What to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia?

Let’s go to Lecce on the Puglia. This is a very special post, as it is a guest post made by dear Federica Miccolis, who is responsible for the blog Viaggi on the Road con Bambini (Journey on the Road with Children, T.L.). Let’s know what to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia! Stay with us and make the most of boot country! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your Vacations Section!

Our Introduction

Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia. It is elegant and refined, cultured, young, and perfect to meet with the family. Lecce is a city with very ancient origins that preserves traces of different historical periods and has changed its face over time. Lecce was an important city in Messapic and Roman times, when it was called Lupiae, and is a very important testimony of the Baroque art by which it is distinguished and characterized. Learn more about the best Wineries To Stay In Puglia!

If you are thinking of visiting the capital of Salento, I already told you that its main points of historical and artistic interest can be easily visited in one day. Like the locals, we will take a tour full of attractions through this city that are to be admired and felt. Have you ever been to Lecce? If you still don’t know it and are in doubt about whether to include it in your itinerary, know that it is well worth a visit! In this article, we will together discover Lecce by visiting the city for a day. Whether you visit it alone, as a couple or with children, this itinerary is for all tastes and allows you to discover a beautiful city.

1) What to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia? VISIT THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER

We will start our exploration of Lecce from its Roman amphitheater, central Piazza Sant’Oronzo, a meeting point for all Leccians and full of shops and clubs. During an itinerary in Lecce, if there is something absolutely unmissable, it is the Basilica of Santa Croce. Listed as one of the most famous monuments in Lecce, the Basilica of Santa Croce represents the maximum expression of the Baroque of Lecce and differs from the other churches precisely because of its imposing Baroque façade, whose construction dates back to the sixteenth century. Its large central rose window is undoubtedly one of the symbols that distinguish this city. You will be speechless as you observe its façade, full of sculptures and carvings that make it majestic and, at the same time, elegant and refined. The interior of the Basilica is equally majestic, what catches the eye at the entrance is the wonderful dark and gilded coffered ceiling, which contrasts with the whiteness of the church. A beautiful look that you can’t help but photograph.

2) What to see in one day in Lecce, Puglia? DISCOVER LECCE CATHEDRAL AND PIAZZA DUOMO

During your itinerary in Lecce, you cannot miss seeing the beautiful Piazza Duomo, where the most important church in the city is also located, that is, the Cathedral of Lecce. The Duomo represents the heart of the historic center for the inhabitants of Lecce and what draws the most attention is undoubtedly the main façade that you find when you reach the square. This is the entrance through which everyone enters, but few know that in reality the main entrance of the cathedral is on the side of the square, where, among other things, you can admire a beautifully decorated façade.

A little more about the Cathedral…

The Cathedral overlooks the homonymous Piazza Duomo, which has a particularity: that of being a closed square square with access only from one side. In addition to the beautiful cathedral, in this square are the Episcope (archiepiscopal seat of Lecce), the Diocesan Museum that is worth visiting if you are interested in sacred art, and next to the central façade of the cathedral, you will find the beautiful Bell Tower of the Cathedral. A panoramic elevator has recently been installed here, from which you can see Lecce from above. There is an entrance fee that costs €12 per person.

Good to know

• If you visit Lecce during the Christmas period, I would like to point out that in this square there is a beautiful nativity scene that recreates the typical landscape of Salento, complete with real dry stone walls and thorny figs.

3) What to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia? DISCOVER THE BASILICA DI SANTA CROCE

During an itinerary in Lecce, if there is something absolutely unmissable, it is the Basilica of Santa Croce. Listed as

one of the most famous monuments in Lecce, the Basilica of Santa Croce, represents the maximum expression of the Baroque of Lecce and differs from the other churches precisely because of its imposing Baroque façade, whose construction dates back to the sixteenth century.

Its large central rose window is undoubtedly one of the symbols that distinguish this city. You will be speechless as you observe its façade, full of sculptures and carvings that make it majestic and, at the same time, elegant and refined. The interior of the Basilica is equally majestic; what catches the eye at the entrance is the wonderful dark and gilded coffered

ceiling, which contrasts with the whiteness of the church. A beautiful look that you cannot help but photograph.

A little more about the Basilica di Santa Croce

Do not miss the beauty of its side chapels and altars; one more sumptuous than the other, in full Baroque style, will leave you speechless.

A curiosity about its location:

During an itinerary in Lecce, if there is something absolutely unmissable, it is the Basilica of Santa Croce. Listed as one of the most famous monuments in Lecce, the Basilica of Santa Croce represents the maximum expression of the Baroque of Lecce and differs from the other churches precisely because of its imposing Baroque façade, whose construction dates back to the sixteenth century.

