The southeastern Italian area of Puglia has no scarcity of amazing places to visit; Bari, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Ostuni, to call however a number of. On this submit, I’ve written about the most effective issues to do in Lecce – certainly one of my favourite Puglian cities.
Lecce is a ravishing, historic metropolis that’s also known as the “Florence of the South” on account of its abundance of Baroque structure. Along with admiring the attractive buildings in its historic heart, there’s a wealth of different enjoyable issues to do in Lecce.
This charming city additionally receives fewer international vacationers than lots of the different well-known areas in Puglia. It’s an important place to find should you’re after a style of genuine southern Italian tradition and is someplace that I’d fortunately return to time and time once more.
Finest Issues To Do in Lecce
Inside this text, I’ve included a collection of sights and actions that may attraction to a variety of individuals; whether or not you’re touring solo, as a pair, with youngsters, on a finances, or as a part of a wider trip to Italy, there’s one thing of curiosity right here for you.
So, with out additional ado, permit me to introduce you to my decide of the highest issues to do in Lecce.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Centro Storico (Historic Heart)
One among my favourite methods to introduce myself to any new vacation spot is to participate in a strolling tour, and Lecce isn’t any exception. Having a neighborhood skilled present you across the metropolis and train you about its wealthy historical past is an effective way to familiarize your self with this incredible place.
There are a number of completely different strolling excursions to select from, however I like to recommend booking this one. It’s run by a pleasant and educated native information who will present you round lots of the high locations to go to in Lecce, together with the Piazza del Duomo, the Teatro Romano, the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, and the Basilica di Santa Croce.
I’ve included extra info on every of those locations, in addition to many different Lecce sights, under.
2. Admire the Teatro Romano (Roman Amphitheater)
Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre is an unimaginable instance of historical structure and engineering. It’s situated within the very heart of the historic heart of Lecce and is without doubt one of the metropolis’s main highlights.
Constructed between the first and 2nd century AD, the amphitheater was initially used for ugly gladiator fights and different public exhibits. Nonetheless, after the autumn of the Roman Empire, the massive construction fell into disrepair and ultimately grew to become buried. It was solely rediscovered in 1901, in the course of the development of foundations for a financial institution.
As we speak, the ruined amphitheater is used for concert events and theatrical performances that are held now and again. If you happen to’re visiting while certainly one of these is on, I strongly advocate getting tickets. Attending a dwell efficiency in an virtually 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater needs to be one of the distinctive and memorable issues to do in Lecce, Puglia.
3. Soak Up the Ambiance in Piazza Sant’Oronzo (One of many Finest Free Issues To Do in Lecce, Italy)
The Piazza Sant’Oronzo is without doubt one of the most well-known squares in Lecce. It’s dwelling to a variety of essential monuments, together with the Baroque-style Town Hall, a mosaic of a female wolf (an emblem of historical Rome), and a powerful column topped with a statue of Saint Oronzo, the patron saint of Lecce.
After a busy few hours of sightseeing within the metropolis, this sq. is a perfect spot to take a seat, relaxation, and partake in a little bit people-watching. It’s a preferred assembly level with locals of all ages and has an exquisite, buzzing environment at most instances of the day and properly into the night.
Lingering right here with an after-dinner digestif is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Lecce at evening. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to be in Leece in the course of the pageant of Saint Oronzo (Festa di Sant’Oronzo) on the finish of August, this plaza is a focus of the celebrations, with fireworks, parades, and costumed reenactions of tales from native folklore.
4. Feast on Native Road Meals
I completely love the food in Puglia, and Lecce is especially famend for its wonderful avenue meals. You’ll discover distributors promoting quite a lot of native delicacies equivalent to focaccia, sfogliatelle (pastry full of candy ricotta cream), and panzerotti (fried pastries filled with mozzarella and tomato).
The easiest way to pattern and find out about these scrumptious meals is to affix a street food-tasting tour, the place you’ll get the chance to style a spread of savory and candy Puglian specialties.
Along with taking a meals tour, there’s additionally a meals market in Piazza Libertini most days of the week to attend, (though it’s greatest to go to on a Saturday as that’s often when the biggest variety of distributors attend). Right here, you’ll discover a vary of stalls promoting all kinds of mouthwatering dishes and native components to strive.
