Lecce
Lecce
⭐ Ranked #18 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
Latest page update: 10 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The city of Lecce is the capital city of the Province of Lecce with a population of 95,269 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 49 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 238 km² and lies 145 kilometres south east of Bari, the regional capital of Puglia. Such is the brilliance of Lecce's architecture that it's attributed its own style: Lecce Baroque. Of no less importance is Lecce's status as the heart of the beautiful Salento region, the heel of Italy's boot. |
What People Ask About Lecce
What is Lecce known for?
Lecce is known for its elaborate Baroque architecture, earning it the nickname "the Florence of the South." Key sights include Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Roman amphitheatre.
Is Lecce worth visiting?
Yes, Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia, known for its ornate buildings, lively historic centre, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring the Salento region.
What is Lecce stone?
Lecce stone is a soft, workable limestone used in the city’s architecture. Its pale colour and carvability made it ideal for the intricate facades of Lecce’s Baroque churches and palaces.
Are there beaches near Lecce?
Yes, Lecce is about 10–15 km from the coast. The Adriatic beaches near San Cataldo and the Ionian coast around Porto Cesareo can both be reached by car in under an hour.
How do I get to Lecce from Bari?
Trains from Bari to Lecce run regularly and take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route is direct and connects the two main cities of Puglia by regional or InterCity trains.
Related links
Overview
Overview
There are a series of epithets given to Lecce, "the Florence of the South", "Crown Jewel of the Mezzogiorno" or simply "the Most Beautiful City in Italy" among them. However you wish to describe Lecce, it's clearly a place that captures the imagination of anyone who visits and it's a must for any serious Puglia itinerary.
Lecce was founded by the Ancient Greeks, conquered by the Romans and changed hands between Normans, Lombards, Saracens and other empires in the intervening years. Traces of all these civilisations are much in evidence throughout the city but it is to the 17th century period of Barocco Leccese that the city owes the majority of its sights.
Lecce was founded by the Ancient Greeks, conquered by the Romans and changed hands between Normans, Lombards, Saracens and other empires in the intervening years. Traces of all these civilisations are much in evidence throughout the city but it is to the 17th century period of Barocco Leccese that the city owes the majority of its sights.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Sightseeing Lecce - Baroque Churches
If you could manage to close your eyes or stare at the ground all the way to Piazza del Duomo in the city centre, it might be an idea to have a supply of oxygen on hand, such will be your gasp at the moment you open your eyes. This is a golden city and it is from this square that you can start to open the box of Lecce's treasures.
The main sights here are Lecce's Cathedral, built in 1659 by Giuseppe Zimbalo, the city's most important architect, responsible for most of what is currently good to see here. To one side of the Cathedral stands the 72 metre high Bell Tower with the Seminario and the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) completing the opulent display in the Piazza.
There are around 40 churches in Lecce built in the Baroque style and there is some debate over which one deserves the most attention but there is no doubt whatsoever that at least some visitor attention is due to the Basilica di Santa Croce. Another masterpiece that can be credited to star architect Zimbalo, the Basilica took around 130 years to fully finish and is most famous for its intricately decorated facade.
If you could manage to close your eyes or stare at the ground all the way to Piazza del Duomo in the city centre, it might be an idea to have a supply of oxygen on hand, such will be your gasp at the moment you open your eyes. This is a golden city and it is from this square that you can start to open the box of Lecce's treasures.
The main sights here are Lecce's Cathedral, built in 1659 by Giuseppe Zimbalo, the city's most important architect, responsible for most of what is currently good to see here. To one side of the Cathedral stands the 72 metre high Bell Tower with the Seminario and the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) completing the opulent display in the Piazza.
There are around 40 churches in Lecce built in the Baroque style and there is some debate over which one deserves the most attention but there is no doubt whatsoever that at least some visitor attention is due to the Basilica di Santa Croce. Another masterpiece that can be credited to star architect Zimbalo, the Basilica took around 130 years to fully finish and is most famous for its intricately decorated facade.
