Lecce
Lecce (Salentino: Lècce) is a city in the Apulia region of Italy. Lecce has been dubbed "the Florence of the south". Whereas many people skip it in favour of the nearby beach towns of the Salento Peninsula, this city, distinguished by its elaborate style of baroque buildings, has at least a couple of days of attractions worth seeing.
Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]
Map of Lecce
By plane
[edit]The closest airport is in Brindisi (BDS IATA), which is 35 km (22 mi) north of the city centre. There you will find differents bus services providing fast links to the town.
It is also the best way to reach the town from central and northern Europe. There are discount flights available from London, Rome, Milan, etc.
By train
[edit]National operator Trenitalia runs long distance trains from most major cities in Italy. Even as the trains travel on high-speed tracks, journey times can be long. Especially from cities in the northern parts of the country. Overnight trains are available from Milan and Rome, which might be a better option.
An extensive network of regional trains connecting Lecce with smaller towns across the peninsula is available too. Rural routes are often scenic, but can be slower compared to driving or taking the bus.
- 1 Lecce railway station (Stazione di Lecce) (1 km from the city centre). Taxis anywhere can be expensive (expect to pay up to €15 to the centre, especially if you have luggage items), so you may want to check with your hotel the public transportation options available. There are no elevators or ramps, only stairs.
By car
[edit]- From Bari: at the Bari Nord exit of
motorway, keep on the 
and reached Fasano continue on the 
until Brindisi, then go on the 
to reach Lecce. - From Taranto: take the
until Brindisi, then merge onto the towards Lecce.
The town is ringed by a freeway called Tangenziale di Lecce that you can join to bypass the city center.
By bus
[edit]These are the main private bus operator to get in the town:
- Marino (main continental Italy cities, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland)
- Marozzi (Avellino, Benevento, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Siena)
- Miccolis (Caserta, Matera, Naples, Pompeii, Salerno)
From June to September the province of Lecce manages the bus service Salentoinbus, that gives you the occasion to reach the town from the main seaside resorts of the territory.
By boat
[edit]- 2 Port of Brindisi, ☏ +39 0831 522203, info@porto.br.it. It is the closest port and provides ferry services from Corfu, Durrës, Igoumenitsa, Kefalonia, Patras, Vlorë and Zakynthos.
Get around
[edit]
By bus
[edit]Public transport is managed by SGM company, with 20 bus lines and 4 trolleybus lines. Single tickets can be purchased at most of tobacconists and newspaper sellers around the city.
The cost of a single ticket is €1.00 (€1.50 if bought on board), a 90-min ticket is €1.30; a day ticket costs €2.50 while a seven-day ticket costs €9.70.
By taxi
[edit]LecceTaxi covers the town and other destinations in the Salento area.
By car
[edit]Here is a list of useful parking lots:
- 1 Piazza Carmelo Bene (Ex Foro Boario). It is near the Bus City Terminal with interchange to lines 29, 30, 31. €0.60/hr.
- 2 Oberdan Parking, Via G.Oberdan, 43, ☏ +39 0832 454601, info@oberdanparking.it. 24 hr. It also provides a service of car and bike rental.
- 3 Metropark, Via di Ussano, toll-free: +39 800650006. 24 hr. 189 parking spaces 100 m from the railway station. €1.50/hr, €15 day.
By bicycle
[edit]Through the Ciclovia Adriatica that connects Trieste with Santa Maria di Leuca, the coastline follows a riviera rich in beaches. The part from the Po Delta in Trieste is included in EuroVelo 8.
On foot
[edit]Walking is without doubt the best way to discover the main attractions of Lecce, since the whole old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). This feature gives the opportunity to move between monuments, churches and archaeological sites free from the stress of traffic.
See
[edit]Churches
[edit]
Lecce has more than 30 historic churches, these are the most representative ones:
- 1 Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce), Via Umberto I, 3, ☏ +39 0832 241957. 09:00-12:00 and 17:00-20:00. It represents the main example of Lecce baroque style. It was built between 1549 and 1695, thanks to three well-known architects: Gabriele Riccardi, who devoted himself to the general plan and the lower part of the façade; Francesco Antonio Zimbalo who made the twin column porch and the portal aside; Cesare Penna who conceived the high level of the façade. The big Romanesque central rose window, the rich frame, the four columns, and the niches as well as the telamons, the imaginary creatures, the animals, the mythological and historical characters of the façade are all what makes this church unique and renowned over the world. 7 Euros.
- 2 Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce), Piazza del Duomo, ☏ +39 0832 308557, info@cattedraledilecce.it. A wonderful example of baroque style, most of the cathedral was designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo and it was completed in 1689.