5. Be a part of a Conventional Cooking Class
If you happen to’d wish to discover ways to make some basic Puglian dishes at dwelling, I like to recommend becoming a member of a traditional cooking class. There are a number of completely different courses to select from, that are held inside a ravishing personal Seventeenth-century palazzo.
You’ll rustle up a spread of native specialties after which feast in your creations together with a collection of superb wines. All meals and drinks are included, and it’s one of the enjoyable issues to do in Lecce for {couples}.
For individuals who’d desire to discover ways to make contemporary orecchiette pasta (which interprets as “little ears”, on account of its distinctive form), check out this masterclass which additionally consists of wine tasting.
6. Go to Native Wineries and Strive Wine Tasting
The realm round Lecce produces some scrumptious wines that complement the native delicacies completely. Lecce wines are typically wealthy and darkish, with notes of cherry and oak.
Salice Salentino is without doubt one of the hottest varieties, made with Negroamaro grapes that are native to the Salento area and virtually completely grown there. There are a number of wineries situated on the outskirts of Lecce, that are incredible locations to go to to find out about (and style!) the native styles of wine.
A number of of the vineyards even provide lunch, so you possibly can linger for some time longer and luxuriate in a leisurely and indulgent afternoon in a ravishing, pure setting – it’s positively certainly one of my favourite issues to do close to Lecce. Check out this excellent tour, which features a go to to 2 native wineries, lunch, and transport to and from Lecce.
7. Step Inside Lecce Cathedral
Situated within the Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta e S.Oronzo (Lecce Cathedral for brief) is a surprising baroque masterpiece that was first inbuilt 1144, after which considerably rebuilt in 1659.
One among its most distinctive options is the bell tower which was designed by native architect Giuseppe Zimbalo. The tower options 5 separate “ranges” which taper as they rise. It additionally leans barely as a result of subsidence that’s occurred over the centuries.
The Cathedral inside contains a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque types and is full of statues, frescoes, and complex marble pillars.
8. Uncover Lecce’s Pre-Roman Secrets and techniques
The Faggiano Museum is without doubt one of the most uncommon vacationer sights in Lecce, Italy, and has an enchanting story. In 2001, a neighborhood resident was finishing up some dwelling repairs when he stumbled throughout a variety of historical artifacts.
After a protracted interval of cautious excavation, it was found that a large wealth of essential archaeological stays lay buried proper beneath his dwelling. These stays date again 2,500 years, to the time earlier than the Roman Empire, and embody tombs, cisterns, frescoes, and underground escape tunnels.
As we speak you possibly can tour this underground community and (actually) uncover the various layers of Lecce’s historical past.
9. Benefit from the Salento Peninsula
The Salento peninsula types the southeastern tip of Puglia (i.e. the “heel” of Italy), with Leece being the biggest metropolis inside. The remainder of the peninsula is dwelling to many picturesque little cities and villages that are stuffed with old-world appeal and are good for exploring on foot or by bike.
Don’t miss the beautiful seashores both – they’re a number of the greatest within the area and provide loads of alternatives for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoyable. Baia dei Turchi is certainly one of my favorites.
If you happen to’re pressed for time, this is a superb one-day tour of Salento. It departs from Lecce and is an effective way to expertise a number of the different highlights of this stunning area.
10. Discover Castello Carlo V
The Castle of Charles V was constructed within the Center Ages. It’s been used for a lot of functions over the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a palatial dwelling, and (at present), because the headquarters of Lecce’s Council of Cultural Affairs.
Exploring the various hidden staircases, gardens, underground chambers, and ornate stately rooms is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lecce for households. You may also stroll alongside sure sections of the citadel’s partitions the place you possibly can take some incredible photographs of the town and its environment from above.
11. Study Make Recent Pasta (and Tiramisù)
What could possibly be extra Italian than studying tips on how to make your personal scrumptious do-it-yourself pasta? Whether or not you’re an entire newbie or an skilled pasta-making professional, this small-group masterclass will train you the artwork of genuine Italian pasta-making inside an actual Puglian dwelling.
