Lecce, which means “Florence of the South,” is one of Italy’s most beautiful hidden gems. This Baroque masterpiece in the Puglia region is located in the heart of the Salento Peninsula. Its honey-colored limestone architecture, sun-drenched piazzas, rich history, and delicious food draw visitors in.
Lecce is a great place to visit in southern Italy because it has a unique mix of art, history, and local charm. Lecce is different from touristy places like Rome or Venice. It feels both small and grand, and time seems to slow down. Beauty can be found in every carved façade and cobblestone street.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” It’s meant to help you get to know the heart of this amazing city.
1. Walk Through Piazza del Duomo
The beautiful Piazza del Duomo is in the center of Lecce. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The city’s most important Baroque buildings surround this enclosed piazza:
- The Cathedral of Lecce (Duomo di Maria Santissima Assunta)
- Palazzo Vescovile, the Bishop’s Palace
- Palace of the Seminary (Palazzo del Seminario)
- Bell Tower (Campanile)
Giuseppe Zimbalo designed the square in the 17th century. It captures the spirit of Lecce: elegant, harmonious, and full of devotion. Go during the “golden hours” of sunset, when the limestone’s soft glow makes for a stunning show.
Take your time to look at the cathedral’s front and all its intricate details. The sculpted angels and flowers seem to come to life.
2. Look at the Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the building that best shows off Lecce’s Baroque style. It took more than 100 years to finish this work of art, which features the work of many architects, such as the famous Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo.
- There are cherubs, beasts, flowers, and symbols of faith carved into creamy limestone on the front of the building.
- The mood inside changes to one of peaceful grandeur, with ornate altars, delicate columns, and a sense of divine calm.
In addition to being a place of worship, this basilica is also a great example of Baroque art and craftsmanship. It’s one of the best things to do in Lecce (the “Florence of the South”) for architecture lovers because every time you look closer, you see something new.
3. Visit the Roman Amphitheater
The Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo is a gateway to ancient times right in the middle of Lecce’s modern life. This building was found by chance in the early 1900s. It used to hold more than 20,000 people during the Roman Empire.
- Imagine how the sounds of crowds cheering for gladiators have been replaced by lively conversations and chatter in cafes.
- Today, some of the amphitheater has been dug up, and the rows of seats and arches are still in great shape.
The Column of Saint Oronzo, the city’s patron saint, is next to it. It shows how Lecce combines history and faith.
4. Visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo
Piazza Sant’Oronzo is the lively center of Lecce, where the past and present meet. There is a statue of Saint Oronzo, old ruins, and beautiful new buildings in the square.
- Take a walk around the piazza to soak up the lively atmosphere of Lecce.
- There are locals drinking coffee, tourists taking pictures of history, and street musicians playing music all day.
- The Palazzo del Seggio (Sedile), a historic civic building from the 16th century, is also here. Visit at dusk when the lights come on and make the square look magical, making it a great place to walk at night.
5. Go to the Castello di Carlo V
The Castello di Carlo V is a huge fortress that Emperor Charles V built in the 16th century. It is only a short walk from Piazza Sant’Oronzo. The castle was built to protect the city from Ottoman attacks, but now it is a cultural center that hosts art shows, concerts, and other events.
- Walk around the inside courtyards, defensive walls, and grand halls to see the mix of military strength and Renaissance elegance.
- The design of the castle also includes parts of an older Norman building, which adds more history to its stone foundations.
- Don’t forget to check out the castle’s papier-mâché museum, which honors Lecce’s famous art form.
6. Get to Know Lecce’s Papier-Mâché Tradition
The centuries-old art of making things out of papier-mâché (cartapesta) is one of Lecce’s most unique cultural expressions. In the 17th century, when local craftsmen started making religious statues for churches, this art form really took off.
- You can still see artisans working in small shops all over the historic center, turning paper, glue, and pigments into beautiful sculptures and figurines.
- Visit Cartapesta shops on Via Palmieri or Via Vittorio Emanuele II to see artists making saints, angels, and even modern figures.
- Buying one of these handmade items is a great way to support local culture.
7. Walk Around Lecce’s Historic Center
The old town of Lecce is like a museum. The narrow streets are like a maze, and the ornate balconies, archways, and Baroque façades seem to tell stories from long ago.
- Via Libertini and Via Vittorio Emanuele II are full of shops and cafés.
- The Church of San Matteo, with its curved front.
- Porta Napoli, a grand arch that marks the city’s northern entrance.
- Porta Rudiae, another old city gate that is full of historic charm.
You can see Lecce’s unique architectural style, which is a mix of light and limestone, at every turn.
8. Go to the Museo Faggiano
Museo Faggiano is a small private museum that tells the story of Lecce through archaeology.
- In 2001, the Faggiano family discovered layers of history underground while renovating their home, including Roman cisterns, medieval crypts, and parts of the Knights Templar.
- The museum is now open to the public and lets visitors get up close and personal with Lecce’s 2,000-year history.
- This is a great example of how the past keeps showing up in this amazing city.
9. Enjoy the Delicious Food in Lecce
Lecce’s food is a love letter to taste and simplicity. Local dishes celebrate fresh ingredients, olive oil, and handmade pasta, which are all part of Puglia’s culture.
Must-try dishes:
- Orecchiette alle cime di rapa – pasta with turnip greens
- Ciceri e tria – fried pasta ribbons with chickpeas
- Puccia – a sandwich made with local bread and filling
- Rustico leccese – a savory pastry filled with mozzarella, béchamel, and tomato
- Pasticciotto – a pastry filled with custard, great for breakfast or dessert
Wines: Salice Salentino red wine or Primitivo pair beautifully with local dishes.
