The southeastern Italian area of Puglia has no scarcity of wonderful locations to go to; Bari, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Ostuni, to call however a number of. On this publish, I’ve written about the very best issues to do in Lecce – one in every of my favourite Puglian cities.
Lecce is an exquisite, historic metropolis that’s sometimes called 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 places in Puglia. It’s a terrific place to find if you happen to’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 number of sights and actions that can enchantment to a variety of individuals; whether or not you’re touring solo, as a pair, with children, on a price range, or as a part of a wider journey to Italy, there’s one thing of curiosity right here for you.
So, with out additional ado, permit me to introduce you to my choose of the highest issues to do in Lecce.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Centro Storico (Historic Heart)
Considered one of my favourite methods to introduce myself to any new vacation spot is to participate in a strolling tour, and Lecce is not any exception. Having an area knowledgeable present you across the metropolis and educate you about its wealthy historical past is a good way to familiarize your self with this improbable place.
There are a number of completely different strolling excursions to select from, however I like to recommend reserving 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 data on every of those locations, in addition to many different Lecce points of interest, under.
2. Admire the Teatro Romano (Roman Amphitheater)
Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre is an unbelievable instance of historical structure and engineering. It’s positioned within the very heart of the historic heart of Lecce and is among 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 large construction fell into disrepair and finally turned buried. It was solely rediscovered in 1901, throughout the development of foundations for a financial institution.
In the present day, the ruined amphitheater is used for concert events and theatrical performances that are held sometimes. When you’re visiting while one in every of these is on, I strongly suggest getting tickets. Attending a stay efficiency in an virtually 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater needs to be one of the vital distinctive and memorable issues to do in Lecce, Puglia.
3. Soak Up the Environment in Piazza Sant’Oronzo (One of many Finest Free Issues To Do in Lecce, Italy)
The Piazza Sant’Oronzo is among the most well-known squares in Lecce. It’s house to a lot of vital monuments, together with the Baroque-style City Corridor, a mosaic of a feminine wolf (an emblem of historical Rome), and a formidable 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 sit down, relaxation, and partake in a little bit people-watching. It’s a well-liked assembly level with locals of all ages and has an exquisite, buzzing ambiance at most instances of the day and nicely into the night.
Lingering right here with an after-dinner digestif is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Lecce at night time. When you’re fortunate sufficient to be in Leece throughout 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 meals in Puglia, and Lecce is especially famend for its wonderful avenue meals. You’ll discover distributors promoting quite a lot of native delicacies similar to focaccia, sfogliatelle (pastry full of candy ricotta cream), and panzerotti (fried pastries filled with mozzarella and tomato).
One of the best ways to pattern and find out about these scrumptious meals is to hitch a avenue 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 finest 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 part of a Conventional Cooking Class
When you’d prefer to discover ways to make some traditional Puglian dishes at house, I like to recommend becoming a member of a conventional cooking class. There are a number of completely different lessons to select from, that are held inside an exquisite personal Seventeenth-century palazzo.
You’ll rustle up a spread of native specialties after which feast in your creations together with a number of high quality wines. All meals and drinks are included, and it’s one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Lecce for {couples}.
For many who’d want to discover ways to make contemporary orecchiette pasta (which interprets as “little ears”, on account of its distinctive form), take a look at this masterclass which additionally contains 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 usually wealthy and darkish, with notes of cherry and oak.
Salice Salentino is among 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 positioned on the outskirts of Lecce, that are improbable 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 revel in a leisurely and indulgent afternoon in an exquisite, pure setting – it’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite issues to do close to Lecce. Take a look at this glorious 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 shocking baroque masterpiece that was first in-built 1144, after which considerably rebuilt in 1659.
Considered one of 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 because of the subsidence that’s occurred over the centuries.
The Cathedral inside incorporates a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque types and is full of statues, frescoes, and complicated marble pillars.
8. Uncover Lecce’s Pre-Roman Secrets and techniques
The Faggiano Museum is among the most uncommon vacationer points of interest in Lecce, Italy, and has an enchanting story. In 2001, an area resident was finishing up some house repairs when he stumbled throughout a lot of historical artifacts.
After an extended interval of cautious excavation, it was found that an enormous wealth of vital archaeological stays lay buried proper beneath his house. These stays date again 2,500 years, to the time earlier than the Roman Empire, and embrace tombs, cisterns, frescoes, and underground escape tunnels.
In the present day 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 house to many picturesque little cities and villages that are filled with old-world attraction and are good for exploring on foot or by bike.
Don’t miss the gorgeous seashores both – they’re among the finest within the area and provide loads of alternatives for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoyable. Baia dei Turchi is one in every of my favorites.
When you’re pressed for time, this is a wonderful one-day tour of Salento. It departs from Lecce and is a good way to expertise among the different highlights of this stunning area.
10. Discover Castello Carlo V
The Fort 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 house, and (as we speak), because the headquarters of Lecce’s Council of Cultural Affairs.
Exploring the various hidden staircases, gardens, underground chambers, and ornate stately rooms is among the finest issues to do in Lecce for households. You too can stroll alongside sure sections of the fortress’s partitions the place you possibly can take some improbable images of town and its environment from above.
11. Study The way to Make Contemporary Pasta (and Tiramisù)
What could possibly be extra Italian than studying learn how to make your individual scrumptious selfmade pasta? Whether or not you’re an entire newbie or an skilled pasta-making professional, this small-group masterclass will educate you the artwork of genuine Italian pasta-making inside an actual Puglian house.
