Top 5 things to do in Lecce, Italy
Lecce, known by many as “The Florence of the South” because of its rich cultural patrimony, is a must-see on any visit to Puglia’s Salento region. The city founded by the Messapians, is like a walking museum, much like its northern counterpart, Florence, but minus the crowds. With some of the monuments like the amphitheater dating back to the first and second century AD, it's no wonder how the city coined its nickname. Much of the Historical Center is built in the ornate Baroque style, and anyone who has wandered through the squares and past the remarkable churches at night will tell you how magical the city is all lit up. This gem truly merits at least an overnight stay, and so if you find yourself in town for a visit, read on to find out the Top 5 Things to do in Lecce, Italy and you’ll be sure not to miss a thing on your next trip.
1. Size up the Piazza del Duomo
As you stand in the middle of Lecce’s Piazza del Duomo (not to be confused with Florence’s Piazza del Duomo), you will be awed by the grandiosity of it all. After wandering through the quaint streets of the Historical Center, it can be quite a surprise to find so much open space. Here you will find the Cathedral with its two facades, equally impressive. If you climb to the top on a lucky day, you may even see Albania. In this square you will also find the Bell Tower (Campanile), the Bishop’s Palace and the seminary, all built in the Baroque architectural style.
2. Wander through Piazza Sant'Oronzo and gaze at the impressive amphitheater
As you wander through the vast Piazza Sant’Oronzo you will be able to marvel at the aforementioned Roman amphitheater. The curious thing about this amphitheater is that it is in fact double the size, however when it was excavated, the Church of Saint Mary of Grace already existed. If the archaeologists had wanted to continue to dig, they would have needed to tear down the church in order to do so because it was built on top of the ruins. As a result, now you can just see part of the well-preserved Roman ruins. These ruins and a walk through the impressive square are without a doubt one of the top things to see.
3. Try some top restaurants from the Leccese foodie scene
Young chefs are starting to put Lecce on the foodie map after coming back to the city from different experiences abroad. Hip new restaurants like le 3 Rane, Bros’ and Duo. Duo’s concept is a cuisine all about roots, told through the history of the places, raw materials and typical products of Salento. 3 Rane on the other hand, with chef Maurizio at the helm of the ship is a quaint joint with 6 tables, offering up a 5 course tasting menu with wine pairing, using the best local ingredients and of course with the best of Southern hospitality. Meanwhile Bros’ which gets its name from the Pellegrini Brothers features Michelin Star cuisine in the center of Lecce.
4. Have an ice cream at Baldo Gelato
Gelato lovers can’t miss stopping by Baldo for a gelato, with innovative flavors such as cucumber, fig sorbet and so many more. And the best part? Baldo gelato will soon participate in a collaboration with At the Aia agritourism to plant fruit trees, which will in turn be used to make delicious ice cream with local fruit varieties. If you want to discover the fantastic location in Nardò where the trees will soon be planted, then make a reservation today.
5. Awe at Basilica Santa Croce
Like its Florentine counterpart, Lecce’s Basilica Santa Croce is a beautiful church, not to be missed. It was previously home to a monastery in the 14th century, as well as home to several Jewish families who were ousted from Lecce in 1510. Its construction spread over two centuries, with the lower façade being completed in 1590 and the upper facade in the 17th century. No tour of Lecce would be complete without standing in one of the narrow streets to gaze at this impressive church, equally spectacular by day and night.