For authentic dining, visit Trattoria Le Zie or Osteria da Angiulino, where recipes have been passed down for generations.
10. Take a Walk in the Evening
Like in many Italian towns, the evening passeggiata, or leisurely walk through the streets, is a beloved tradition in Lecce.
- At sunset, people gather in Via Trinchese and Piazza Mazzini to eat gelato, enjoy an aperitivo, and socialize.
- Join them to feel the rhythm of local life, which is slow, friendly, and full of warmth.
This simple tradition captures the essence of Lecce better than any monument.
11. Find Out About the Jewish Museum in Lecce
The Jewish Museum of Lecce is underground and provides a moving look at the city’s multicultural history.
- Excavations uncovered a medieval synagogue, ritual baths (mikvah), and artifacts from Lecce’s Jewish community, which flourished before the 16th century.
- The museum tells a story of cultural coexistence and reminds visitors that Lecce’s beauty comes not only from stone but also from its diverse communities.
12. Check Out the Markets in the Area
To experience daily life, visit Mercato di Porta Rudiae or Mercato di Porta Napoli.
- These busy markets are full of fresh produce like sun-ripened tomatoes, olives, cheeses, and bread.
- Talk to friendly vendors, sample artisanal olive oil, or grab a picnic to enjoy in a shady square.
- Visiting the markets is an authentic way to connect with Puglian culture.
13. Go on a Day Trip to the Salento Coast
Lecce is ideally located to explore the beautiful beaches of the Salento Peninsula.
Nearby destinations include:
- Otranto – coastal town with turquoise waters and a cathedral with a mosaic floor
- Gallipoli – lively seaside town with historic walls and golden beaches
- Torre dell’Orso – famous for its twin sea stacks, “Le Due Sorelle”
- Porto Cesareo – ideal for snorkeling with clear, shallow waters
Spend the day enjoying the sun and return to Lecce for a relaxing evening in the old town.
14. Go to the Church of San Giovanni Battista
While many visitors focus on Santa Croce or the Duomo, the Church of San Giovanni Battista (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista al Rosario) is a hidden gem.
- Its ornate front and sculptural details are excellent examples of Barocco Leccese.
- Step inside to see the interplay of shadow and stone that makes Lecce’s architecture unique.
15. Learn to Cook in Lecce
Food is central to Lecce’s culture, and learning from local chefs is an unforgettable experience.
- Join a traditional Puglian cooking class to make pasta, tomato sauce, or pasticciotto by hand.
- Many classes are held in historic homes or masserie (farmhouses), offering insight into rural life.
- Learn not just recipes, but also the cultural importance of meals in southern Italy.
16. Discover Porta Napoli and the Area Around It
Porta Napoli, built in 1548, is one of Lecce’s three ancient gates and a symbol of the city’s pride.
- Walk along Viale dell’Università, lined with noble palaces and leading to the University of Lecce.
- The area blends academic energy with historical beauty, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
17. Go to a Festival That Is Traditional
If you visit Lecce in the summer, you may experience one of its lively festivals:
- Festa di Sant’Oronzo (August 24–26) – the city’s largest celebration with lights, parades, and fireworks
- Notte della Taranta – a regional music festival honoring pizzica, the traditional Salento dance
These events are timeless expressions of local culture, blending music, spirituality, and community.
18. Take It Easy in the Public Gardens
For a quiet break, visit Villa Comunale Giuseppe Garibaldi, Lecce’s main public park.
- Enjoy fountains, statues, and shady trees.
- Relax, people-watch, read, or have coffee from a nearby kiosk after sightseeing.
19. Find Out About the Underground Lecce
Beneath Lecce’s streets lies a secret world.
- Explore underground passages, cisterns, and chambers carved into limestone, including areas near the Jewish Museum and private cellars.
- Take a guided tour to see how the city was built over thousands of years, deepening appreciation for Lecce’s long history.
20. Stay in a Masseria or Palazzo with a Lot of History
Your accommodation can be part of the Lecce experience.
Recommended places:
- Patria Palace Hotel – Baroque palace next to Santa Croce
- La Fiermontina Urban Resort – combines art and history
- Masseria & Spa Luciagiovanni – countryside retreat a short drive from the city
These options showcase Lecce’s timeless elegance and connection to tradition.
Why Lecce Really Deserves the Name “Florence of the South”
Lecce is not just a city of art — it’s an open-air museum, like Florence. But it’s unique due to the Barocco Leccese, which turns stone into lace.
- Florence is admired for Renaissance precision; Lecce offers imagination, warmth, and magic.
- Its friendly people, busy markets, and golden sunlight make it feel both grand and intimate — a southern symphony of history and hospitality.
Timeless Advice for Visiting Lecce
- Best times to visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Getting there: Train from Bari or Brindisi; nearest airport is Brindisi Airport (BDS)
- Getting around: Walkable historic center; bikes or scooters recommended for nearby sights
- Language: Italian is universal; basic English understood in tourist areas
- Dress code: Modest clothing in churches; light fabrics in summer
Last Thoughts
Lecce is a city that will always be in style. Its beauty comes from timeless art, warm people, and the slow pace of southern Italy. Lecce rewards those who are curious, whether admiring Baroque masterpieces, tasting local foods, or getting lost in golden streets.
Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” is not just a place to visit; it’s a living work of art — real, beautiful, and soulful.