Your hosts may even present you tips on how to make the right tiramisù – belief me, it’s to die for! Lastly, you’ll sit right down to benefit from the magnificent fruits of your labor. You’ll want to arrive hungry!
12. Loosen up within the Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi
Subsequent to the Castello Carlo V, the Garibaldi Public Gardens are tranquil and stuffed with lush greenery, decorative timber, sculptures, and fountains. It’s a great place to spend a peaceable afternoon or take a stroll to flee the hustle and bustle of the town heart.
I like to recommend bringing a picnic and a bottle of wine to take pleasure in right here – (Italy has splendidly liberal public consuming legal guidelines!).
13. See the Basilica di Santa Croce
One other beautiful church, the Basilica of the Holy Cross was inbuilt 1695 and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Lecce to see perfectly-preserved Baroque structure. Its central rosette window particularly is absolutely beautiful.
The constructing’s facade is roofed with marble and stucco, and the ornate inside is embellished with masterpieces by the artist Antonio Zimbalo and options no fewer than 17 altars.
14. Go Sea Kayaking
Lecce is situated near the glowing, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea and a rugged shoreline that’s excellent for exploring by kayak. There are many islands and exquisite coves to find too, making this an effective way to soak up a number of the beautiful coastal surroundings.
You possibly can select to go kayaking by your self or be part of a guided tour that may take you to a number of the most picturesque spots within the space.
This guided sea kayaking trip departs from the city of Nardò, 25 kilometers southwest of Lecce. In case you have your personal automobile, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive. Alternatively, you possibly can catch the direct regional practice which hyperlinks the 2 cities.
15. Take a Day Journey to Ostuni, Alberobello, or Polignano a Mare
Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare are all stunning cities and nice locations to go to close to Lecce. Ostuni is an historical hilltop city full of whitewashed homes, cobblestone streets, and loads of charming little cafes.
Alberobello is known for its trulli homes – cone-shaped stone dwellings constructed centuries in the past by native farmers. Polignano a Mare is a historic and picturesque fishing village with dramatic cliffs and is dwelling to one of the photogenic seashores in all of Italy – Lama Monachile.
You possibly can simply go to every of those locations as a day journey from Lecce. If you happen to’d wish to see all 3 in at some point, check out this tour which departs from Lecce.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Lecce
Whether or not you’ve a day or every week to spend, listed below are a number of steered itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Lecce.
1 Day in Lecce Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the metropolis’s principal sights in at some point. I like to recommend beginning with a walking tour of the historical center of Lecce. Afterward, head to the Castello Carlo V to discover the fascinating inside and benefit from the wonderful views of the town.
Take a calming stroll by way of the Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi within the afternoon, then head to the Piazza Sant’Oronzo for a gelato and a spot of people-watching earlier than ending your day with dinner in one of many metropolis’s glorious eating places, equivalent to Negroamaro (see under).
2-3 Days in Lecce Itinerary
I like to recommend spending your first day in the identical approach as above. For day two, go to the Faggiano Museum and attend a traditional Puglian cooking class or pasta-making workshop after.
In your third day, go sea kayaking within the morning, go to a number of the native wineries for wine tasting within the afternoon, and head again into the town to take pleasure in some tasty avenue meals and watch the sundown.
1 Week in Lecce Itinerary
With every week in Lecce, you possibly can comfortably do the entire actions I’ve talked about on this submit. Spend days 1-3 roughly as described above, though take your time on every exercise – you’re in no rush! For instance, should you’re actually into kayaking, you may all the time spend an entire day doing this.
Then, spend the ultimate days ticking off the remainder of the objects on this record. You’ll want to spend a full day exploring the remainder of the Salento peninsula, both by hiring a automobile or by becoming a member of this excellent guided tour.
Don’t miss the chance to go to Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare too. They’re all very completely different and positively value seeing.
The place to Keep in Lecce
Lecce isn’t an enormous metropolis, and most locations are inside simple strolling distance of one another, so it doesn’t actually matter the place you select to remain inside the metropolis limits. That stated, listed below are a few choices so that you can think about:
Centro Storico – Finest for First-time Guests
That is Lecce’s previous city and the most effective place to remain if you wish to be near all of the motion. There’s a spread of various lodging choices right here, together with accommodations, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.
