Known as the Florence of the South or the Lady of Baroque, Lecce is a little gem of our boot, one of those that know how to make you fall in love. Located in a fairly central position on the Salento peninsula, just a few kilometres from both the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Lecce is nothing less than the easternmost capital of Italy and the main hub of the Salento region.
Thanks to targeted tourism measures implemented in recent years (to which we must of course add the inherent beauty of the place), Lecce has become a favourite destination for Italians and foreigners passing through Apulia, extending its fame internationally. Here, we tell you what to see in the city during a weekend, focusing mainly on the main attractions but also on the best restaurants and nightclubs.
First time in Lecce? Let us guide you! For a first approach to the city, we recommend the guided walking tour through baroque architecture and underground passages, with entrance fees included. A local guide will take you on a walk through the wonders of Lecce, including stories, tales and anecdotes
What to see in Lecce
1 - Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta
The most important religious building in Lecce is definitely the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta, located in the city centre, more precisely in Piazza del Duomo. It is a simple but imposing church, the result of several modifications and readjustments of the original structure dating back to the mid-16th century.
From the outside, the cathedral has a façade divided into two orders, with statues, columns and niches. Inside, on the other hand, there are three naves in the shape of a Latin cross, divided between them by pillars with semi-columns.
Not to be missed is the ancient pipe organ, as well as the wooden ceiling inside which are several paintings by the artist Giuseppe da Brindisi.
How to get there: it is quite easy, given its central location. From the city hall it is only a 2-minute walk (following Via Vittorio Emanuele II and then Piazza del Duomo); from the station it takes about 12 minutes, following Viale Quarta - Get directions
Openinghours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from April to September, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October to March
Ticket price: single ticket €9.00 for Duomo, Santa Croce, Santa Chiara, San Matteo and Museo d'Arte Sacra
2 - Piazza del Duomo
Source: wikipedia. Another very famous square in Lecce is Piazza del Duomo, which we mentioned earlier. It is a typical example of a Baroque square, as well as one of the rare examples of a closed square: at one time, in fact, the doors of the square were closed as soon as the sun went down. Today, the square appears as a large open-air courtyard, characterised by a well-designed illusion known as a false façade: as soon as one enters the square, one seems to be facing the main façade of the Duomo, yet crossing the threshold of the church, one realises that in reality the façade stretching out into the Piazza del Duomo is that of one of the two side aisles (rendered similar in decoration to the main one). In this way, the square is made more scenic and the visitor has the feeling of greater solemnity.
How to get there: The directions to the cathedral and the square are obviously the same. From the city hall it is only a 2-minute walk (following Via Vittorio Emanuele II and then Piazza del Duomo); from the station it is about 12 minutes, following Viale Quarta - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: Free
3 - Basilica of Santa Croce
The best representative of Lecce Baroque, however, is the Basilica di Santa Croce, also built in the city centre. Its construction began in 1549, although the dome was not finished until the early 1600s. Already observing it from the outside, one can see the typical Baroque architectural elements: the large rose window, the balustrade decorated with putti, not to mention the richly decorated tympanum. The same elements can also be found when entering: the church, divided into five naves, is characterised by high columns with decorations and ceilings with gold inserts, as well as no less than 16 Baroque altars, one for each side chapel.
How to get there: it is located in the historical centre, in Via Umberto I. To get there on foot from the City Hall, you must follow via Antoglietta, which takes just over five minutes. From the station, on the other hand, it is a quarter of an hour, following via Quarta - Get directions
Hours: 9am to 9pm daily from April to September, 9am to 6pm from October to March
Ticket price: single ticket €9.00 for Duomo, Santa Croce, Santa Chiara, San Matteo and Museo d'Arte Sacra
4 - Lecce Castle
Another well-known building in the city is the Castle of Lecce, commissioned by King Charles V as a defensive fortress. The castle has a square plan and two entrance gates (the first gate facing the city, and the second facing where the countryside used to be) on which the Habsburg coat of arms still appears, as well as the remains of the ancient moat.
In reality, however, the original structure appears to be much older than the time of Charles V, so much so that some scholars even speak of remains from the 13th century.
Today, the Castle has obviously lost its key role in controlling and defending the city, and exhibitions and cultural events are hosted in its inner rooms.
How to get there: it is located near the Duomo and Piazza del Duomo. From the City Hall it is an easy less than 4-minute walk, from the station less than 20 minutes - Get directions
Hours: daily, from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
Ticket price: full price €3.00 per person, reduced €2.00
5 - Porta Napoli
Also known as the Arch of Triumph, Porta Napoli is the main gateway to the city of Lecce.
