Things to do in  Lecce

Often called the Florence of the south, Lecce is known for 17th-century baroque architecture. Top examples of this style include the Basilica of Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, and Church of Saint Clare. This handsome city is also known for its excellent local cuisine and traditional artisan crafts.

Stroll through the city to admire its ornate historic palaces and churches, plus the ancient Roman amphitheater in the main square. Browse the town’s traditional stone carving and papier-mâché workshops to watch artisans at work, and then relax over a hearty meal featuring local dishes at a local trattoria.

Though Lecce is a midsize city, its historic center is quite compact and easy to cover in a day. Set in the center of the Salento peninsula, Lecce makes a great base to explore the surrounding hill towns and coastline over at least four days.

Lecce is set inland, with the Adriatic coast about 8 miles (13 kilometers) to the east and the Ionian coast about 17 miles (28 kilometers) to the west. The most popular beaches include Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea and the coastline of Otranto along the Adriatic Sea.

No, Lecce is located on the Salento Peninsula (the “heel” of Italy’s “boot”) in the region of Puglia in the far southeast of the country. Lecce borders three other regions: Molise to the north and Basilicata and Campania to the west.

Yes, Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy and a highlight of Puglia’s Salento Peninsula. The baroque architecture and ancient ruins in the old town are world-class, and the town is a hub of traditional artisan handicrafts and unparalleled regional cuisine.