Try this glorious hotel in Lecce’s Centro Storico.
San Cataldo – Finest for Stunning Sea Views
If you wish to keep someplace subsequent to the ocean, I like to recommend looking at San Cataldo. It’s not technically inside the metropolis of Lecce however is just 11 kilometers up the highway, and there’s a bus that may take you all the way in which into the historic heart.
It is a nice little apartment in San Cataldo.
Finest Eating places in Lecce
There are some actually nice eating places in Lecce. Listed below are a number of that I’d advocate making an attempt:
Negroamaro Restaurant
Negroamaro focuses on ingenious takes on basic regional specialties, utilizing contemporary, high quality components sourced as domestically as attainable. The menu is seasonal and adjustments often. It’s a little bit on the dear aspect, however I feel it’s value the additional expense and could be an important place to come back for an important day.
Zefiro
Zefiro is without doubt one of the greatest seafood eating places within the metropolis. Their price-to-quality is excellent, (mid-range value, top-quality contemporary seafood), and their monkfish pasta and shrimp ravioli are each scrumptious.
Daiki Japanese Restaurant
Italian meals is wonderful, however should you’re visiting for an extended interval, after a whilst you might begin to crave one thing completely different. If this occurs whilst you’re in Lecce, it’s best to head to Daiki. They serve a number of the greatest sushi I’ve present in Italy in addition to a spread of different basic Japanese dishes.
Getting To Lecce
The closest worldwide airport to Lecce is Brindisi. From there, you possibly can simply get a bus or practice to Lecce. The practice is quicker and takes a mere half-hour. Alternatively, you possibly can fly to Bari and catch the practice to Lecce, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
If you happen to’re coming from Rome or one other main Italian metropolis, you possibly can both make the most of Italy’s glorious high-speed railway community or rent a automobile and drive your self (although do watch out for Italian drivers – in my expertise, their repute for aggressive driving is comprehensible).
When you arrive in Lecce, getting across the metropolis is straightforward as a lot of the sights and sights are situated inside strolling distance of one another. If you wish to discover additional afield or make day journeys out of the town, you possibly can all the time rent a automobile, take the bus, a regional practice, or join a guided tour that features transport.
Issues To Do in Lecce: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Lecce:
Lecce is understood for its beautiful Baroque structure and its laid-back, southern Italian appeal.
The most effective time to go to Lecce is within the late spring or early autumn (Might or September). The climate can be heat and sunny, however not too scorching, and also you’ll keep away from nearly all of the peak-summer-season vacationers.
Completely! There are many issues to do in Lecce and it’s a very engaging and fascinating little metropolis.
Though you may go to a lot of the high locations to see in Lecce in at some point, I like to recommend spending at the least 2-3 nights right here to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasurable. Extra time may even provide the probability to take pleasure in a number of the many issues to do round Lecce.
Sure, Lecce is a safe place to visit. In fact, it’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions equivalent to not leaving valuables unattended, preserving a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which might be lit at evening.
The preferred factor to do in Lecce is to discover the town’s iconic Baroque structure, together with the Cathedral, the Church of Santa Croce, and the Piazza del Duomo.
The most effective seashore close to Lecce is Baia dei Turchi which is a ravishing stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water, about 40 kilometers southeast of the town. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a seashore a little bit nearer, Torre dell’Orso is a mere 25km from Lecce and has a superb vary of services together with bars and eating places.
You must positively strive a number of the native specialties whenever you’re in Lecce, equivalent to focaccia, orecchiette pasta, sfogliatelle, and panzerotti.
In Closing
Now you recognize what to see and do in Lecce, Italy. Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, there are lots of nice issues to find right here. Whether or not you’re concerned with historic monuments, structure, the native meals and wine scene, or exploring the tranquil countryside across the metropolis, there’s certain to be one thing right here that you simply’ll love.
Actually, I’d go as far as to say that Lecce is certainly one of my favourite cities in all of southern Italy; should you get the prospect to go to, I extremely advocate it!