Erected in 1548, it was dedicated in honour of Emperor Charles V for the many interventions he made in favour of the city's defence. The structure has a single fornix, next to which are Corinthian columns (two on the right and two on the left) supporting a triangular-shaped pediment, decorated in turn with imperial insignia.
The gate was built on the same spot where the ancient Porta San Giusto previously stood, which according to popular belief protected the remains of the saint.
How to get there: from the station in less than 20 minutes, walking along Via Giuseppe Palmieri. From the City Hall, as from the Cathedral, you will get there in about 7 minutes - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: Free
6 - Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Roman Amphitheatre
More than just a square, Piazza Sant'Oronzo is a sort of salon in the city of Lecce, elegant and refined. Some of the most significant buildings in the urban fabric overlook the square, including the Palazzetto del Sedile (the ancient seat of the municipality), the Church of San Marco and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Part of the square is even occupied by the remains of a famous Amphitheatre dating back to Roman times and discovered in the early 20th century (unfortunately, the building is closed to the public for major maintenance work, but it is worth at least observing it from the outside). Finally, in the centre, stands the column given to the city by Brindisi, on the top of which stands the statue of St Oronzo.
How to get there: Via Vittorio Emanuele II takes less than 3 minutes. If you leave from the station and walk almost the entire length of Viale Quarta, you will arrive in a quarter of an hour - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: free
7 - Park Tower
Torre del Parco, in the heart of Lecce, is one of the most representative monuments of the city's medieval/renaissance past. Built at the beginning of the 15th century by the then Prince of Taranto, Giannantonio Orsini Del Balzo, the Tower is 23 metres high and divided into three levels; moreover, the structure is surrounded by a moat (inside which, it is said, bears, the symbol of Giannantonio's lineage, were bred).
In the surroundings of the tower, a wonderful park used to host fairs, markets but also public events in the city, such as noblemen's walks and processions. Today, the green area is somewhat smaller than in the past, however, it is still possible to take refuge there to get some fresh air and relax.
Directions: The tower is clearly visible on Viale Torre del Parco, which can be reached on foot in 18 minutes from the station and in 15 minutes from Piazza del Duomo - Get directions
Hours: the tower is private property and can only be visited from the outside
8 - Roman Theatre
Photo by Ipiovesan. In addition to the famous Roman Amphitheatre (in Piazza Sant'Oronzo), we also recommend heading to the Roman Theatre, also in the centre. The complex is nothing less than the only example of civil architecture intended for theatre in the whole of Apulia.
Discovered by pure chance in 1929, this ancient theatre would appear to date back to the age of the Emperor Augustus (thus to around the first century A.D.): the stage, 6 metres wide and more than 30 metres long, on which performances were held, is still clearly visible inside. The 5,000 spectators, on the other hand, took their seats on the front tiers, about 19 metres in diameter.
How to get there: it is located practically behind Piazza del Duomo. From the Town Hall, it is only a few minutes' walk. From the station it takes about ten minutes - Get directions
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ticket price: €4.00 per person
9 - Historical-Archaeological Museum (MUSA)
Photo by Sailko. Set up in collaboration with the University of Lecce and the University of Naples, the Historical-Archaeological Museum houses various finds from the past (from Prehistory to the Middle Ages) discovered in some areas of Salento, but also in various locations in the Mediterranean East.
In its five exhibition halls, you can retrace the history and crucial events of these localities, as well as discover through photos and videos some very interesting behind-the-scenes stories of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Hierapolis, Turkey.
How to get there: the museum is almost one kilometre from the city centre, which means that on foot from the City Hall you will get there in about ten minutes, via Via Palmieri. From the railway station it takes approximately 25 minutes - Get directions
Openinghours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1.10 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Ticket price: free
10 - Church of San Niccolò dei Greci
Photo by Palickap. Among the main attractions in Lecce that we recommend you visit, we cannot fail to mention the small Church of San Niccolò dei Greci, not far from the Basilica of Santa Croce. Built in 1765 in neoclassical style, this small church was dedicated to the Greek and Albanian merchants who lived in the city. Distinctive for its architectural style that incorporates the remains of an earlier church, the Church of St Nicholas still hosts Greek Orthodox religious celebrations.