- 3 Church of Saint Irene (Sant'Irene dei Teatini), Via Vittorio Emanuele II. A majestic baroque church with an elegant and quite sober exterior that hides a richly decorated interior.
- 4 Church of Saint John the Baptist (Basilica di San Giovanni Battista), Via Giuseppe Libertini, 5, ☏ +39 0832 308540. A magnificent façade characterised by two grooved columns, completed in 1728. It is just few steps away from Porta Rudiae. Free.
- 5 Church of Santa Chiara, Piazzetta Vittorio Emanuele II, ☏ +39 0832 241915. Built in 1429 and renovated in 1691, its main features are the octagonal interior plan and the lavish altars. 11 Euros.
- 6 Church of Saint Mary of Grace in Lecce (La chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia a Lecce), Via Ernesto Alvino, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy, ☏ +39 0832240159. Daily 08:00-19:00. Built in 1580s, this baroque-style church is situated in the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, overlooking the Roman Amphitheatre, and houses a 14th-century fresco of the Holy Virgin and the Child. According to a legend, a young goldsmith was prompted in his dream by the Holy Virgin to find a lit lamp and the painting of the Virgin following which the chapel became a destination of pilgrimage and a place of miraculous healings. The sumptuous walnut ceiling is carved by Vespasiano Genuino: the original ceiling centrepieces (The Virgin of Grace and the Trinity Crowning the Virgin) are removed from the ceiling, replaced by replica, and exhibited in the church. This is a beautiful church with charming atmosphere thanks to its musical arrangement. If you are lucky you can also listen to rehearsals or concerts. The church has a nice souvenir shop where one can buy hand-made soap, jams and other souvenirs. A Lampedusa Cross (made with the wood of the boats carrying migrants) is exhibited in the Church. The church is a place of worship and appropriate behaviour and attire are expected. Free of charge.
Archaeology
[edit]
- 7 Roman amphitheatre (Anfiteatro romano), Piazza Sant'Oronzo, 42, ☏ +39 0832 253791, sar-pug.centrooperativo.lecce@beniculturali.it. The structure was built during the 2nd century AD and it was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is used for various religious, music and art events. Adults €3.00; groups €1.50; students €1.00.
- 8 Roman theatre (Teatro romano), Via Arte della Cartapesta, 10, ☏ +39 0832 682985. In the heart of the old town, it was built in the 1st century AD and it had a capacity of 5,000 people. It is now seat of events and performances.
- 9 Rudiae archaeological park (Parco archeologico di Rudiae), Via S. Pietro in Lama. Site of an ancient Messapian and then Roman town, 3 km south from the city center. Here you can see the remains of the amphitheatre, a necropolis and walls.
Other buildings
[edit]
- Piazza S. Oronzo - It's in the heart of the city and named after the patron saint's statue erected in 1666 after the population had defeated the plague which had broken out ten years before.
- Paisiello Theatre - Once the permanent theatre of the town. Founded in 1758 and rebuilt in 1870, it was opened with the performance of Giuseppe Verdi' s 'Un ballo in maschera". Because of its rich decorations, this theatre - which can only contain 320 spectators - is nicknamed "The wedding souvenir".
- 10 Castle of Charles V (Castello Asburgico). A majestic medieval castle rebuilt during the first half of 16th century. It is seat of several exhibitions, events and conferences.
- 11 Triumphal Arch (Porta Napoli), Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo. It was erected in 1548 to pay homage to Charles V and thank him for having fortified the town. It is known as "Neapolitan Gate" since there started the road leading to Naples, capital of the kingdom.
- 12 Porta Rudiae. The oldest gate of the town, rebuilt in 1703 in baroque style.
- 13 Porta San Biagio, Piazza d'Italia, 8. The southern entrance to the old town, dedicated to Saint Blaise. It is 17 m (55 ft) tall and it's topped by the coat of arms of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.
- 14 Park Tower (Torre del Parco), Viale Torre del Parco, 1, ☏ +39 0832 347694. A fortress symbol of Lecce's medieval period, built in 1419. It is now seat of meetings, weddings, cultural events and a 4-star hotel.
- 15 Obelisk (Obelisco), Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo (In front of Porta Napoli). 10-m-high (33 ft) structure built in 1822 in honour of King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.
- 16 Palazzo dei Celestini, Via Umberto I, 13 (beside Basilica di Santa Croce), ☏ +39 0832 332463. The seat of Province of Lecce in an impressive baroque building completed in 1695
- 17 Palazzo del Seggio (il Sedile), Piazza Sant'Oronzo, ☏ +39 0832 682102. 09:30-13:30 and 15:30-19:30. Ancient city hall, it represents an interesting mixture of gothic and renaissance architecture. It is in the middle of the vibrant Piazza S.Oronzo, contiguous with the small Church of San Marco. Free.
