Lecce is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in southern Italy. Founded before Rome, it was already inhabited as far back as 3000 BC by the Messapians, a people who had arrived here from the Balkans.
The city owes much of its fame to the period between the 16th and 17th centuries, in which, under the Spanish, it became the capital of Baroque.
The buildings were constructed in soft, golden-colored Lecce limestone, which allowed the local artists to give free rein to their creativity, crafting matchless decorations and sculptures and giving rise to a unique style.
You’ll be awestruck by the fabulous facades of the huge number of churches in the city, such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Cathedral or the Church of San Matteo, as well as buildings such as the Seminary or Palazzo Celestini.
And where else can you find a square with a Roman amphitheater inside, such as Piazza Sant’Oronzo, or another that has just one entrance, such as the amazing Piazza Duomo?
Every street, road and square in the city has a particular charm and elegance, and the small Old Town boasts an impressive number of monuments, ranging from a Roman Theater to the white Torre del Parco, or Park Tower, built around 1419 and one of the symbols of the city, not to mention dozens of churches. Even the characteristic little side streets in the various neighborhoods are a pleasant surprise, as are the splendid gardens: in the garden of Palazzo Guarini, you can see the Palmieri Hypogeum, a tomb dating to 300 BC.
Today, Lecce is a city with a lively cultural and social scene, before and after dark, with stylish bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. By the end of your stay, you’ll have fallen in love with the place.
An interesting fact: the Idume River runs beneath the city for seven kilometers, under the Castle of Charles V and numerous ancient buildings; you can see a stretch of it for yourself in the vaults of the Faggiano Museum. The Idume returns to the surface outside the city, before flowing into the sea.
So, get ready to visit the wonders of this splendid city.
Enjoy your stay!
