Specchia​

Latest page update: 19 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
​​The town of Specchia is situated within the Province of Lecce and has a population of around 4,500 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 131 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 Presicce, Tricase, Marina Serra, Tricase Porto and Ugento. 
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Discover

Discover Specchia
Specchia is a small, picturesque town located in the southern part of Puglia, within the Province of Lecce. Situated in the heart of the Salento region, it is surrounded by lush olive groves and agricultural fields, offering a peaceful rural atmosphere. The town is known for its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and impressive architecture. Specchia has been recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its well-preserved historical centre and welcoming ambiance.

Visitors to Specchia can wander through its quaint streets, where landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli and the Palazzo Risolo stand as symbols of the town's long history. The town’s town square is a lively hub, with local cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy regional Puglian cuisine, including fresh olive oil, cheeses, and local wines. The surrounding countryside offers many opportunities for walking and cycling, providing scenic views of the Salento landscape.

Specchia is conveniently located for exploring nearby destinations. To the south, the town of Santa Maria di Leuca offers beautiful coastal views, as well as historical sites such as its lighthouse and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. To the west, the town of Gallipoli provides both a historic old town on an island and access to sandy beaches along the Ionian Sea. To the north, Lecce, known for its Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage, is just a short drive away, offering visitors a vibrant and artistic city to explore. Additionally, the coastal town of Otranto, famous for its cathedral and coastal beauty, is easily accessible from Specchia.​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Specchia
  • Centro Storico di Specchia crowns a hill in southern Salento, its streets winding among whitewashed houses, stone staircases, and narrow alleys paved in gleaming limestone. The village radiates quiet elegance, with rustic façades and glimpses of flowering balconies overlooking distant olive groves. Small piazzas reveal ancient wells and hidden courtyards. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and serene beauty blend perfectly.
  • Castello Risolo rises at the village’s core, a fortress-turned-palace built by noble families to guard this strategic hilltop. Its sturdy walls, arched gateways, and spacious courtyards reflect centuries of power and prestige. Today it hosts cultural exhibitions and community events. The castle stands as Specchia’s proudest historical monument.
  • Chiesa Madre di Santa Eufemia stands elegantly in the heart of Specchia, its baroque façade marked by graceful stone carvings and an elegant bell tower. Inside are gilded altars, sacred paintings, and fine stuccoes. The church has long anchored the village’s spiritual life. It remains a cherished emblem of faith and artistic devotion.
  • Piazza del Popolo serves as Specchia’s lively heart, surrounded by stone buildings, charming cafés, and artisan shops. The square hosts festivals, music performances, and relaxed conversations under Salento’s bright skies. Cobblestones and castle views create an inviting scene. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Specchia.
  • Guided historical and underground tours in Specchia lead visitors through medieval streets, noble palaces, and subterranean oil mills carved beneath the village. Local guides share stories of olive oil production, noble dynasties, and village traditions. Tours often include tastings of local olive oils, cheeses, and Salento wines. Exploring reveals Specchia’s blend of hidden heritage, elegant architecture, and authentic village spirit.
Specchia Tours and Activities
Comune di Specchia
Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

Population: 4,545 (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 25 km²

Elevation: 131 metres

​Close by: Presicce, Tricase, Marina Serra, Tricase Porto, Ugento

Recommended accommodation: I Mulicchi
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Riflessi di Salento (Reflections of the Salento)

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Specchia

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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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