- 18 Museo Archeologico Faggiano (Faggiano Museum). 09:30-20:00. Private residence converted into a museum after discovering ruins underneath the house during renovation in the year 2000. €5.
- 19 Sigismondo Castromediano Archaeological Museum (Museo provinciale archeologico Sigismondo Castromediano), Viale Gallipoli 28-31, museocastromediano.lecce@regione.puglia.it. Tu-Su 09:00-22:00. The oldest museum in Puglia, with impressive collection of old Greek and Roman pottery and other artifacts. It exhibits excavations from the Sea and has a small illuminated aquarium with fish and old vessels excavated from the bottom of the sea. You can see also two Venetian Polyptychs of the 14th century. Hosts exhibitions of modern artists of Salento. The museum is on two floors, accessible for people with reduced mobility. Entry is free of charge (2024) becaus3 the museum is owned by the Province of Lecce. Free.
- Historical-archaeological museum of the University of Salento (MUSA) (Museo Storico-Archeologico dell'Università del Salento (MUSA)), Via di Valesio angolo, Viale S. Nicola, sn, ☏ +39 0832 294253, infomusa@unisalento.it. M F 09:30-13:30, Tu-Th 09:30-13:30 and 15:00-18:00. MUSA exhibits archaeological remains (pottery, statues, coins, old tools, etc.) from Prehistory (Middle Palaeolithic, Iron Age, Bronze Age, the civilization of the Messapian tribes) to Middle Ages and is equipped with multimedia and reconstructions (of caves, houses, graves, etc.) to help visualise the life in ancient times in Salento and the basin of the Mediterranean. It shows the artifacts retrieved by the archaeologists of the Universities of Catania and Lecce. The museum is on the ground floor of the Studium 2000 campus and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. The Museum of Papyrology is in the adjacent building. Free.
- The Papyrological Museum of the University of Salento (Museo Papirologico), Studium 2000 Complex – Building 3, University of Salento, Via di Valesio corner of Viale San Nicola, ☏ +39 0832 294257. M-F 09:00-13:00. Housed on the ground floor of the Palazzo Palladiano within the University complex Studium 2000, the Papyrological Museum of the Papyrological Studies Center of the University of Salentois one of the best in Europe and exhibits Greek papyrus, hieroglyphics, hieratic, demotic, Coptic and ancient objects related to writing in antiquity. An explanatory panel depicts the Charta Borgiana (the first Greek papyrus to reach the West from Egypt in 1778 and is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples) and there is a reproduction of the Rosetta Stone (the original is in the British Museum in London). The Papyrological Museum is part of the Museum Network of the Puglia Region. The Historical-archaeological museum of the University of Salento (MUSA) is in the next building. Free.
- Papier-mâché Museum (Museo della Cartapesta), Via XXV Luglio, ☏ +39 0832682985, info@theutra.it. 30-minute guided tours at 10:30 and 11:30. Situated in the basement of the Castle of Charles V, this small museum is dedicated to artistic papier-mâché. The art of papier-mâché in Lecce is a phenomenon unique to Apulia and most of the statues in churches in Lecce are made of papier-mâché. The museum can be visited as part of a 30-minute guided tour which can be combined also with the guided tour of the Castle (€4, €5 with the Castle tour). €4.
Do
[edit]- Football: US Lecce were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in Serie A, Italy's top tier. Their home ground Stadio Via del Mare (capacity 31,500) is two km northeast of town centre.
- Nature walks and cycling excursions with PATH, a local company that specialises in private active holidays in Puglia, from nature walks across olive groves and along coastal trails to explore the coast and the Apulian countryside to experiential travel to discover the food and culture learning with the locals.
Learn
[edit]Many people go to Apulia to learn the typical rustico recipes of the region's cuisine. Cooking schools abound, including
- The Awaiting Table Cookery School : culinary vacations and wine tours in Apulia.
Buy
[edit]- Lecce cake
- fantastic gelato from Gelateria Natale in the old city.
Eat
[edit]
Pasticciotto Leccese is the typical cake of the town. It is made of shortcrust pastry filled with custard and by tradition it must be eaten warm as a breakfast item.
- 1 Martinucci Laboratory, Via Salvatore Trinchese 7, ☏ +39 0832 309535, info@martinuccilaboratory.it. 09:00-01:30. Taste the delicious cakes and ice creams of the most famous ice-cream franchise of Salento.