How to get there: it is located in a beautiful little square in Puglia, near Via Ascanio Grandi and the Basilica of Santa Croce. From the station it takes less than 20 minutes, from the city hall less than 10 - Get directions
Hours: open Saturday and Sunday (morning and afternoon)
Ticket price: Free
11 - Faggiano Museum
Finally, another very interesting archaeological museum in the city is the Faggiano Museum. It was born almost by chance in early 2001, when the owner of an old historic building was forced to undertake work to repair the sewer pipes and discovered a priceless treasure beneath the floors. Since then, this museum has become a landmark for the whole city of Lecce, revealing the presence and alternation of different populations and cultures over the centuries. In fact, inside the museum you can admire more than 2000 years of history told through a variety of testimonies (from a small child's tomb to an old drying kiln, from very old and well-preserved ceramic artefacts to an underground passageway that served as a link between buildings in the city).
How to get there: the museum is located near the historical centre, not far from Palazzo Grassi. From the city hall it takes just over five minutes on foot, walking down Via del Palazzo dei Conti. From the station it is about ten minutes - Get directions
Hours: daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm
Ticket price: full price €5.00, reduced €3.00
12 - The beaches of Lecce
Lecce is not only beautiful in the vicinity of the historical centre, but moving a few kilometres further on you can come across breathtaking beaches and sea scenery!
Among the most beautiful places near the sea, we highly recommend a visit to Torre Rinalda (so called because of the presence of a watchtower, built at the behest of Charles V) and the surrounding area: here the coast is mostly sandy, and the colour of the sea is a beautiful crystal blue that will make you want to take a dip.
Not far away, Torre Chianca is also worth a visit: appreciated for its golden sand and dreamy sea, here you will also find a small wood not far from the beach where you can relax and shelter from the sun, as well as sunflower fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
Finally, don't miss the beach of Frigole, characterised by its shallow water (also suitable for children) and the beautiful Mediterranean maquis behind it.
How to get there: by taking your car and following the provincial road in the direction of the sea, you can reach the coast in about twenty minutes. Below are directions to the northernmost beach, Torre Rinalda - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: Free
Itinerary of Lecce in a day
Lecce really is a little gem and experiencing it on foot is definitely a great way to discover the city and its hidden treasures. We recommend the guided walking tour through baroque architecture and underground passages, with a local guide who will show you the city's must-sees in 2 hours. If you want to go it alone, we have prepared an itinerary for you to follow, especially if you only spend one day in the city and want to visit its main monuments.
Morning: Our itinerary in Lecce starts in the area around Piazza Sant'Oronzo. In fact, nearby is one of the best bars in the city where you can taste a delicious pasticciotto leccese: Caffè Alvino. After breakfast, we suggest you drop by the nearby Piazza Sant'Oronzo, especially to see the beautiful Roman amphitheatre from the outside, and then walk towards the Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce's second most important religious building. A little further on is the lovely little Church of San Niccolò dei Greci, open only at weekends. From here, continue to Porta Napoli, also known as the Arch of Triumph of Lecce. As lunchtime is approaching, we suggest you make your way to the lively Piazza del Duomo and then take some time to visit the interior of Lecce Cathedral and the nearby Roman Theatre.
Afternoon: lunch at La Torre di Merlino restaurant, with décor reminiscent of the interior of a medieval fortress and a wide selection of local dishes.
After lunch, if time permits, retrieve your car and enjoy some relaxation by the sea at one of the beautiful beaches along the coast (Torre Rinalda, Frigole, etc.). Alternatively, immerse yourself in the Faggiano Museum and its incredible collection of historical artefacts.
Evening: To best end this day in Lecce, head to the Castle of Charles V for a romantic evening stroll, then stop for dinner at the 3 Rane restaurant, probably the best in the city. Enjoy!
One-day itinerary at a glance
Breakfast at Caffè Alvino, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, 30 - Get directions
Piazza Sant'Oronzo: always accessible - ticket cost: free and Roman Amphitheatre (can only be visited from the outside)
Basilica di Santa Croce: daily from 9am to 8pm - ticket cost: free
Church of San Niccolò dei Greci: open only Saturday and Sunday (morning-afternoon) - ticket cost: free
Porta Napoli: always accessible - ticket cost: free
Piazza del Duomo: always accessible - ticket cost: free | Duomo di Lecce: every day from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm - ticket cost: free (€1,00 for the Crypt) and Roman Theatre: from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm - ticket cost: full €4,00
Lunch at La Torre di Merlino, Via Giambattista del Tufo, 10 - Get directions
Museo Faggiano: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. - ticket cost: full price €5.00 reduced €3.00
Castle of Charles V: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: full price €3.00 reduced €2.00
Dinner at 3 Rane Ristoro,Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 7 - Get directions
Where to eat in Lecce
3 Rane Ristoro: excellent raw materials (strictly from the area!) combined in unusual ways in the dishes. Advance booking required.
