In the Italian region of Apulia, located in southeastern Italy, lies the city of Lecce. This region has five provinces, of which Lecce is one. It is therefore the capital of a province with the same name. Various buildings in the city are built in the Baroque style.
For this reason, Lecce is also known as the Florence of the Baroque. There are several cultural Lecce attractions that are definitely worth a visit.
The Roman theaters, including an amphitheater, the Duomo cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Castello Carlo V are the highlights of the city.
Are you planning a city trip to the Italian city of Lecce? Then read on for travel options and the climate.
Brindisi Airport
You can choose to travel to the city by car, but it will take you one to two days, depending on the starting point of your journey.
You can also choose to travel to Lecce by train. For example, if you travel from Amsterdam, it takes over 25 hours.
The fastest way to travel to Italy is by plane. Brindisi Airport is located less than an hour away from Lecce. You can fly there from Rotterdam in two and a half hours.
Mediterranean climate in Lecce
Due to Lecce’s location near the coast, it has a Mediterranean climate. This climate is characterized by warm to hot summers and mild, but wet winters.
On average, the highest temperature in this city is 30 degrees Celsius in summer and the coldest is 13 degrees Celsius in winter. In extreme cases, it can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in July and August.
The ideal times to travel to Lecce are spring and autumn, with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
Cultural buildings and a picturesque coast
During a city trip to Lecce, you want to see as much as possible of what this beautiful Italian city has to offer in a short time. In Lecce, you will find various cultural buildings, a lively city center, and the picturesque coast is also a short distance from the center. Discover all the highlights of the city while staying active during the Lecce Highlights Bike Tour.
In two hours, you will pass the following Lecce attractions.
– Castello Carlo V: this historic castle is a defensive fort whose main function was to fend off attacks from the sea. The castle contains underground rooms and also has a beautiful courtyard. Exhibitions are regularly held here.
– Piazza Duomo: on this large square in the center of Lecce, you will find many different buildings. You can visit the square through an entrance gate on the north side, and it is completely enclosed by impressive buildings. You can also see the square as an open-air museum where you can view several masterpieces.
– Duomo cathedral: this cathedral is located on the square of the same name and is built in the Baroque style. It is the largest Baroque building in the city. Be sure to visit it in the evening when the Duomo cathedral is beautifully lit.
– Basilica of Santa Croce: the basilica is also built in the Baroque style and is known for its beautiful rose window. Before this building was constructed on this site, there was a monastery dating back to the 14th century.
– Roman Amphitheater: in 1901, remains of a Roman amphitheater were discovered by construction workers. Decades later, excavations revealed a structure in the shape of a horseshoe with space for 15,000 visitors. Here you can also see the column of Saint Orontius, which was given to the residents of Lecce as thanks for protecting the city during the famine and plague in the 18th century.
– Roman theater: in 1929, a Roman theater dating from the 2nd century AD was rediscovered. It is hidden among the large palaces, city gardens, and Baroque alleys of the city. The theater is built on a slope in Greek style and can accommodate 4,000 spectators. Today, plays and other shows are still held in this theater.
– St. Oronzo square: the old city square Piazza Sant’Oronzo is named after the city’s patron saint: Oronzo di Lecce. There are several churches located on this square, and you will also find remnants of the early years of the city as a Roman settlement. Many cultural events are organized here today.
– Porta Napoli: one of the three gates to the city of Lecce is Porta Napoli, built in honor of Emperor Charles in 1548. The empire and power of Charles V were celebrated with this gate. The other two city gates are Porta Rudiae and Porta San Biagio, and together they mark the entrance to the historic city center.
– Marrese Palace: one of the most famous and beautiful palaces in Lecce is the Marrese Palace. It dates back to the 18th century and was designed by the architect Mauro Manieri.
– Greek Church: the Greek community residing in Lecce has a small church considered their home base. You can reach it by walking onto the Piazzetta Chiesa Greca.
You can explore all the highlights of Lecce on foot, but it’s even more fun to book a bike tour during the city trip.
Did you know this about Lecce?
… the city was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC?
… Lupiae was the name of Lecce during the Roman Empire?
… Lecce is located in the heel of the Italian boot?
… you will find many Baroque buildings in the city?
… Lecce is a large open-air museum?
… you can enjoy the typical Italian dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana on a terrace in Lecce?
… the center of Lecce is car-free?
… you can book a bike tour with Baja Bikes to cycle past all the attractions?
Parking near the center of Lecce
Are you driving to the center before joining a bike tour of Lecce’s highlights? Keep in mind that most of the center consists of pedestrian zones where you are not allowed to drive or park.
Near the city park, you have the best chance of finding a parking spot near the center.
In the high season, even more areas are closed to cars. However, during these busier periods, you can use a shuttle bus that runs from parking areas to the center.
Examples of cheap parking areas include:
Accommodations in Lecce
Lecce offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and preference. Here are a few recommendations:
- Luxury: Risorgimento Resort – A beautiful five-star hotel in the heart of the city, close to all major attractions. View here
- Mid-range: Mantatelurè – A charming boutique B&B with beautifully decorated rooms and an excellent breakfast. View here
- Budget: Salento Palace Bed & Breakfast – A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location. View here