The southeastern Italian area of Puglia has no scarcity of superb locations to go to; Bari, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Ostuni, to call however just a few. On this submit, I’ve written about one of the best issues to do in Lecce – one in all my favourite Puglian cities.
Lecce is a stupendous, historic metropolis that’s also known as the “Florence of the South” as a result of its abundance of Baroque structure. Along with admiring the beautiful buildings in its historic heart, there’s a wealth of different enjoyable issues to do in Lecce.
This charming city additionally receives fewer overseas vacationers than most of the different well-known areas in Puglia. It’s an ideal place to find in the event 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 collection of sights and actions that may 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 decide of the highest issues to do in Lecce.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Centro Storico (Historic Middle)
One in all 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 professional present you across the metropolis and train you about its wealthy historical past is an effective way to familiarize your self with this improbable place.
There are just a few 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 most 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, under.
2. Admire the Teatro Romano (Roman Amphitheater)
Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre is an unbelievable instance of historic 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 grotesque gladiator fights and different public reveals. Nevertheless, 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 building of foundations for a financial institution.
Immediately, the ruined amphitheater is used for concert events and theatrical performances that are held sometimes. In case you’re visiting while one in all these is on, I strongly advocate getting tickets. Attending a dwell efficiency in an nearly 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 Greatest Free Issues To Do in Lecce, Italy)
The Piazza Sant’Oronzo is among the most well-known squares in Lecce. It’s dwelling to quite a lot of necessary monuments, together with the Baroque-style City Corridor, a mosaic of a feminine wolf (an emblem 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 a beautiful, buzzing ambiance at most instances of the day and effectively into the night.
Lingering right here with an after-dinner digestif is one in all my favourite issues to do in Lecce at night time. In case 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 resembling focaccia, sfogliatelle (pastry stuffed with candy ricotta cream), and panzerotti (fried pastries full of mozzarella and tomato).
One of the simplest ways to pattern and study these scrumptious meals is to affix 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 normally when the most important 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 case you’d prefer to discover ways to make some traditional Puglian dishes at dwelling, 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 a stupendous personal Seventeenth-century palazzo.
You’ll rustle up a spread of native specialties after which feast in your creations together with a collection of effective 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 want to discover ways to make contemporary orecchiette pasta (which interprets as “little ears”, as a result of its distinctive form), try this masterclass which additionally consists of wine tasting.
6. Go to Native Wineries and Attempt 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 among the hottest varieties, made with Negroamaro grapes that are native to the Salento area and nearly solely grown there. There are a number of wineries positioned on the outskirts of Lecce, that are improbable locations to go to to study (and style!) the native sorts of wine.
A couple of of the vineyards even supply lunch, so you’ll be able to linger for some time longer and revel in a leisurely and indulgent afternoon in a stupendous, pure setting – it’s positively one in all my favourite issues to do close to Lecce. Try 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.
One in all 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 includes a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque types 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 dwelling repairs when he stumbled throughout quite a lot of historic artifacts.
After a protracted interval of cautious excavation, it was found that an enormous wealth of necessary 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.
Immediately you’ll be able to tour this underground community and (actually) uncover the various layers of Lecce’s historical past.
9. Benefit from the Salento Peninsula
The Salento peninsula kinds the southeastern tip of Puglia (i.e. the “heel” of Italy), with Leece being the most important metropolis inside. The remainder of the peninsula is dwelling to many picturesque little cities and villages that are filled with old-world allure and are good for exploring on foot or by bike.
Don’t miss the beautiful seashores both – they’re a few of the finest within the area and supply loads of alternatives for swimming, sunbathing, and stress-free. Baia dei Turchi is one in all my favorites.
In case you’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 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 dwelling, 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. It’s also possible to stroll alongside sure sections of the citadel’s partitions the place you’ll be able to take some improbable pictures of the town and its environment from above.
11. Be taught The right way to Make Contemporary Pasta (and Tiramisù)
What might be extra Italian than studying tips on how to make your personal 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 dwelling.
Your hosts can even present you tips on how to make the right tiramisù – belief me, it’s to die for! Lastly, you’ll sit all the way down to benefit from the magnificent fruits of your labor. Be sure you 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 a perfect 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 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 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 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 exquisite coves to find too, making this an effective way to absorb a few of the beautiful coastal surroundings.
You may select to go kayaking by your self or be part of a guided tour that may 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. You probably have your personal automobile, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive. Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 dwelling to one of the photogenic seashores in all of Italy – Lama Monachile.
You may simply go to every of those locations as a day journey from Lecce. In case you’d prefer to see all 3 in at some point, try this tour which departs from Lecce.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Lecce
Whether or not you may have a day or per week to spend, listed below are just a few prompt itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Lecce.
1 Day in Lecce Itinerary
You may see a lot of the metropolis’s essential 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 superb views of the town.
Take a soothing stroll via 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, resembling 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 a few 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 per week in Lecce, you’ll be able to 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, in the event you’re actually into kayaking, you would all the time spend a complete day doing this.
Then, spend the ultimate days ticking off the remainder of the objects on this record. Be sure you spend a full day exploring the remainder of the Salento peninsula, both by hiring a automobile 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 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 throughout 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 previous city and one of the 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 motels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.
Try this glorious lodge in Lecce’s Centro Storico.
San Cataldo – Greatest 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 throughout the metropolis of Lecce however is barely 11 kilometers up the highway, and there’s a bus that may take you all the way in which into the historic heart.
This can be a nice little condominium in San Cataldo.
Greatest Eating places in Lecce
There are some actually nice eating places in Lecce. Listed here are just a few that I’d advocate attempting:
Negroamaro Restaurant
Negroamaro focuses on ingenious takes on traditional regional specialties, utilizing contemporary, high quality components sourced as domestically as attainable. The menu is seasonal and modifications usually. It’s somewhat on the expensive aspect, however I feel it’s value the additional expense and can be an ideal place to return for an important 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 superb, however in the event you’re visiting for an extended interval, after a whilst you could 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 few of 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’ll be able to simply get a bus or prepare to Lecce. The prepare is quicker and takes a mere half-hour. Alternatively, you’ll be able to fly to Bari and catch the prepare to Lecce, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
In case you’re coming from Rome or one other main Italian metropolis, you’ll be able to both benefit from 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 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’ll be able to all the time 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Lecce:
Lecce is understood for its beautiful Baroque structure and its laid-back, southern Italian allure.
The perfect 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 the vast majority 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 would go to a lot of the prime locations to see in Lecce in at some point, I like to recommend spending a minimum of 2-3 nights right here to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasurable. Extra time can even provide the likelihood to take pleasure in a few of the many issues to do round Lecce.
Sure, Lecce is a protected place to go to. After all, it’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the same old precautions resembling not leaving valuables unattended, retaining a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which might be 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 stupendous stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water, about 40 kilometers southeast of the town. In case you’re on the lookout for a seaside somewhat nearer, Torre dell’Orso is a mere 25km from Lecce and has a very good vary of services together with bars and eating places.
You need to positively attempt a few of the native specialties if you’re in Lecce, resembling 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 various nice issues to find right here. Whether or not you’re focused on 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.
In reality, I’d go as far as to say that Lecce is one in all my favourite cities in all of southern Italy; in the event you get the possibility to go to, I extremely advocate it!
