Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, fascinates with its impressive Baroque architecture and vibrant piazzas. This southern beauty offers a delightful blend of ancient Roman ruins and intricately designed Baroque churches, creating a visual highlight for visitors. The picturesque alleys, lively squares, and authentic markets invite you to experience true Italian charm, while the nearby beaches and idyllic countryside further enhance the city's allure.
By the way, did you know that the beautiful Baroque architecture could only be created with the help of Lecce stone? This limestone is easy to work with and allows for artistic, intricate designs. What's more, Lecce is famous for its papier-mâché craftsmanship, where many local artisans create artistic figures and decorations.
Top Highlights of Lecce
Inspiration
Travel Information
Buy a Combi-Ticket
The combi-ticket offers excellent value for money and is highly recommended. There are a few ticket types you can choose from:
- The LeccEcclesiae Ticket (11 Euros in 2024) is the basic combi-ticket, providing entrance to the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Church of Santa Chiara and San Matteo, as well as the Ancient Seminary and Museum of Sacred Art (MuDAS).
- The Full LeccEcclesiae Ticket (21 Euros) includes everything in the basic ticket plus a ride up to the Duomo bell tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. In 2024, this ticket saves you 2 Euros compared to buying the tickets separately.
- The Lecce Barocco Tour (20 Euros) includes a guided tour lasting 1.5 hours. This tour covers the Cathedral and crypt, the Churches of San Matteo and Santa Chiara, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
To purchase a ticket, visit the ticket office at Piazza del Duomo or go to the official website.
How long should you stay?
The ideal length of stay in Lecce depends on your interests. If you're primarily drawn to the city's architecture and charm, one to two days will suffice, with an overnight stay highly recommended. Three days are perfect for exploring Lecce and its surroundings, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere. However, if you plan to use Lecce as a base to explore the Salento peninsula without frequently changing accommodations, we recommend staying for 5 to 7 days.
Best time to visit
Lecce is best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, which offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Here’s a breakdown by months:
- April and May: These months mark the beginning of the tourist season. The weather is mild and flowers begin to bloom, perfect for exploring the city’s Baroque architecture and outdoor activities. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, and the city is not yet crowded with tourists. From May on, you can also start going swimming in the ocean.
- June: As summer approaches, the weather becomes warmer, with temperatures rising up to 30°C. It's still not as hot as the peak summer months, making it a great time to visit.
- Peak Season: If you love hot summer, July is also great for your beach vacation. As usual in Italy, avoid vacationing in August.
- September: After the summer heat, September offers a pleasant time with temperatures cooling down to around 25°C. The crowds start to thin out, and you can enjoy the beaches and attractions comfortably. Just note, that after the summer heat, the landscape looks a bit burnt. But the sea is very warm and calm compared to the rest of the year.
- October: The weather remains mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. This is the tail end of the tourist season, providing a quieter experience with most of the summer rush gone. The water is still warm enough to swim.
- December: With the festive Christmas lights and warmer winter temperatures compared to the rest of Europe, Lecce offers a great city trip even in winter.
- The worst time to visit Lecce is January to March. Many restaurants, accommodations, and attractions may be closed and it's also quite cold.
How to get to Lecce
By Plane
Most travellers arrive in Apulia via the regions two international airports: Bari or Brindisi. The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport, approximately 40 kilometers from Lecce. Regular bus and train services connect the airport to the city, and you'll arrive in the city in about 40 minutes.
Bari, the region's capital is about 2 hours away. There are direct train connections between Bari and Lecce or you can plan an Apulia round trip and arrive in Lecce by car.
By Train
Lecce is well-connected by train to major Italian cities like Rome, and Naples. From Rome’s Roma Termini train station the high-speed Frecciarossa train takes you to Lecce via Bari and Brindisi in only 5.5 hours.
Regional trains also connect Lecce with Bari and Brindisi. The train station is conveniently located near the city center.
By Car
Lecce can be reached via the A14 and SS613 highways. Renting a car is highly recommended, since public transport is rather slow. A car also allows you to explore the surrounding Salento region and easily reach nice beaches. Just remember, it's best to rent your car in Bari or Brindisi, since Lecce has only limited choices.
