Located in the heel of Italy lies Lecce — a golden-hued city that instantly captured our hearts. We absolutely loved wandering its quiet alleys, admiring the intricate Baroque details, and sipping spritzes on sunny piazzas. Lecce is one of Puglia’s most captivating towns and a must-see on your itinerary, thanks to its rich architecture and history. Discover everything you need to know in our complete guide.
Things to do in Lecce, Italy
Known for its baroque architecture and limestone buildings, Lecce in Italy is often dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’. This living museum was such a surprise during our Puglia itinerary, featuring stunning natural-toned sites and an interesting history. The city’s strategic location also made it an essential hub in Roman times, a legacy that you can still see in its well-preserved amphitheater and numerous roads.
Did you know? The buildings in Lecce are made from a soft, golden limestone called pietra leccese (Lecce Stone), which gives the city a beautiful, warm glow. This brings its baroque architecture, such as the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, to life, especially during the mornings and evenings.
Also read: Best things to do in Puglia, Italy
Although the old center is not the largest area, you can easily spend a few hours wandering serendipitously, soaking up Lecce’s beautiful details. Tip: It’s worth waking up early to see the prettiest light shine onto the buildings.
Book a guided walking tour in Lecce to learn more about the city
2. Basilica di Santa Croce (a must in Lecce, Italy)
While discovering the city, make sure to visit the stunning Basilica di Santa Croce. The basilica’s exterior is out of this world — we were so impressed by the detail of the stone carving. It’s one of the most intricate Baroque facades you’ll find in Italy, which is no wonder, as it took over 200 years to complete!
In the evening, locals love to come here to hang out on the stairs. While many come to simply enjoy the basilica’s exterior, you can also enter the building to see its richly decorated interior. Tickets cost 7 EUR.
Tip: You can buy a combined ticket for Lecce’s most important historical sites. This includes the basilica, several baroque churches, and the seminary palace. Tickets cost 9 EUR, and you can pre-book them here.
The church itself was built in the 12th century, although it underwent a makeover in the 16oos, including the addition of a new 70-meter-high bell tower. Just like the Basilica (designed by the same architect, Francesco Zimbalo), it has one of the most intricate facades with beautiful stone-carved details.
We recommend coming here around sunset, when the light colors the buildings into a truly special sight. It’s also possible to climb the Duomo’s Bell Tower for panoramic views over the city (perfect if you’ve got the combo ticket).
Tickets & Opening Times: The Duomo is open from 9 AM to 9 PM in the summer, 9 AM to 6 PM in the winter. Entry costs 6 EUR, but we recommend getting the combined ticket.
4. The Roman Amphitheater – Highlight of Lecce, Italy
Tucked right into Lecce’s central Piazza Sant’Oronzo lies one of the city’s most jaw-dropping surprises: the Roman Amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century, it once held up to 25,000 cheering spectators — and was completely buried for centuries until it was accidentally rediscovered in the 1900s during construction work.
Today, you can stroll past its weathered arches, sit on the ancient steps, and imagine the roar of the crowd echoing through the arena. It still hosts performances from time to time! It’s a surreal contrast: Roman ruins surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings, right in the heart of the buzzing town. We did not expect to see this in Lecce, and a must-see on your Puglia itinerary.
5. Indulge in a Pasticciotto
After a morning of sightseeing, you’ve earned a break at one of Lecce’s many incredible foodie spots. We loved the pastries at Caffè Alvino. We were told the regional favorite is Pasticciotti, a pastry base filled with vanilla custard (in production since the 1700s!).
However, you can now get different variations of this yummy snack with chocolate, pistachio, and fruity fillings. Hannah’s favorite was the one with the lemon cream filling, which was really good! These pastries are typically served warm, making them the perfect addition to your morning coffee.
