About Lecce, Italy:
We use the term “over-looked” fairly often, but it certainly fits Lecce, Italy. Lecce has been called the “Florence of the South” due to its spectacular, limestone-carved Baroque architecture and deep-rooted Catholic heritage.
Located right in the center of the city in the bustling Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the partially excavated 2nd-century Roman Amphitheater is a spectacular sight. While here, be sure to try a local specialty: a pasticciotto (a warm, custard-filled pastry) paired with a caffè leccese (espresso over ice and almond milk). Grab them at iconic spots like Caffè Alvino.
Catholic places of interest in Lecce, Italy:
The city offers a rich assortment of cathedrals, basilicas, and historic monasteries.
Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross): The pinnacle of “Lecce Baroque” architecture. The exterior features a magnificent rose window and highly detailed carvings depicting animals, saints, and angels. Inside, you will find 16 richly decorated altars.
Basilica di San Giovanni Battista al Rosario: Located right in the historic center, this late-Baroque church (1691 AD) boasts a brilliant local limestone façade and a breathtaking interior filled with ornate altars and religious art.
Address: Via Giuseppe Libertini, 5, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Phone: +39 0832 308540
Chiesa di San Matteo (Church of Saint Matthew): Designed by the architect Giuseppe Zimbalo, this church’s convex façade is heavily influenced by the Borromini style in Rome. Inside, you’ll find a magnificent wooden pulpit, vibrant ceiling frescoes, and a polychrome wood Pietà dating back to 1693.
Chiesa di Santa Chiara (Church of Saint Clare of Assisi): Located near the Roman theater, this 15th-century church was rebuilt in the late 1600s. It is famed for its beautifully decorated wooden ceiling and ornate interior altars.
Duomo di Lecce (Lecce Cathedral): Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this striking cathedral sits in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. It features a distinct two-tiered façade, an imposing 70-meter-tall bell tower, and a crypt that houses beautifully preserved religious carvings and artworks.
Santi Nicolo and Cataldo Church: Tucked a bit further from the immediate city center, this church was built by the Normans in 1180. It provides a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture alongside exceptionally beautiful medieval frescoes.
Address: Via Cimitero, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy
Traveling to Lecce, Italy:
Lecce is located in the deep south of Italy, right on the “heel” of the Italian boot. It sits in the Apulia (also known as Puglia) region and is the central hub of the Salento Peninsula.
By air: Fly into Brindisi Airport (BDS), which is the closest and most convenient hub, located about a 40-minute drive north.
By train: If you are coming from northern Italy or Bari, fast trains arrive directly at Lecce’s central station, from which you can easily walk or take a taxi to the historic center.
By sea: There is no direct ferry service to Lecce, as the city is located slightly inland. However, you can easily arrive by taking a ferry to the nearby coastal ports of Brindisi or Bari, and then transferring to a short bus or train ride to Lecce.