Roman Theatres and Amphitheatres
Lecce is a wonderful city to walk around; not least because it's mostly pedestrianised and if you come here at lunch time you'll find yourself almost alone as the city abandons itself for the all-important lunch period. If you're not using this time for dining purposes yourself then you could spend the time wandering around the expansive Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Here you'll find one of the most unusual sights that any such square in Italy can boast. Neatly nestled in one corner of the square is a 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre. Incredibly, the Amphitheatre lay undiscovered until 1901 and it wasn't until the 1930's that its total scale, including 15,000 seats, was discovered.
The Amphitheatre is not the only Roman venue in the city either; just a short distance away there's the Roman Theatre (no "amphi" in this one), which takes a little more effort to discover. The Roman Theatre is hidden in the middle of a block of buildings which includes two museums. Aside from the official Roman Theatre Museum, you can also view the Theatre from one of the windows of another museum next door: the snazzily-named MUST (Museo Storico Città di Lecce - see what they did there?).
Lecce is a wonderful city to walk around; not least because it's mostly pedestrianised and if you come here at lunch time you'll find yourself almost alone as the city abandons itself for the all-important lunch period. If you're not using this time for dining purposes yourself then you could spend the time wandering around the expansive Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Here you'll find one of the most unusual sights that any such square in Italy can boast. Neatly nestled in one corner of the square is a 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre. Incredibly, the Amphitheatre lay undiscovered until 1901 and it wasn't until the 1930's that its total scale, including 15,000 seats, was discovered.
The Amphitheatre is not the only Roman venue in the city either; just a short distance away there's the Roman Theatre (no "amphi" in this one), which takes a little more effort to discover. The Roman Theatre is hidden in the middle of a block of buildings which includes two museums. Aside from the official Roman Theatre Museum, you can also view the Theatre from one of the windows of another museum next door: the snazzily-named MUST (Museo Storico Città di Lecce - see what they did there?).
Defensive Walls and City Gates
There are dozens of other sights to enjoy in the city including Porta Napoli, one of three Roman city gates that used to keep citizens in and enemies out, and a 12th century castle (Castello Carlo V) which was rebuilt in the 16th century and later served as a prison, barracks and administrative offices. The castle is also home to Lecce's Papier Mache Museum which in my opinion, every city should have.
There are dozens of other sights to enjoy in the city including Porta Napoli, one of three Roman city gates that used to keep citizens in and enemies out, and a 12th century castle (Castello Carlo V) which was rebuilt in the 16th century and later served as a prison, barracks and administrative offices. The castle is also home to Lecce's Papier Mache Museum which in my opinion, every city should have.
Youthful Lecce
There are dozens of other sights to enjoy in the city including Porta Napoli, one of three Roman city gates that used to keep citizens in and enemies out, and a 12th century castle (Castello Carlo V) which was rebuilt in the 16th century and later served as a prison, barracks and administrative offices. The castle is also home to Lecce's Papier Mache Museum which in my opinion, every city should have.
Whether or not papier mache is your thing, there are countless delights to enjoy in this vibrant, University town. This is a great place to sample typical Pugliese cuisine, clothes shop if you need to or simply bask in the glorious surroundings, made even glorious at night when the city is exquisitely lit.
There are dozens of other sights to enjoy in the city including Porta Napoli, one of three Roman city gates that used to keep citizens in and enemies out, and a 12th century castle (Castello Carlo V) which was rebuilt in the 16th century and later served as a prison, barracks and administrative offices. The castle is also home to Lecce's Papier Mache Museum which in my opinion, every city should have.