Its large central rose window is undoubtedly one of the symbols that distinguish this city. You will be speechless as you observe its façade, full of sculptures and carvings that make it majestic and, at the same time, elegant and refined. The interior of the basilica is equally majestic; what catches the eye at the entrance is the wonderful dark and gilded coffered ceiling, which contrasts with the whiteness of the church. A beautiful look that you can’t help but photograph.

The Basilica of Santa Croce is located in the San Martino district, the former Jewish quarter of Lecce. In fact, next to the church, there is also the Jewish Museum. Admission costs €9 and includes an audio guide. For more information about timetables, this is the link you can consult: Museo Ebraico di Lecce.

4) What to see in one day in Lecce, Puglia? VISIT THE CHURCH OF SANTA CHIARA AND SAN MATTEO

Returning to the central Piazza di Sant’Oronzo, in two side streets that are also the meeting point of the population of Lecce, therefore one of the most inhabited areas of the city, there are two smaller churches, very interesting from the point of view of Baroque art, which are worth visiting on a day itinerary in Lecce. I’m talking about the Church of Santa Chiara and the Church of San Matteo.

The Basilica of Santa Chiara, although smaller than other churches in Lecce, has an equally precious façade, but it’s more the interior of this church that takes your breath away. The church is particularly notable for its octagonal shape, and the decorations of the internal altars are very precious way with cherubim, statues, and a lot of gold.

A few steps from the Church of Santa Chiara is the Church of San Matteo. Probably after having already seen several Baroque churches in Lecce, this one may seem less interesting to you. Instead, I suggest you take a walk, because it is considered a unique example of Roman Baroque, typical of the architect Borromini. This can be recognized by its façade, which is half concave and half convex. It is a small church, but inside it is very cozy, with precious baroque decorations.

Useful Information – Circuit ticket for Baroque churches in Lecce

To visit the main historical and artistic sites of Lecce, there is the possibility of purchasing a single ticket that costs only €9 (for adults) and €19 per family. This ticket gives you access to the main Baroque churches of Lecce.

You can purchase this ticket by CLICKING HERE! The ticket includes:

• Lecce Cathedral, Seminary and Museum (does not include the climb to the Belfry of Lecce)
• the Basilica of Santa Croce
• the Church of San Matteo
• the Church of Santa Chiara, il Duomo di Lecce, Seminario e Museo (does not include the climb to the Bell Tower of Lecce)
• Remember: the ticket is non-nominative, and you can use it within two weeks of purchase.

Good to know

• If you visit Lecce during the Christmas period, I would like to point out that in this square there is a beautiful nativity scene that recreates the typical landscape of Salento, complete with real dry stone walls and thorny figs.

5) What to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia? VISIT THE CASTELLO DE CARLOS V

Among the things to see in Lecce in one day, one cannot fail to mention the Château de Carlos V. This castle is actually of medieval origin, as its first construction dates back to the 12th century. This was because Charles V considered Salento a strategic area for war against the Ottoman Empire. The castle can be visited and houses the Mache Charter Museum and other temporary exhibitions.

A little more about Lecce…

Its large central rose window is undoubtedly one of the symbols that distinguish this city. You will be speechless as you observe its façade, full of sculptures and carvings that make it majestic and, at the same time, elegant and refined. The interior of the Basilica is equally majestic, what catches the eye at the entrance is the wonderful dark and gilded coffered ceiling, which contrasts with the whiteness of the church. A beautiful look that you can’t help but photograph.

This article was written exclusively for Traveling to Italy by Federica Miccolis, responsible for the blog Viaggiatorisicresce – Viaggi on the road con bambini (Trip on the road with children, T.L.)

• To access the website, click on the following link: viaggiatorisicresce.it
• Instagram profile: @viaggiatorisicresce
• Facebook Profile:Viaggiatorisicresce

Il team di Traveling To Italy ringrazia Federica per la sua disponibilità e gentilezza! Grazie, man!

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Conclusion

What to see in one day in Lecce in Puglia? I conclude by saying that Lecce can be visited in all seasons of the year, as a must-see if you are thinking of your summer vacation in Salento, but also in autumn and winter, thanks to its mild temperatures. Lecce is much nicer in milder temperatures. Lecce is a city with very ancient origins that preserves traces of different historical periods and has changed its face over time and was an important city in Messapic and Roman times. So, it’s impossible not to be fascinated by this city.

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