Baroque open-air theatre
Lecce boasts a style called "barocco leccese", the local version of Baroque, which is richly decorated and sculptural. The unique "pietra leccese" stone, a fine limestone of light colour, allowed the masters to create intricate details that still decorate the facades and churches today.
The most famous monument is the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of the Lecce Baroque. Its façade looks like a lace curtain carved in stone - decorated with angels, floral ornaments and fantastic creatures carved here in the 17th century. stonemasons with a truly extraordinary eye for detail.
Just a few steps away is Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy. It is surrounded by the cathedral with its slender bell tower, the bishop's palace and the seminary, together forming a magnificent Baroque ensemble. Coming here in the evening, when the facades are bathed in warm lamplight, is an unforgettable experience - thethe city transforms into a magical backdrop where locals gather for an evening stroll or a get-together.
But Lecce is not just baroque. The history goes back much further, to the times of antiquity. The Roman amphitheatre, which once held tens of thousands of spectators, is proof. Today its monumental ruins, located right in the middle of the city, remind us that Lecce was an important centre two thousand years ago. On summer evenings it once again resounds with music and laughter, this time at concerts and cultural events.
Another impressive monument is the Porta Napoli, a massive 16th-century stone gateway through which important guests once entered the city. Today, it is more of a landmark and a place where a pleasant stroll through the university quarter full of cafés and young life begins.
Lecce and its gastronomy
Southern Italy is a foodie's paradise and Lecce is no exception. The typical local specialities will delight any lover of Mediterranean cuisine.
A day here usually starts with a sweet pasticciotto, a delicate cake filled with vanilla cream that goes perfectly with an espresso. For lunch you can indulge in the traditional ciceri e tria - pasta with chickpeas, where part of the pasta is even fried, giving the dish a special crunchy contrast. If hunger strikes during your walk, reach for the fragrant rustico leccese, a savoury pastry with tomatoes, mozzarella and béchamel. And in the evening? A glass of rich red wine from the local vineyards, usually Primitivo or Negroamaro, which perfectly capture the character of southern Italy - full-bodied, distinctive and unforgettable.
An atmosphere that will engulf you
What makes Lecce truly special is its lively atmosphere. the narrow streets with their cafés and handicraft shops, the evening seating in the squares and the warm-hearted people create an unforgettable experience. Lecce is also an ideal base for exploring the Salento - from the white beaches of the Adriatic Sea to the dramatic cliffs at Otranto.
