow the popular route from Piazza Sant’Oronzo to Piazza Duomo along Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
Sunset happens and locals participate in this cherished tradition which is more than just a walk. It is a cultural moment to connect, share stories, enjoy gelato, or spend a romantic evening. After this Italian tradition, another common sight in both big and small cities is another classic: Aperitivo (Happy Hour), in bars and cafes, where locals delight in a variety of appetizers.
4. Get set cooking
So if you have been planning to get closer to Lecce, just eating won’t suffice, a cooking class would give you better insights into the classic existence of the place, its delicious delicacy, and a thing to take along with you after leaving Lecce.
You can join famous classes like Awaiting Table, Orecchiette, or other traditional home cooking courses. So do not forget to cook the local pasta and tiramisu while you are in Lecce.
Best beaches near Lecce
1. Spiaggia San Cataldo
This golden sandy beach is located just around 13 kms from Lecce to give you a peaceful retreat around the coastal waters. You can sunbathe, swim and enjoy water sports activities while tasting local seafood and Puglian cuisine.
2. Torre Lapillo
The best place for a rejuvenating summer in the sun is Torre Lapillo surrounded by fine sand and crystal clear pastel green water all around. You can treat yourself with drinks and food at the nearby bars and restaurants, enjoy water activities or just relax!
3. Punta proscuitto
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located here, just an hour’s drive from Lecce. This fine sandy beach with tall sand dunes is located at Salento is warm and friendly for an escape from the city noise and is ready to rejuvenate you anytime.
4. Porto Selvaggio
Another celebrated beach in the Salento Peninsula is the Porto Selvaggio located just 40 minutes away from Lecce. Covered by the tropical pine forests all around, you get to see this clear blue beach near the national park where you can sunbathe, snorkel, or dive.
5. Torre dell’Orso
The calm and transparent waters of Torre dell’Orso can be found 30 kilometers from Lecce. The beautiful and fun ambiance is created by the two cliffs, and tropical trees around the Adriatic coast charming every single traveler.
Conclusion
Since you are here, there must have been a part of you getting convinced about planning a trip to Lecce. So ponder no more and book your trip now to discover and indulge in the glorious past, gorgeous architecture, tasty food and so much more await you at Lecce.