Discover Lecce

Between Ionian and Adriatic seas, the Baroque Lady.

Lecce, the most eastern town in Italy, is an amazing place with the beauty of its churches and its archaeological sites, with its art and natural areas. It is a place where the sun lit up everythig and where the wind brushes historic palaces, built with a kind of stone that changes colour according to the time of the day.

Lecce, the Baroque lady, was born during the Renaissance and it was, after Naples, the most important town in the Kigdom of the Two Sicilies.
Make the most of your journey living Lecce from early in the mornig until late at night, tasting typical dishes and cakes of a rare goodness, as well as admiring papier-mâché works made by local artisans.
In Lecce time is beaten by the warmth of people that always will make you feel like home.

Whether you are in Lecce for a couple of days or for a longer vacation, here are some suggestions to completely appreciate the city and its artworks.

MURA URBICHE AND PORTA NAPOLI

A stone's throw from your Hotel, and thus easily reachable by feet, there are Mura Urbiche, that is to say history narrated through stones, architecture and mainly archaeology. They represent a unique element in the historic and cultural identity of Lecce: the most representatice part in the defensive walls built during the Spanish era that surrounded Lecce for over three centuries (XVI-XIX). The walls look out onto an archaeological site called Parco delle Mura. Walking down the street parallel to the walls you will get to Porta Napoli, a triumphal arch that marks the entrance to the old city centre. It is also known as Porta di S. Giusto because its foundations lies on the Saint's ashes. In the central part, right under the fronton, there is an inscription in which king Carlo V is praised for the military support against the Turks.

BASILICA DI SANTA CROCE AND SANT'ORONZO SQUARE

Strolling aound through the alleys in the old city centre, you will reach Basilica di Santa Croce (1646), il neblest example of the Baroque from Lecce. Characterized by a fusion between Renaissance elements and Baroque refinement, Santa Croce has a façade rich both in decorations and styles: the central rose window is inspired to the Romanic tradition.
Proceeding, you will find Sant'Oronzo square: Lecce is Sant’Oronzo square. Rarely inhabitants identify so much with their city centre as here, where the statue of the patron saint's statue raises up giving the name to the square otself. Scene of exhibitions and enogastronomic and musical events, not only during summertime, here it is possible to admire the Roman Amphiteatre, that is the old core of Lupiae, the ancient roman colony. The Amphitheatre is currently used for art and theatrical performances throughout the summer season.

PORTA SAN BIAGIO AND CASTELLO CARLO V

Lit up from morning until sunset, the moment in which the stone colour turns almost pink, Porta San Biagio, among the old gates of the city, is the most southern one. Nowadays a passage towards the heart of nightlife in Lecce, represents the shortest path towards Sant’Oronzo square.
Crossing exactly Porta San Biagio, you will arrive at Castello Carlo V named after the Hapsburg king who in 1539 ordered its construction expanding a previous fortification. Magnificient and spartam at the same time, it is currently the centre for cultural events.
Going from Sant'Oronzo Square to Porta San Biagio don't miss the chance to visit the Roman Theatre (and the Museum next to it) and Chiesa di San Matteo!

PORTA RUDIAE E PIAZZA DUOMO

Opened up in the eastern side of the city walls, Porta Rudiae is the oldest between the ancient gates of Lecce. Completely collapsed in the XVII century, the gate was built again in 1703 as we can still see it now. Porta Rudiae is characterized by a neoclassic style in wich you can still note Baroque echoes. On the frieze, the epigraph narrates the legend around the origin of Lecce.
Entering to the old city centre from Porta Rudiae, you will rach Piazza Duomo: here the atmosphere will leave you breathless. The bauty of the place is enphasized by the three walls enclosing the square, as it was a gem exposed to the poeple from the inside of a precious casket.
From left to right, the architectural armony develops with Tower Bell, Cathedral (Duomo), Episcopal Palace and Seminary, built during centuries XVII-XVIII by the greatest local artists of that time.
At the end of your visit you will feel like you have admired in person a place with a unique charm!

Its strategic position, between Ionian and Adriatic seas, makes Lecce the perfect destination for every season.

Thanks to Baroque and Roman and Greek cultural ruins, to the famous gastronomy and the vivid nightlife, to the exclusive shopping and the most crystal-clear seasides in the Mediterranean sea, you will live an unforgettable experience.

In addition to this, very close to the hotel, you can have a walk in the famous Parco di Belloluogo.

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