Your hosts may even present you learn 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. Make sure to arrive hungry!
12. Chill out within the Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi
Subsequent to the Castello Carlo V, the Garibaldi Public Gardens are tranquil and filled with lush greenery, decorative bushes, sculptures, and fountains. It’s an excellent place to spend a peaceable afternoon or take a stroll to flee the hustle and bustle of 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 gorgeous church, the Basilica of the Holy Cross was in-built 1695 and is among the finest locations to go to in Lecce to see perfectly-preserved Baroque structure. Its central rosette window specifically is absolutely gorgeous.
The constructing’s facade is roofed with marble and stucco, and the ornate inside is adorned with masterpieces by the artist Antonio Zimbalo and options no fewer than 17 altars.
14. Go Sea Kayaking
Lecce is positioned near the glowing, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea and a rugged shoreline that’s supreme for exploring by kayak. There are many islands and delightful coves to find too, making this a good way to soak up among the gorgeous coastal surroundings.
You may select to go kayaking by your self or be part of a guided tour that can take you to among the most picturesque spots within the space.
This guided sea kayaking journey departs from the city of Nardò, 25 kilometers southwest of Lecce. When you’ve got your individual automotive, 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 house to one of the vital photogenic seashores in all of Italy – Lama Monachile.
You may simply go to every of those locations as a day journey from Lecce. When you’d prefer to see all 3 in at some point, take a look at this tour which departs from Lecce.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Lecce
Whether or not you’ve got a day or every week to spend, listed here are a number of recommended itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Lecce.
1 Day in Lecce Itinerary
You may see a lot of the metropolis’s primary sights in at some point. I like to recommend beginning with a strolling tour of the historic heart of Lecce. Afterward, head to the Castello Carlo V to discover the fascinating inside and benefit from the wonderful views of town.
Take a calming stroll by 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, similar to Negroamaro (see under).
2-3 Days in Lecce Itinerary
I like to recommend spending your first day in the identical means as above. For day two, go to the Faggiano Museum and attend a conventional Puglian cooking class or pasta-making workshop after.
In your third day, go sea kayaking within the morning, go to among the native wineries for wine tasting within the afternoon, and head again into 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 publish. Spend days 1-3 roughly as described above, though take your time on every exercise – you’re in no rush! For instance, if you happen to’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. Make sure to spend a full day exploring the remainder of the Salento peninsula, both by hiring a automotive or by becoming a member of this glorious guided tour.
Don’t miss the chance to go to Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare too. They’re all very completely different and undoubtedly price seeing.
The place to Keep in Lecce
Lecce isn’t an enormous metropolis, and most locations are inside straightforward strolling distance of one another, so it doesn’t actually matter the place you select to remain inside the metropolis limits. That stated, listed here are a few choices so that you can contemplate:
Centro Storico – Finest for First-time Guests
That is Lecce’s previous city and the very best 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 inns, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.
Take a look at this glorious resort in Lecce’s Centro Storico.
San Cataldo – Finest for Lovely Sea Views
If you wish to keep someplace subsequent to the ocean, I like to recommend having a look at San Cataldo. It’s not technically inside the metropolis of Lecce however is simply 11 kilometers up the highway, and there’s a bus that may take you all the best way into the historic heart.
This can be a nice little condo in San Cataldo.
Finest Eating places in Lecce
There are some actually nice eating places in Lecce. Listed here are a number of that I’d suggest attempting:
Negroamaro Restaurant
Negroamaro makes a speciality of creative takes on traditional regional specialties, utilizing contemporary, high quality components sourced as domestically as doable. The menu is seasonal and adjustments usually. It’s a little bit on the expensive facet, however I believe it’s price the additional expense and could be a terrific place to return for a special day.
Zefiro
Zefiro is among the finest 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 if you happen to’re visiting for an extended interval, after a when you might begin to crave one thing completely different. If this occurs when you’re in Lecce, it is best to head to Daiki. They serve among the finest sushi I’ve present in Italy in addition to a spread of different traditional 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.
When you’re coming from Rome or one other main Italian metropolis, you possibly can both benefit from Italy’s glorious high-speed railway community or rent a automotive 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 points of interest are positioned inside strolling distance of one another. If you wish to discover additional afield or make day journeys out of town, you possibly can all the time rent a automotive, take the bus, a regional practice, or be part of a guided tour that features transport.
Issues To Do in Lecce: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Lecce:
Lecce is thought for its gorgeous Baroque structure and its laid-back, southern Italian attraction.
The most effective time to go to Lecce is within the late spring or early autumn (Could or September). The climate might 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 enticing 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 not less than 2-3 nights right here to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasant. Extra time may even provide the probability to take pleasure in among the many issues to do round Lecce.
Sure, Lecce is a secure place to go to. After all, it’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions similar to not leaving valuables unattended, preserving an eye fixed out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which can be lit at night time.
The preferred factor to do in Lecce is to discover 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 an exquisite stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water, about 40 kilometers southeast of town. When you’re searching 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 need to undoubtedly strive among the native specialties if you’re in Lecce, similar to focaccia, orecchiette pasta, sfogliatelle, and panzerotti.
In Closing
Now you understand what to see and do in Lecce, Italy. Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, there are a lot of nice issues to find right here. Whether or not you’re excited by historic monuments, structure, the native meals and wine scene, or exploring the tranquil countryside across the metropolis, there’s positive to be one thing right here that you simply’ll love.
In reality, I’d go as far as to say that Lecce is one in every of my favourite cities in all of southern Italy; if you happen to get the prospect to go to, I extremely suggest it!
