The southeastern Italian area of Puglia has no scarcity of superb locations to go to; Bari, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Ostuni, to call however a couple 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 a phenomenal, historic metropolis that’s sometimes called the “Florence of the South” on account of its abundance of Baroque structure. Along with admiring the beautiful buildings in its historic middle, there’s a wealth of different enjoyable issues to do in Lecce.
This charming city additionally receives fewer overseas vacationers than lots of the different well-known places in Puglia. It’s an amazing place to find in case you’re after a style of genuine southern Italian tradition and is someplace that I’d fortunately return to time and time once more.
Greatest Issues To Do in Lecce
Inside this text, I’ve included a choice 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 finances, 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, enable 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)
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 an area skilled present you across the metropolis and train you about its wealthy historical past is a good way to familiarize your self with this unbelievable place.
There are a couple of totally 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 prime 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, beneath.
2. Admire the Teatro Romano (Roman Amphitheater)
Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre is an unimaginable instance of historic structure and engineering. It’s positioned within the very middle of the historic middle of Lecce and is among the metropolis’s main highlights.
Constructed between the first and 2nd century AD, the amphitheater was initially used for grotesque 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, throughout 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 every now and then. In the event 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 some of the distinctive and memorable issues to do in Lecce, Puglia.
3. Soak Up the Ambiance in Piazza Sant’Oronzo (One of many Greatest Free Issues To Do in Lecce, Italy)
The Piazza Sant’Oronzo is among the most well-known squares in Lecce. It’s residence to plenty of essential monuments, together with the Baroque-style City Corridor, a mosaic of a feminine wolf (a logo of historic 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 take a seat, relaxation, and partake in somewhat people-watching. It’s a well-liked assembly level with locals of all ages and has an exquisite, buzzing environment 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. In the event 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 Avenue Meals
I completely love the meals in Puglia, and Lecce is especially famend for its superb avenue meals. You’ll discover distributors promoting a wide range of native delicacies akin to focaccia, sfogliatelle (pastry stuffed with candy ricotta cream), and panzerotti (fried pastries full of mozzarella and tomato).
One of the best ways to pattern and find out about these scrumptious meals is to affix a avenue food-tasting tour, the place you’ll get the chance to style a variety 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 normally 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 attempt.
5. Be a part of a Conventional Cooking Class
In the event you’d prefer to discover ways to make some traditional Puglian dishes at residence, I like to recommend becoming a member of a conventional cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, that are held inside a phenomenal non-public Seventeenth-century palazzo.
You’ll rustle up a variety of native specialties after which feast in your creations together with a choice of superb wines. All meals and drinks are included, and it’s some of the enjoyable issues to do in Lecce for {couples}.
For individuals 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 consists of wine tasting.
6. Go to Native Wineries and Strive Wine Tasting
The world 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 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 unbelievable locations to go to to find out about (and style!) the native sorts of wine.
A couple of of the vineyards even provide lunch, so you may linger for some time longer and revel in a leisurely and indulgent afternoon in a phenomenal, pure setting – it’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite issues to do close to Lecce. Take a look at this wonderful tour, which features a go to to 2 native wineries, lunch, and transport to and from Lecce.
7. Step Inside Lecce Cathedral
Positioned within the Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta e S.Oronzo (Lecce Cathedral for brief) is a shocking 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 because of the subsidence that’s occurred over the centuries.
The Cathedral inside includes a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque kinds and is stuffed with 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 a captivating story. In 2001, an area resident was finishing up some residence repairs when he stumbled throughout plenty of historic artifacts.
After an extended interval of cautious excavation, it was found that an enormous wealth of essential archaeological stays lay buried proper beneath his residence. 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 may tour this underground community and (actually) uncover the various layers of Lecce’s historical past.
9. Benefit from the Salento Peninsula
The Salento peninsula varieties the southeastern tip of Puglia (i.e. the “heel” of Italy), with Leece being the biggest metropolis inside. The remainder of the peninsula is residence to many picturesque little cities and villages that are filled with old-world appeal and are good for exploring on foot or by bike.
Don’t miss the beautiful seashores both – they’re a few of the greatest within the area and provide loads of alternatives for swimming, sunbathing, and stress-free. Baia dei Turchi is one in every of my favorites.
In the event 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 a few of the different highlights of this stunning area.
10. Discover Castello Carlo V
The Fortress 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 residence, and (in the present day), 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 greatest issues to do in Lecce for households. You can too stroll alongside sure sections of the fortress’s partitions the place you may take some unbelievable pictures of the town and its environment from above.
11. Be taught Make Contemporary Pasta (and Tiramisù)
What could possibly be extra Italian than studying make your individual scrumptious home made 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 residence.
Your hosts may even present you 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. Remember 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 timber, sculptures, and fountains. It’s an excellent place to spend a peaceable afternoon or take a stroll to flee the hustle and bustle of the town middle.
I like to recommend bringing a picnic and a bottle of wine to get pleasure from 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 among the greatest locations to go to in Lecce to see perfectly-preserved Baroque structure. Its central rosette window specifically is actually beautiful.