Tip: Lecce has a vibrant food scene in general. Therefore, it’s a great place to join a street food tour. This way, you not only get to taste all the specialities but also get to know more about the city and its important sites. (Book your street food tour here)
6. Il Castello di Carlo V
Right in the center of Lecce sits Il Castello di Carlo V — a massive 16th-century fortress built by Emperor Charles V to defend the city from invasions. However, these days, it’s more about art than armies, hosting exhibitions and cultural events inside its grand halls and peaceful courtyard.
The beautifully restored rooms, arched ceilings, and hidden passageways make it a great spot to explore, especially when you join a 50-minute guided tour to hear all the fascinating stories behind the walls. Check the castle’s website for times and tickets.
7. Dive into the Museums in Lecce, Italy
Lecce isn’t just about golden churches and sunny piazzas — it also boasts some incredible museums that bring its rich and fascinating history to life. Whether you’re into archaeology, Jewish heritage, or contemporary art, there’s something here that’ll spark your curiosity. These are a few of the most popular museums:
- Museo Faggiano: A house turned accidental archaeological site. With tunnels, old tombs, and fascinating history right under your feet.
- Fondazione Biscozzi Rimbaud: A modern art gallery with over 200 pieces. This one’s quiet, creative, and perfect for a relaxed hourly stroll.
- MUST (Museo Storico). Lecce’s story in one spot — from ancient ruins to modern art. It’s small but packed with history.
- Museo Ebraico di Lecce. Discover Lecce’s medieval Jewish community at this moving underground museum. Short guided tours are included!
Hotels in Lecce, Italy
Although you can visit Lecce for just the day, it’s worth spending at least one night in the city. This way, you get to experience its quieter side, when daytrippers have left and the locals are out for their passeggiata (evening stroll). There are some incredible hotels in Lecce to choose from, tucked within its historic limestone buildings with detailed facades.
Dive deeper into the secluded countryside, hidden Trulli Houses, and untouched coastline. It’s easy to navigate, with a good mix of highways between the main towns and winding scenic roads in the countryside.
Note: Most of Lecce town is a ZTL zone, meaning only residents can drive in. Because of this, parking can be a bit of an inconvenience once you get to Lecce, Italy. The good news is that there are a few larger underground parking areas (about 15 EUR for the day).
By Train
Although there are no direct trains from the airport to Lecce, you can catch one to Brindisi Center and then another to the limestone town. The total travel time is about an hour, and you can check times on the Trenitalia website. The train station is only a short walking distance from the historic center.
By Bus
Alternatively, there are regular direct buses that depart from Brindisi Airport for Lecce (40 minutes). The bus system in Puglia is surprisingly efficient and often faster than the trains.
Getting Around
Once you arrive in Lecce, the best way to explore the city’s rich history is on foot. Lazily stroll through the limestone piazzas and alleyways, taking in the many details of the beautiful architecture that surrounds you. My favorite moment is getting a delicious focaccia or gelato in between roaming the busy streets, sitting down on a bench, and watching the people pass by.
Best Restaurants and Cafes
When lunch or dinnertime rolls around, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Lecce, Italy. In the vibrant squares and tucked into the alleys, there are plenty of restaurants where you can indulge in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Order a Frisella to-go or try local meals like Cicera e Tria (pasta and chickpeas) and Pesce alla Pignata (slow-cooked fish with tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs). Some of our favorite restaurants in Lecce are:
The city’s vibrant dining scene means it’s also the perfect place to do a street food tour. You’ll not only get to try all the local specialties, but they’ll teach you about the city’s most important sites along the way.
Best Time to Visit Lecce, Italy
While July and August are the most popular times to visit Puglia, they are also the hottest (and busiest!) months. If you’re visiting Lecce during this time, it’s recommended to book your hotels, restaurants, and tours well in advance of your trip. Parking can also fill up quickly during these times, so we recommend the significant attractions first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.
We visited in October and found it the best! We had an average daily temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius, there were fewer crowds, and in the late afternoon/evening, we’d often have the busy city streets all to ourselves!
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