Nearby Day Trips
Cava di Bauxite
Hit the beaches of Porto Cesareo, San Foca, Torre Sant’Andrea, and around.
Off to the Beach
Number 1 on the list is . From Lecce, you can reach this breathtaking natural paradise on the Adriatic coast in just 35 minutes by car. The impressive rock towers, formed by the surf, offer a spectacular backdrop for your photos and explorations. Take a leap from the cliffs into the crystal-clear water or relax at the less crowded Spiaggia della Punticeddha.
While you're here, you should definitely visit the nearby – a unique natural pool with turquoise water. A perfect day trip!
Tip 1: It's best to bring water shoes. Also note that there is little shade – so if possible, bring an umbrella.
Trip to Otranto
Gallipoli
Culinary Specialties
What to Eat
- Pasticciotto A sweet, delicious pastry filled with custard, often enjoyed for breakfast.
- Rustico Leccese A savory puff pastry filled with mozzarella, tomato, and béchamel sauce.
- Orecchiette Traditional ear-shaped pasta typically served with a tomato or broccoli rabe sauce.
- Puccia A type of sandwich made with local bread and various fillings.
What to Drink
In Lecce, a popular morning drink is the Caffè Leccese. This unique coffee is served over ice with almond milk, making it a refreshing way to start your day.
Like in many regions of the south, restaurants in Lecce often offer Limoncello as a digestif. This sweet lemon liqueur is the perfect way to end a meal.
- Negroamaro: This grape variety is a favorite among wine enthusiasts for the complexity of its wines. The robust, full-bodied red wines are known for their deep red color and aromas of dark berries and spices.
- Primitivo: Another star of the region, Primitivo, is often compared to Zinfandel. The wines are intense and feature pleasant spiciness with notes of black cherries and plums. Primitivo wines are especially prized for their depth and velvety finish.
- Rosé Wines: Salento is also known for its refreshing rosé wines, made from Negroamaro or Primitivo grapes. These wines are perfect for hot summer days, offering vibrant freshness and aromas of red fruits and flowers.
- Malvasia Nera: This dark grape variety is often used in blends to add depth and aroma to wines. Malvasia Nera offers a delightful balance of fruitiness and spice, which many wine drinkers find appealing.
- White Wines: Although red wines dominate, the region also produces remarkable white wines from Malvasia Bianca, Verdeca, and Fiano. These wines are aromatic, fresh, and often have a mineral note that makes them particularly attractive.
A visit to Lecce not only provides the opportunity to taste these outstanding wines but also to experience the beauty of the vineyards and the hospitality of the local winemakers.
Cocktail Bars
After a delicious dinner, relax in one of Lecce's stylish cocktail bars. Especially in the area behind the majestic cathedral and around Porta Napoli, you'll find a wide selection of bars offering delicious drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
History
Lecce has a rich history dating back to its founding by the Messapians.
Ancient Times
Lecce's origins are rooted in the ancient Messapian civilization, which settled in the region before Roman times. The Messapians were known for their skills in building and crafting, and their influence can still be seen in some of the archaeological remains in the area.
Roman Era
Lecce, then known as Lupiae, flourished under Roman rule, becoming an important trading center. It was connected to the Roman Empire through the Via Traiana, a significant road that facilitated trade and movement. The Roman amphitheater in Piazza Sant'Oronzo is a notable remnant from this era, highlighting the city's importance and cultural life.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Lecce went through various phases of control, including periods under the Byzantines, Lombards, and Saracens. The city experienced growth and fortification during the Norman conquest in the 11th century, becoming a thriving cultural and economic hub in the Kingdom of Sicily.
Renaissance and Baroque Period
The 16th and 17th centuries were a golden age for Lecce. Under Spanish rule, the city flourished and saw a significant architectural boom. The unique Lecce stone, a type of limestone that is easy to carve, was extensively used to create elaborate Baroque buildings.
Modern Times
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Lecce continued to develop as part of the Kingdom of Naples and later the Kingdom of Italy. The city expanded beyond its ancient walls, integrating new architectural styles and modern infrastructure while preserving its Baroque legacy.
Today, Lecce is a vibrant cultural hub known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and thriving arts scene. The city attracts tourists from around the world who come to experience its unique blend of ancient, medieval, and Baroque heritage.