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 superb for exploring by kayak. There are many islands and delightful coves to find too, making this a good way to absorb a few of the beautiful coastal surroundings.
You’ll be able to select to go kayaking by your self or be part of a guided tour that can take you to a few of 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 have your individual automobile, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive. Alternatively, you may catch the direct regional prepare 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 historic hilltop city stuffed with 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 residence to some of the photogenic seashores in all of Italy – Lama Monachile.
You’ll be able to simply go to every of those locations as a day journey from Lecce. In the event you’d prefer to see all 3 in someday, take a look at this tour which departs from Lecce.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Lecce
Whether or not you have got a day or per week to spend, listed below are a couple of advised itineraries that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Lecce.
1 Day in Lecce Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the metropolis’s foremost sights in someday. I like to recommend beginning with a strolling tour of the historic middle of Lecce. Afterward, head to the Castello Carlo V to discover the fascinating inside and benefit from the superb views of the town.
Take a soothing 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 wonderful eating places, akin to Negroamaro (see beneath).
2-3 Days in Lecce Itinerary
I like to recommend spending your first day in the identical manner 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 a few of the native wineries for wine tasting within the afternoon, and head again into the town to get pleasure from some tasty avenue meals and watch the sundown.
1 Week in Lecce Itinerary
With per week in Lecce, you may comfortably do all the 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, in case you’re actually into kayaking, you could possibly at all times spend a complete day doing this.
Then, spend the ultimate days ticking off the remainder of the objects on this listing. Remember to spend a full day exploring the remainder of the Salento peninsula, both by hiring a automobile or by becoming a member of this wonderful guided tour.
Don’t miss the chance to go to Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare too. They’re all very totally 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 mentioned, listed below are a few choices so that you can contemplate:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
That is Lecce’s outdated city and the very best place to remain if you wish to be near all of the motion. There’s a variety of various lodging choices right here, together with accommodations, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.
Take a look at this wonderful resort in Lecce’s Centro Storico.
San Cataldo – Greatest for Lovely 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 simply 11 kilometers up the highway, and there’s a bus that may take you all the best way into the historic middle.
This can be a nice little condo in San Cataldo.
Greatest Eating places in Lecce
There are some actually nice eating places in Lecce. Listed below are a couple of that I’d suggest making an attempt:
Negroamaro Restaurant
Negroamaro makes a speciality of creative takes on traditional regional specialties, utilizing contemporary, high quality components sourced as regionally as attainable. The menu is seasonal and modifications recurrently. It’s somewhat on the dear facet, however I believe it’s price the additional expense and could be an amazing place to return for a special day.
Zefiro
Zefiro is among the greatest seafood eating places within the metropolis. Their price-to-quality is excellent, (mid-range worth, top-quality contemporary seafood), and their monkfish pasta and shrimp ravioli are each scrumptious.
Daiki Japanese Restaurant
Italian meals is superb, however in case you’re visiting for an extended interval, after a when you could begin to crave one thing totally different. If this occurs when you’re in Lecce, you must head to Daiki. They serve a few of the greatest sushi I’ve present in Italy in addition to a variety of different traditional Japanese dishes.
Getting To Lecce
The closest worldwide airport to Lecce is Brindisi. From there, you may simply get a bus or prepare to Lecce. The prepare is quicker and takes a mere half-hour. Alternatively, you may fly to Bari and catch the prepare to Lecce, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
In the event you’re coming from Rome or one other main Italian metropolis, you may both reap the benefits of Italy’s wonderful 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 many 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 the town, you may at all times rent a automobile, take the bus, a regional prepare, or be part of 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 thought for its beautiful Baroque structure and its laid-back, southern Italian appeal.
The perfect time to go to Lecce is within the late spring or early autumn (Could or September). The climate will probably be heat and sunny, however not too sizzling, 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 attention-grabbing little metropolis.
Though you could possibly go to many of the prime locations to see in Lecce in someday, I like to recommend spending at the very least 2-3 nights right here to make your journey extra relaxed and fulfilling. Extra time may even provide the probability to get pleasure from a few of the many issues to do round Lecce.
Sure, Lecce is a secure place to go to. After all, it’s at all times a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the same old precautions akin to not leaving valuables unattended, retaining a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which are lit at night time.
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 perfect seaside close to Lecce is Baia dei Turchi which is a phenomenal stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water, about 40 kilometers southeast of the town. In the event you’re on the lookout for a seaside somewhat nearer, Torre dell’Orso is a mere 25km from Lecce and has an excellent vary of amenities together with bars and eating places.
It’s best to undoubtedly attempt a few of the native specialties whenever you’re in Lecce, akin to focaccia, orecchiette pasta, sfogliatelle, and panzerotti.
In Closing
Now what to see and do in Lecce, Italy. Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, there are numerous nice issues to find right here. Whether or not you’re involved in 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 just’ll love.
The truth is, I’d go as far as to say that Lecce is one in every of my favourite cities in all of southern Italy; in case you get the possibility to go to, I extremely suggest it!
