Presicce​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
​​The town of Presicce is situated within the Province of Lecce and has a population of around 5,000 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 104 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Ugento, Specchia, Posto Vecchio, Pescoluse and Torre Vado. 
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Discover

Discover Presicce
Presicce is a historic town located in the southern part of Puglia, within the Province of Lecce. Situated in the heart of the Salento region, it is just a few kilometres inland from the Ionian coast. The town is known for its charming historic centre, which is characterised by narrow streets, traditional stone buildings, and a peaceful atmosphere. Presicce is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in Puglia, with its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage that reflects its medieval past.

Visitors to Presicce can explore the town's historic centre, which features notable landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Church of San Giovanni. The town also boasts a variety of traditional shops and local eateries, where visitors can taste authentic Puglian cuisine, including local cheeses and wines. The surrounding countryside, with its olive groves and vineyards, invites exploration, and the area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty of Salento.

Presicce is well-positioned for exploring nearby attractions. To the south, the coastal town of Torre Vado offers beautiful beaches and clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxation. To the west, the town of Gallipoli, known for its historical centre and beautiful Ionian coastline, is easily accessible. Further inland, the city of Lecce, renowned for its Baroque architecture and cultural significance, is just a short drive away. Additionally, the town of Otranto, with its cathedral and medieval castle, lies to the east, offering another fascinating historical destination in the Salento region.​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Presicce
  • Centro Storico di Presicce unfolds in the southern Salento plain, its streets winding among noble palaces, baroque churches, and quiet alleys paved in pale limestone. The town radiates refined elegance, with sculpted balconies and glimpses of hidden courtyards shaded by citrus trees. Small piazzas reveal ancient wells and underground oil mills. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and craftsmanship thrive together.
  • Palazzo Ducale rises as Presicce’s most distinguished landmark, a noble residence with grand façades, spacious courtyards, and elegant arcades. Built by the Gonzaga family, it reflects centuries of power and prestige. Today it hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The palazzo remains a proud emblem of Presicce’s aristocratic past.
  • Chiesa Madre di Sant’Andrea Apostolo stands gracefully in the town centre, its baroque façade adorned with ornate carvings and decorative columns. Inside are gilded altars, sacred paintings, and delicate stuccoes. The church has long shaped Presicce’s religious life. It remains a cherished symbol of faith and artistic devotion.
  • Piazza del Popolo serves as Presicce’s social heart, bordered by historic buildings, cafés, and small shops offering local crafts. The square hosts festivals, concerts, and relaxed gatherings under Salento’s brilliant skies. Cobblestones and palazzo views create an elegant backdrop. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Presicce.
  • Guided historical and underground tours in Presicce lead visitors through baroque streets, noble palaces, and subterranean oil mills carved beneath the old town. Local guides share stories of olive oil production, noble families, and regional traditions. Tours often include tastings of extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, and Salento wines. Exploring reveals Presicce’s blend of hidden heritage, refined architecture, and authentic village spirit.
Presicce Tours and Activities
Presicce - frazione di Presicce-Acquarica
Comune: Presicce-Acquarica

Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

Elevation: 104 metres

​Close by: Ugento, Specchia, Posto Vecchio, Pescoluse, Torre Vado

Recommended accommodation: Relais Masseria Casina dei Cari
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Il Trionfo del Barocco (The Triumph of the Baroque)

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Presicce

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​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

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