10 Things to do in Lecce; a City full of Antiquities in Southern Italy

Lecce, located in the Puglia region of Italy, is known for its baroque architecture and is referred to as the “Florence of the South”.

The Historical Center of Lecce is marked by a unique, yellowish appearance, owing to the use of a limestone particular to this area of southern Italy, sometimes called the “Lecce stone.” This is true of the many Baroque churches around the city, the Lecce castle, and the ancient Roman amphitheater that lies in the middle of the city forum.

Here are 10 things to do in Lecce:

Piazza del Duomo

The main square of Lecce, Piazza del Duomo is surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings. Within this Baroque square are: the Duomo of Lecce (Lecce Cathedral), the Bell tower, the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary Palace.

Piazza Sant’Oronzo

Visit this square in Lecce for shopping, enjoying the old city, and to the Roman Amphitheater. Have a cup of coffee at Caffe Cittadino while you watch the city come alive. Be sure to try a rustico at caffe Alvino le dolci fantasie and pasticcietto at Natale (right off the square).

Explore the Roman Amphitheater

This well-preserved amphitheater dates back to the 2nd century AD and is one of the largest in the world.

Italy is not exactly wanting for Roman ruins, but it’s not every day you find an ancient and well-preserved amphitheater right in the heart of town. The Roman amphitheater of Lecce is situated in the main piazza of the old town. Even more interesting, it was completely hidden from view and its existence unknown until as recently as 1901. The marvelous theater spent centuries buried under the earth and structures built over the years, until construction workers uncovered it while digging to build a bank.

The theater is still partially buried, but you can easily make out the horseshoe-shaped arena, which in its time could hold at least 15,000 spectators. The amphitheater is surrounded by other classical ruins, a Baroque triumphal arch, and the buildings of modern-day Lecce, reflecting the entire history of the city in one view. At night the amphitheater is one of the only monuments that is not lit up for viewing, providing an even more ancient ambiance.  Be sure to see the love locks while near the Roman Ampitheater.

See the Roman Theater

The Roman Theater is hidden amongst the buildings of the Baroque city and to see it you must know where to go. Not to be confused with the Roman Amphitheater, this monument was discovered by chance as it often happens in Italian cities. In the case of Lecce it was 1929 when during some works, the theater was uncovered. The theatre was thought to have been built in the 1-2 century AD. Today we can only see a part of it having built all around it but it was thought to hold about 5,000 people. As all theatres of that time both comedies and tragedies were performed. As for fights with animals or among gladiators the Roman Amphitheater was used.

The road that leads to the theatre is Via Arte della Cartapesta. You can access it from the small square near the Church of Santa Chiara, a few steps away from Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Or on the opposite side from Via Theutra. There is a metal fence around the open part of the theater, but you can easily get photos through the fence.

See the Basilica of Santa Croce

This beautiful baroque church is considered one of the most important examples of baroque architecture in Lecce and is considered the emblem of the highly admired ‘Lecce Baroque’.

Basilica Construction began in 1549 and took more than 100 years to complete, in 1699. Santa Croce was built on the site of a monastery, at the request of the Celestine fathers.

Santa Croce symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over pagan myths and the two orders of the Basilica symbolize hell and heaven. The lower order represents the underworld where mythological figures such as sirens, harpies and dragons peek out from the capitals and pediment. The pagan world is defeated by heaven, represented by the higher order with flowers, plants, animals and angels in celebration.

Inside, the church has as many as 17 richly decorated altars.

Visit the Castle of Charles V

The Castle of Charles V, also known as the Castello di Lecce, is a castle in Lecce, Italy. It was first built in the Middle Ages, and was strengthened by Charles V in 1539. Just a few steps from Piazza Sant’Oronzo, it marks the point where the old town and the modern downtown area meet. The defensive castle built by Emperor Charles V is a place steeped in history, where you can enjoy exhibitions and visit a Papier-Mâché Museum. There is a 5 euros fee to enter.

Uncover the History at Museo Faggiano

There is a facinating story behind Museo Faggiano. A famiy purchased the property in 2001 with the intention of opening a trattoria and while doing some renovations, they discovered medieval stones that led to underground rooms, escape tunnels, tombs, a knights templar fresco and much more. They excavated for 7 years and opened the museum to the public in 2008. It costs 5 euros to enter. They are open every day from 9:30 am to 8 pm.

Visit Lecce Churches

While the most well known churches are listed individually, there are many more around the city. Eglise Santa Chiara de Lecce, Chiesa di San Matteo and Chiesa di Sant’Anna are just a few of the beautiful churches in the city. More than likely while wandering around the city, you will pass by these and others! If you want you can purchase a ticket to see all of them for 9 euros or you can pick and choose which ones you want to enter; If you plan on entering the 2 main cathedrals or more, it is a better price to purchase the “Full Church Trail Ticket”.

Enjoy local cuisine

Lecce is known for its traditional Pugliese cuisine, including dishes such as orecchiette pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Some popular restaurants include La Cucina Di Mamma Elvira (make sure to not confuse it with the bar that has the same name), Doppiozero Lecce (here you will sit at large tables and eat with others), Pizza and Co (for a small bite at lunch), La Magiada, Baldo Gelato, Quanto Basta (famous cocktail bar), Liberrima (wine shop & wine bar that offers wine tastings for 10 euros), and two wine bars that are located next door to each other (Mamma Elvira Enoteca and Shui Wine)

Visit the 3 gates of the City

Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae, and Porto San Biagio are the 3 gates that you enter to get into the city. They all are beautiful and worth a visit to each.

In conclusion, Lecce is a charming city that offers visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From exploring Baroque buildings to tasting delicious local cuisine, strolling through the winding streets of the historic center, or tasting some of their local wines. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to add Lecce to your itinerary and discover all that this wonderful city has to offer. Also be sure check out the nearby cities of Bari, Trani, and Matera.

-S&E