This southern Italian city captivates with ornate Baroque architecture, Roman ruins, and papier-mâché artistry. Nearby beaches and local specialties like pasticciotto add to its charm.
Lecce, a city in Italy's southern Puglia region, is known for its ornate Baroque architecture carved from local limestone. You can explore the intricate Basilica di Santa Croce, wander through the elegant Piazza del Duomo, and step back in time at the Roman amphitheater. The city also offers opportunities to taste local specialties like pasticciotto and watch artisans create papier-mâché art. Located on the Salento peninsula, Lecce provides easy access to beaches along both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
Baroque Architecture
Lecce's city center is filled with Baroque buildings crafted from soft, honey-colored local limestone. As you walk the narrow streets, you'll see intricately carved facades adorned with cherubs, gargoyles, and floral motifs. The Basilica di Santa Croce is a prime example of the Lecce Baroque style, with its ornate facade that took over 200 years to complete. In Piazza del Duomo, you can admire the cathedral, bishop's palace, and seminary surrounding the square.
Local Cuisine and Wine
Start your day with a pasticciotto, a pastry filled with custard cream. For lunch, try a rustico leccese – a savory pastry stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and béchamel. Many restaurants serve orecchiette pasta in their main courses, and some offer horse meat as a local specialty. You can pair your meal with Salento wines like Primitivo or Negroamaro. To learn more about local cuisine, you can take a cooking class or join a food tour.
Artisan Workshops
In Lecce, you can visit workshops where artisans continue traditional crafts. Papier-mâché art became popular here in the 17th century, with artisans creating elaborate religious statues and decorations. Today, you can see modern papier-mâché creations in these workshops. The city also has a long history of ceramics production, with distinctive styles and patterns. In the historic center, you'll find shops selling unique, handcrafted items.
Beaches of the Salento
Lecce's location allows for easy day trips to the beaches of the Salento peninsula. The nearest beach, San Cataldo, is 11 km away on the Adriatic coast. At Torre dell'Orso, you can see the twin sea stacks known as the "Two Sisters." On the Ionian side, Porto Cesareo and Punta Prosciutto offer long sandy stretches with clear waters and dune-backed shores. Many beaches have both free public areas and lidos where you can rent umbrellas and loungers.
Ancient Roman Sites
In Piazza Sant'Oronzo, you can view the partially excavated Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century CE. Originally, it could seat 25,000 spectators, and about two-thirds of the structure is now visible. Nearby, you can also visit the Roman theater. For more local history, the Faggiano Museum displays excavations that revealed 2,500 years of Lecce's past, including underground chambers and passageways.
When to Visit
Lecce has hot summers and mild winters typical of the Mediterranean climate. In spring and fall, temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. If you visit in summer, expect high temperatures and busy beaches. August is a popular vacation month for Italians, so prices may be higher and some local businesses might close. Winter is quieter, but temperatures are still mild enough for exploring the city comfortably.
