Lecce: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Bernard Gagnon

If Lecce, the provincial capital, were not so remotely located at the heel of Italy, its wealth of Baroque architecture would likely make it one of the country’s most visited cities. The architects here benefited greatly from the local golden yellow limestone, which is butter-soft and easy to carve. This allowed for the creation of astonishingly intricate and detailed embellishments on churches and palaces.

Throughout the city, you can look up to see delicate figures—angels, human faces, animals, plants, and fanciful curlicues—adorning balconies, doorways, windows, and column capitals.

Lecce, more than 2,000 years old, was founded by the Messapii people from the eastern Adriatic. In addition to its own tourist attractions, Lecce serves as an excellent base for exploring this fascinating and lesser-known region. Plan your visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Lecce.

History of Lecce

Lecce boasts a rich history that spans several millennia. Its origins date back to ancient times, with evidence of Messapian settlements as early as the 5th century BCE. The Messapians, an Italic tribe, inhabited the area before it fell under Roman control in the 3rd century BCE.

Ancient History

Under Roman rule, Lecce, then known as Lupiae, flourished as a significant city in the province of Calabria. The Romans expanded the city’s infrastructure, building an amphitheater, a theater, and other public buildings, many of which still partially stand today. The city’s strategic location made it an important hub for trade and military operations.

Medieval Period

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Lecce experienced a turbulent period marked by invasions and rule changes. It was conquered by the Ostrogoths in the 5th century, followed by the Byzantines in the 6th century. During the Byzantine era, Lecce was fortified and became a center of religious and cultural life.

In the 11th century, the Normans seized control of Lecce, integrating it into the Kingdom of Sicily. This period saw the construction of several important structures, including the Cathedral of Lecce. The Normans were succeeded by the Swabians and then the Angevins, each leaving their architectural and cultural mark on the city.

Renaissance and Baroque Period

The Renaissance brought prosperity to Lecce, but it was during the Baroque period in the 17th century that the city truly flourished architecturally. This era saw a boom in the construction of churches, palaces, and public buildings, many of which were adorned with intricate Baroque details. The local Lecce stone, a soft limestone, was ideal for elaborate carvings, earning the city the nickname “The Florence of the South.”

Key Baroque landmarks include the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Church of Sant’Irene, and the Palazzo dei Celestini. This period also saw the expansion of the city’s urban layout, with new streets and squares enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Modern Era

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Lecce continued to grow, modernize, and maintain its cultural heritage. The city became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 and saw further development in infrastructure and public services. During World War II, Lecce, like many Italian cities, experienced hardships but emerged with much of its historic architecture intact.

Present Day

Today, Lecce is a vibrant city known for its Baroque architecture, historical sites, and cultural festivals. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its stunning buildings, enjoy its lively atmosphere, and experience its rich cultural heritage. The city’s universities and cultural institutions continue to contribute to its status as a cultural and educational hub in southern Italy.

Lecce’s history is a tapestry of various cultures and influences, each leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the city’s identity.

Visiting Lecce for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Lecce on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Lecce not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Lecce and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Castello Carlo Quinto

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Velvet

The Castle of Charles V, also known as the Castello di Lecce, is a prominent historical fortress in Lecce, Italy. Initially built in the Middle Ages, the castle was significantly strengthened by Charles V in 1539, following the designs of architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya. To construct this fortress, the Chapel of the Trinity and the […]

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Location: Castello Carlo V, Via XXV Luglio, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Castello Carlo Quinto

Roman Amphitheater of Lecce

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Bernard Gagnon

Italy boasts numerous Roman ruins, but it’s rare to find an ancient and well-preserved amphitheater right in the center of town. The Roman amphitheater of Lecce is situated in the main piazza of the old town. Remarkably, it was completely hidden from view and its existence was unknown until 1901. The marvelous theater spent centuries […]

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Location: Roman Amphitheater, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Roman Amphitheater of Lecce

Chiesa di San Matteo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fabrizio Garrisi

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Location: Chiesa di San Matteo, Via dei Perroni, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Chiesa di San Matteo

Piazza Sant'Oronzo

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Bernard Gagnon

Few cities are as closely identified with their central square as Lecce is with Piazza S. Oronzo. For the people of Lecce, this square serves as the main gathering place, a hub of entertainment, and a prime location for shows and musical events, all under the watchful eye of Saint Oronzo, who has observed city […]

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Location: Piazza Sant'Oronzo, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Piazza Sant'Oronzo

Museo Faggiano

© Museo Faggiano

All Luciano Faggiano wanted was a working toilet in the building he dreamed of turning into a trattoria in Lecce, Italy. Faggiano and his three sons spent seven years hunting for an elusive broken sewage pipe. In the process, they uncovered over 2,000 years’ worth of archaeological finds, unearthing layer upon layer of their country’s […]

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Location: Museo Faggiano, Via Ascanio Grandi, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Museo Faggiano

Teatro Romano di Lecce

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Simone Macchia Simone

The Roman Theatre of Lecce, distinct from the more renowned Amphitheatre, was uncovered by accident in 1929 during the excavation of the gardens of the D’Arpe Palace (Palazzo D’Arpe) and the Roman Palace (Palazzo Romano). It is believed that Octavian, who had not yet become Emperor Augustus, found refuge in Lupiae (ancient Lecce) and, out […]

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Location: teatro romano di Lecce, Via Del Teatro Romano, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Teatro Romano di Lecce

Palazzo Taurino: Jewish Museum of Lecce

© Comune Lcce

The Museum serves as a center of culture and a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history and presence of Jews in Lecce over time. It is housed in Palazzo Personè, located between Vico Saponea and Via Umberto, on the site of the original medieval Giudecca. Following the 1541 expulsion of Jews from Apulia, the area […]

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Location: Jewish Museum Lecce, Via Umberto I, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10.00 am – 8:30 pm Sunday: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm | Price: € 9,00 | Website | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Palazzo Taurino: Jewish Museum of Lecce

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bultro

Known for the decorative richness of its central rose window, the Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce tells the triumph of Christianity through a rich repertoire of images. The facade captures the eye with its exuberance, where celestial figures of angels and saints are juxtaposed with human and almost bestial figures. Historical and Architectural Notes […]

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Location: Basilica di Santa Croce, Via Umberto I, Lecce, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce

Cattedrale dell'Assunzione della Virgine, Lecce

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt

On the admirable stage of Piazza Duomo, a prominent place is occupied by the Cathedral, an unshakable bastion of faith dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption and celebrating the new myth of Saint Oronzo, proclaimed the city’s patron saint in 1658. The Cathedral, originally built in the city forum during the early days of […]

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Location: P.za del Duomo, 1, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Cattedrale dell'Assunzione della Virgine, Lecce

Santi Nicolò e Cataldo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sailko

The Church of Santi Niccolò e Cataldo is a medieval church in Lecce, Italy. Together with its adjacent monastery, it was founded in 1180 by the Norman count Tancredi d’Altavilla, who later became King of Sicily. The construction of this church represents a significant innovation in architectural and stylistic design, establishing the “New Hydruntine Romanesque […]

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Location: Chiesa dei Santi Niccolò e Cataldo, Via Cimitero, Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Santi Nicolò e Cataldo