Whether or not papier mache is your thing, there are countless delights to enjoy in this vibrant, University town. This is a great place to sample typical Pugliese cuisine, clothes shop if you need to or simply bask in the glorious surroundings, made even glorious at night when the city is exquisitely lit.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Lecce
Province: Lecce
Region: Puglia Population: 94,434 (in 2024 - source) Size: 238 km² Elevation: 49 metres Top sights: Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce, Piazza del Duomo Close by: Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell'Orso, Otranto, Nardò |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Hotel Patria Located in the heart of Lecce, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving traditional Puglian cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to Lecce’s main attractions, including the Lecce Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Le Suites del Duomo Set just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Lecce’s historical sites and surrounding nature. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel 8 Piuhotel Situated near the historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding city, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the friendly service, good value for money, and the short walk to Lecce’s cultural sites, including the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Tenuta Monacelle Located a short drive from Lecce, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the peaceful rural setting, the authentic Puglian experience, and the short drive to both Lecce’s attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- Risorgimento Resort Set in the historic centre of Lecce, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving high-quality Puglian cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the proximity to Lecce’s cultural landmarks, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Piazza Sant'Oronzo. €€€ (high-end)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Osteria degli Spiriti: Located in the historic centre of Lecce, Osteria degli Spiriti offers a traditional dining experience with a focus on Puglian cuisine. Known for its rustic yet refined atmosphere, the menu features local dishes such as orecchiette with broccoli rabe, grilled lamb, and fresh seafood. The intimate setting and excellent wine list make it a perfect spot for a relaxed, authentic meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Le Zie Trattoria: A cosy and charming spot, Le Zie Trattoria is renowned for its traditional Lecce and Puglian dishes. The menu includes a variety of handmade pasta, such as the signature orecchiette, as well as hearty meat dishes and fresh local vegetables. The simple, homey atmosphere and delicious food make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Alle due Corti: Known for its exceptional service and elegant atmosphere, Ristorante Alle due Corti serves creative interpretations of traditional Puglian cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including seafood risotto, grilled meats, and pasta with rich sauces. The stylish setting, combined with a carefully curated wine list, makes it a top choice for a refined meal in Lecce. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante La Cucina di Mamma Elvira: A family-run restaurant, La Cucina di Mamma Elvira offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a focus on authentic Puglian cuisine. The menu features hearty dishes like stuffed vegetables, homemade pasta, and classic desserts like pasticciotto. With its friendly service and rustic charm, it's an ideal place for a comforting, traditional meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Le Probatici: For a more sophisticated dining experience, Le Probatici offers innovative Puglian dishes in an elegant, contemporary setting. The menu combines traditional local ingredients with modern cooking techniques, offering dishes like braised meat with local greens and seafood ravioli. The chic decor and professional service make it perfect for a special occasion. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Lecce Gallery
Close to Lecce
There is a particularly wide range of places to visit close to Lecce; from here you have the whole Salento region to discover and that alone makes Lecce a good place to make your base. Among the best seaside locations are the beach resort of Torre dell'Orso which has some incredible scenic coastline above and below it; among the highlights here being the famous Grotta della Poesia.
There are further seaside treats at Otranto, Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro while some of the best towns to discover inland are Tricase, Maglie, Cavallino and Nardò. For something a little out of the ordinary you can also try the colourful Cava di Bauxite and its lake.
There are further seaside treats at Otranto, Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro while some of the best towns to discover inland are Tricase, Maglie, Cavallino and Nardò. For something a little out of the ordinary you can also try the colourful Cava di Bauxite and its lake.
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
lECCE tRAVEL
Lecce's train station is situated south of the city centre, a twelve minute walk (1 km) from Piazza del Duomo. Trains run from Lecce to Bari (Bari Centrale), with a journey time of an hour and 53 minutes, stopping along the way at among others, Brindisi (28 minutes), Ostuni (51 minutes), Cisternino (59 minutes), Monopoli (1 hour 14 minutes) and Polignano a Mare (1 hour 20 minutes).
To reach the popular seaside town of Gallipoli on the Ionian coast it's best to take a bus; a number 108 will get you there in 47 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Lecce is Brindisi Salento Airport which is a 34 minute drive away (47 km), while the next best option is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, an hour and 45 minutes away by car (167 km).
To reach the popular seaside town of Gallipoli on the Ionian coast it's best to take a bus; a number 108 will get you there in 47 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Lecce is Brindisi Salento Airport which is a 34 minute drive away (47 km), while the next best option is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, an hour and 45 minutes away by car (167 km).
Fly to: Brindisi Salento Airport - 34 minutes by car (47 km)
By train: Brindisi - 28 mins, Ostuni - 51 mins, Cisternino - 59 mins |
Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network