- Miro Coffee Bistrot & Lounge Bar, Via Umberto I, 4, ☏ +39 320 414 2500
- Delicious "cucina tipica" food served with aplomb in a small restaurant in the old city. Many inventive and interesting recipes, plus a large and relatively inexpensive selection of regional and national wines. A terrific choice in the old city, where many restaurants are aimed at tourists and are of limited quality.
- 2 Tabisca, Vico dietro lo Spedale dei Pellegrini 29 (an alley near Piazzetta Santa Chiara), ☏ +39 0832 243192, info@tabisca.it. Daily 18:30-01:00. Mediterranean cuisine with a large choice of wine in the earth of the old city.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]
- 1 Azzurretta B&B, Piazza S.Oronzo – Via Andrea Vignes, 2b, ☏ +39 338 258595, biancotullio@libero.it. Good value compared to hotels. About 1 block away from the walled old city. The owner, Marco Larusso, speaks English reasonably well and is very helpful and accommodating. Be prepared to spend up to an extra €10/day on metered street parking.
- 2 B&B Corte dei Musco, Corte dei Musco, 3, ☏ +39 368 3740180, info@bbcortedeimusco.it. In the historical centre of Lecce, near Porta Rudiae. It is on a ground-floor of a small, ancient building with a vaulted roof. The building has been subtly restructured and is in a serene and characteristic court of Lecce. It has two independent suites and a large, sunny terrace with a gazebo, small tables and sun-chairs.
- 3 B&B Lecce Villa Giuliana, Via Carretti, 6, Arnesano, ☏ +39 3400809257, bbvillagiuliana@gmail.com. Bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Lecce immersed in an acre of olive groves and typical fruits of Salento offering en suite rooms and organic breakfast, with complimentary parking, swimming pool, lounge terrace, lush garden, bikes and plenty of daily activities from cooking classes to cycling and walking excursions. €40-50 per person per day.
- 4 B&B Piazza 300mila, Via 47° Reggimento Fanteria, 40, ☏ +39 333 6645060, info@bbpiazza300mila.it. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:30. This bed and breakfast is in an elegant flat in a modern building in Piazza Mazzini. The furniture is modern, every room has heating during winter and air conditioning during summer, television, DVD player and a small refrigerator and Wi-fi.
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 Agriturismo Arangèa, S.P. San Pietro in Lama/Monteroni angolo Via Vecchia Copertino, 20, info@arangea.it. An old farmhouse of a previous mansion, in the heart of Salento peninsula.
- Hotel Casina Copini, Via S. Angelo 73038 Spongano, ☏ +39 0836 945352 - Fax +39 0836.945352. Hotel Casina Copini offers visitors a swimming pool and a park in the context of a 19th-century villa in the province of Lecce.
- Hotel Casina dei Cari, S.P. Presicce-Lido Marini, 73054, Presicce Lecce - ☏ +39 0833 711284, Fax +39 0833.711284. Immersed in verdant Salento, amidst olive trees and stone walls, the Hotel Casina dei Cari has inherited a historical farmhouse between Presicce and Lido Marini.
- Masseria Scinata Dimora Antica B&B, Strada Santa Caterina, 201, 73048, Nardo', S.Caterina Lecce, ☏ +39 339 4985458, fax: +39 0833 872821. Scinata Dimora Antica is an holiday villa in Puglia, in the Salento region, a luxury B&B in Santa Caterina di Nardò near Gallipoli (Lecce).
- Motel Aloisi, Via Taranto 297, ☏ +39 0832 243786, fax: +39 0832 243786. 3-star hotel on the Salento peninsula.
- Tenuta Monacelli, SS Quinzano Località Cerrate-Casalabate - Contrada Monacelli, 73100, Casalabate-Lecce - ☏ +39 0832 382037, fax +39 0832.382037. Tenuta Monacelli, a farmhouse in Lecce.
- Villa delle Palme, Via kennedy, trepuzzi, 73019, ☏ +39 0832755557. In the heart of Salento in Trepuzzi.
Splurge
[edit]Connect
[edit]As of June 2022, Lecce has 4G with Iliad and Tim, and 5G with Vodafone and Wind Tre.
Go next
[edit]Nearby Lecce are the following towns:
Some other daytrips from Lecce include:
- Santa Maria di Leuca - with many caves along the coastline
- Porto Selvaggio - a national park with pine forests and a rugged coastline, reachable by direct bus
Other popular destinations such as Alberobello and Matera are also easily reachable by car. Consider spending at least on day at each, but if you're too short on time it is possible to see the main attractions of both in a day trip from Lecce.
| Routes through Lecce |
| Taranto ← | W  E |
→ END |
| Padova ← Bari ← | N  S |
→ Otranto |
| END ← | N  S |
→ Nardò → Gallipoli |
| Brindisi ← | N  S |
→ END |