Lecce is the jewel at the heart of Italy’s fabulous Puglia region. The quiet streets are full of classic baroque architecture, with little pavement cafes and family-run restaurants. Surrounding it are the fascinating attractions of the rest of Puglia.
A step back into the old town
Follow the signs to Centro Storico to find the heart of the old town of Lecce. It’s a maze of little lanes between white stone buildings that open out into grand public squares. At the central square, you can also discover a Roman amphitheatre below the ground level of the piazza, as well as a statue of the city's first bishop atop a tall stone column.
Look out for the Basilica di Santa Croce, which showcases fabulous baroque carvings. The city's prosperity in the 17th century left a legacy of stone cherubs on buildings everywhere throughout Lecce.
Awe-inspiring architecture
Thanks to its beautiful baroque buildings, Lecce offers a sense of uniqueness when compared to the neighbouring cities in southern Italy. Using a style known as the ‘barocco leccese’, 17th century architects transformed the city with the architectural masterpieces you see today.
Under the stewardship of designer Giuseppe Zimbalob, the Basilica di Santa Croce was built over 250 years ago, with the stonemasons' work being up there with the finest in the city. The impressive façade is matched by the renaissance inspired interior too – just don't forget to take your camera.
Another must-see is the Chiesa dei SS Nicolò e Cataldo Lecce. Originally built by the Normans, it was revamped in the 18th century but still has the Romanesque features which make it such a prominent part of Lecce's architectural backdrop.
Exploring the Puglian region
With your hire car in Lecce, you'll easily be able to access the sandy beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, with the nearest beach to the city being at San Cataldo. This little fishing village has a humble sandy strip but even better is the lovely bay at Otranto a short drive down the coast. This cathedral city has a marvellous old waterfront and beaches.
A short drive to the west is the pretty little town of Gallipoli, which is linked to the mainland by a tiny causeway. Cross this to discover the atmospheric old port and narrow streets huddled behind ancient walls with a busy marina and small sandy beaches.
To the north is the bigger city of Brindisi, once the main Roman imperial port for controlling trade and travelling to the east. Explore the ancient waterfront to find 800-year-old fortifications, while pottering among the narrow streets is sure to see you stumble upon the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral.