Average price per person: €30.00
Address and contacts: via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 7(Get directions) / tel: 3755040165Prendici Gusto: gastropub specialising in street food and quick dishes
Average price per person: €10,00
Address and contacts: via Euippa, 1/C (Getdirections) / tel: 3476395913Negroamaro Restaurant: restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Salento dishes
Average price per person: €25.00/30.00
Address and contacts: viale del Risorgimento(Get directions) / tel: 0832 306686La Torre di Merlino: decor reminiscent of the interior of a medieval fortress and a wide selection of local dishes
Average price per person: €35.00
Address and contacts: via Giambattista del Tufo, 10 (Get directions) / tel: 0832 242091Osteria 203: Traditional dishes rethought with innovation and brilliance, excellent raw material
Average price per person: €30.00/40.00
Address and contacts Viale Francesco Lo Re, 39(Get directions) / tel: 339 870 1468
Gastronomic experience: if you fancy a special experience discovering typical flavours, we recommend the street food tour by rickshaw, or a cooking demonstration at a local's home.
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
Lecce is a city rich in culture and monuments of great historical importance, yet as the sun goes down, the city reveals a completely different face, more goliardic and fun-loving. Lecce's main nightlife areas are concentrated between Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the Church of Santa Chiara, but also in the vicinity of Porta San Biagio (once one of the three gates to the city, now the heart of the nightlife scene). However, clubs are scattered all over the urban fabric (suffice it to say that Lecce is also one of the most important university towns in Apulia), so it won't be difficult to find a small place to spend the evening.
We have selected three venues that we think are really unmissable if you want to have fun in Lecce at night, between cocktails and four jumps on the dance floor.
Colonial Café Drink: a place specialising in cocktails, with a typically Cuban atmosphere
Address: via Paladini, 44(Get directions)Urban Cafè: venue with a wide range of finger food, DJ sets and a large selection of craft beers
Address: Vittorio Emanuele II square(Get directions)Area 51: local cult disco, a meeting place for lovers of contemporary music (from techno to house, but also from commercial to Latin American)
Address: Strada provinciale Novoli-Veglie(Get directions)Prophet Pub: pub and brewery with a selection of over 200 labels and 10 beers on tap in constant rotation
Address: Via Luigi Maggiulli(Get directions)Stanza 14: beautiful location, carefully prepared cocktails and DJ set or live music
Address: Piazzetta Chiesa Greca, 16 (Get directions)
Plan your stay in Lecce: info and tips
How to get there
By car: Lecce is easily accessible by car from all major Italian cities. In particular, from the main centres in Puglia it is 107 km from Taranto (SS7 and SS113, 1 h 23 min), 283 km from Foggia (A14, 3 h), 151 km from Bari (SS379, 1 h 45 min). It is 407 km from Naples (A16, 4 h 12 min) and 578 km from Rome (A14, 6 h).
By train: there are direct connections from major Italian cities, operated by Trenitalia and other railway companies. The Lecce train station is only one kilometre from the city centre.
By plane: the closest airports to Lecce are Bari (167 km) and Brindisi (49 km), from which it is then possible to reach the city of Lecce via shuttle services, which can be found just outside the arrival terminals (cost €7.50 per trip) - Flights to Bari from €36.00 - Flights to Brindisi from €33.00
By bus: is connected to various Italian cities by Flixbus company buses with prices starting from €12.99
Getting around and where to park
Gettingaround: on foot in the city ( guided walking tour recommended), car recommended for beaches and surroundings. Public transport however efficient (46 buses and 12 trolleybuses), single journey €1.00 (€1.50 if purchased on board), 90-minute ticket €1.30, 24-hour ticket €2.50.
Where to park: car parks can only be found far from the city centre, but we suggest a couple of convenient ones, perfectly served by public transport: the first is Parking Carlo Pranzo, at the northern entrance to the city(Get directions). Uncovered with paid parking (€0.50 per hour), not far from Porta Napoli, from which you can access the historic centre on foot (alternatively, there is a shuttle service that runs 8 times per hour). The second is Parcheggio Torre del Parco, at the entrance to the Maglie highway(get directions). This is also served by shuttles that run every 10 minutes, from 7am to 9pm.
