Lecce · Puglia (Apulia)
Things to see in Lecce
In Lecce the atlas lists 60 historic places: 18 museums, 16 historic villas and palaces, 10 fortresses and towers, 7 abbeys and monasteries, 5 archaeological sites, 3 historic theatres and 1 castle.
Of these, 5 list opening hours and 1 has free entry.
Don’t miss: Abbazia di Santa Maria a Cerrate (Lecce) (12th century), church.
By date of construction, the most common period is the Modern era (30% of dated places) and the Early modern period (30% of dated places).
- 60historic places
- 94,783inhabitants
- 49 maltitude
The town
Lecce (Salentino: Lècce) is a city in the Apulia region of Italy. Lecce has been dubbed "the Florence of the south". Whereas many people skip it in favour of the nearby beach towns of the Salento peninsula, this city, distinguished by its elaborate style of baroque buildings, has at least a couple of days of attractions worth seeing.
Text from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA, abridged · Wikivoyage
60 places
Museums 18
Show all 18 places
MUSA - Museo storico archeologico Pinacoteca "R. Caracciolo" Museo del teatro romano Museo della Cartapesta Jewish Museum Museo Ambiente (Storia della Scienza e della Natura) Museo dei ragazzi Museo missionario cinese e di storia naturale Museum of Sacred Art Museo d'arte moderna e contemporanea "Fondazione Biscozzi Rimbaud" Museo della Stampa Museo Fantasy
Villas and palaces 16
Fortresses and towers 10
Abbeys and monasteries 7
Archaeological sites 5
Historic theatres 3
Castles 1
Getting there
By plane: The closest airport is in Brindisi (BDS IATA), which is 35 km (22 mi) north of the city centre. There you will find different bus services providing fast links to the town.
It is also the best way to reach the town from central and northern Europe. There are discount flights available from London, Rome, Milan, etc.
By train: National operator Trenitalia runs long distance trains from most major cities in Italy. Even as the trains travel on high-speed tracks, journey times can be long. Especially from cities in the northern parts of the country. Overnight trains are available from Milan and Rome, which might be a better option.
An extensive network of regional trains connecting Lecce with smaller towns across the peninsula is available too. Rural routes are often scenic, but can be slower compared to driving or taking the bus.
Lecce railway station (Stazione di Lecce) (1 km from the city centre). Taxis anywhere can be expensive (expect to pay up to €15 to the centre, especially if you have luggage items), so you may want to check with your hotel the public transportation options available. There are no elevators or ramps, only stairs.
By car: From Bari: at the Bari Nord exit of A14 motorway, keep on the SS16 until Fasano; continue on the SS379 until Brindisi, then go on the SS613 to reach Lecce.
From Taranto: take the SS7 until Brindisi, then merge onto the SS613 towards Lecce.
Text from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA, abridged · Wikivoyage
What to see, according to Wikivoyage
Churches: Lecce has more than 30 historic churches. The ticket office in Piazza del Duomo sells a ticket for €11 (for adults) for entry to several of the main churches of the old town plus the museum neighbouring the ticket office.
Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce). It represents the main example of Lecce baroque style. It was built between 1549 and 1695, thanks to three well-known architects: Gabriele Riccardi, who devoted himself to the general plan and the lower part of the façade; Francesco Antonio Zimbalo who made the twin column porch and the portal aside; Cesare Penna who conceived the high level of the façade. Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce). Most of the cathedral was designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo and it was completed in 1689. Separate from the cathedral on the east side of the piazza is the duomo bell tower. Ride the lift up 43 metres for spectacular 360° views. Church of Saint Irene (Sant'Irene dei Teatini). A majestic baroque church with an elegant and quite sober exterior that hides a richly decorated interior. Church of Saint John the Baptist (Basilica di San Giovanni Battista). A magnificent façade characterised by two grooved columns, completed in 1728.
Text from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA, abridged · Wikivoyage · Underlined names link to our own pages.