Lecce: a city to see at least once in a lifetime!

Hello, how are you? I’m Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments in Bari. 🙂 Today I want to take you around Lecce, a baroque gem in the heart of Salento that enchants everyone who visits it. Starting from Bari, where BeBari offers convenient free parking and the starting point for your holidays in Puglia, Lecce is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to explore the wonders of Salento. Let’s get ready to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia!

1. What is Lecce famous for?

Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”, is famous for its baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-see places in Lecce:

1. Basilica di Santa Croce: This masterpiece of Lecce baroque is famous for its elaborate facade, rich in statues, columns, and reliefs. The interior is equally impressive, with ornate altars and sacred art.
2. Roman Amphitheatre: Located in the heart of the city, this amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD is partially excavated in the rock. During the summer, it hosts performances and cultural events.
3. Piazza del Duomo: One of the most beautiful squares in Italy, surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Lecce Cathedral, the Bell Tower, the Seminary, and the Episcopal Palace. The square is particularly evocative at night when it is lit up.
4. Castello di Carlo V: A Renaissance fortress built by Emperor Charles V. Today the castle is used for exhibitions and cultural events and offers an interesting view of the city’s military history.
5. Faggiano Museum: A unique museum housed in a private building where important archaeological finds were discovered during renovation. The museum tells stories of Lecce’s ancient history.
6. Porta Napoli: One of the historical entrances to the city, erected in 1548 to honor Emperor Charles V. The gate is a prime example of Renaissance architecture.
7. Roman Theatre: Less known than the amphitheater, this theater is hidden among the houses of the historic center. Built in the Roman era, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural life of ancient Lecce.
8. Sant’Oronzo Column: Located in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, this 29-meter-high column was originally one of two that marked the end of the Appian Way in Brindisi. Today it is dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
9. Palazzo dei Celestini: A beautiful example of baroque architecture, which currently houses the Prefecture and the Province of Lecce. The facade is finely decorated and extends along the adjacent Celestini convent.
10. Church of San Matteo: This church has a unique facade that deceives the eye with its concave-convex structure, an excellent example of Lecce baroque.

Lecce is truly a jewel that combines the beauty of its architecture with a rich historical and cultural heritage. And if you’re wondering how long it takes to visit Lecce, we recommend staying at least a couple of days to fully immerse yourself in its history and culture.

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2. What typical food to eat in Lecce

When visiting Lecce, you can’t miss out on the culinary delights that this city has to offer. Here’s what you absolutely must try to eat:

• Pasticciotto Leccese: A traditional Apulian pastry, made with a soft and crumbly shortcrust pastry that encloses a heart of custard. It is often served warm, for breakfast or as a snack.
• Rustico Leccese: This is a savory snack made of puff pastry filled with béchamel, mozzarella, tomato, and pepper. The rustico is crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
• Ciceri e Tria: A simple yet flavorful dish, consisting of pasta and chickpeas. The uniqueness lies in the “tria”, part of the pasta that is fried and added to the dish, giving it an irresistible mix of textures.
• Salentine Frisa: A biscuit-like, crunchy bread, usually accompanied by cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and sometimes basil or other vegetables. It’s a great option for a light and refreshing snack.
• Apulian Taralli: Small rings of crunchy pastry, available in various flavors such as fennel, chili, or simply olive oil. Taralli are the perfect snack at any time of the day.
• Salentine Puccia: A rustic sandwich made with baked bread dough, often filled with local ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, and arugula. It’s a must for a quick but tasty lunch.
• Sagne ‘ncannulate: A long, curled pasta typical of Salento, traditionally served with tomato sauce, strong ricotta (a very seasoned and spicy ricotta) or vegetables.
• Potato Pitta: A sort of potato pie, flavored with onion, Parmesan, parsley, and sometimes mozzarella or other cheese. It’s tasty both hot and cold.

These specialties will not only delight your palate but will immerse you in the culinary tradition of Lecce, making your trip a memorable gastronomic experience.

3. How is the sea near Lecce?

Although Lecce is not directly on the sea, its nearby beaches are among the most beautiful in Salento. A short drive away, you can reach:

1. San Cataldo – about 12 km northeast of Lecce. It is the nearest beach to the city, reachable in less than 20 minutes by car.
2. Torre dell’Orso – about 30 km northeast of Lecce. A drive of about 35-40 minutes will take you to this beautiful seaside resort.
3. Porto Cesareo – about 28 km northwest of Lecce. This renowned destination is reachable in about 30 minutes by car.
4. Otranto – about 45 km east of Lecce. The drive takes about 40 minutes along the Adriatic coast.
5. Gallipoli – about 40 km southwest of Lecce. You can reach this city famous for its beaches and nightlife in about 35 minutes by car.
6. Santa Maria di Leuca – about 70 km south of Lecce. Located at the extreme south of Puglia, it is reachable in about an hour by car.
7. Marina di Ugento – about 55 km southwest of Lecce. You will take about 50 minutes by car to reach these beautiful beaches.
8. Torre San Giovanni – about 50 km southwest of Lecce. This seaside resort can be reached in about 50 minutes by car.
9. Torre Lapillo – about 30 km northwest of Lecce. Located near Porto Cesareo, it is easily reachable in about 30 minutes by car.
10. Alimini – about 40 km northeast of Lecce. You can reach this area of beaches and saltwater lakes in about 40 minutes by car.

These destinations offer a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Salentine sea while staying in Lecce.

4. How to get to Lecce:

a. By Car

• From Bari: Lecce is about 150 km southeast of Bari. The fastest route is to take the SS16 and then follow the signs for Lecce, with a total travel time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

b. By Train

• From Bari: From Bari Centrale station, you can take a direct train to Lecce. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

c. By Bus

• Intercity bus services: Bus lines connect Bari to Lecce with regular frequency, providing a convenient alternative for reaching the city.

e. Car Rental

• From the airport or the city: Renting a car offers flexibility to explore Lecce and the surrounding beauties of Salento at your leisure.

f. Taxi Service or Private Transfers

• From Bari or Brindisi airport: You can arrange a taxi or a private transfer for a comfortable and stress-free journey directly to your accommodation in Lecce.

5. History and curiosities about Lecce

Lecce is a city of extraordinary beauty and history, known for its baroque style that is reflected in every corner of the city. Ancient Origins The origins of Lecce date back to Roman times, when it was known as “Lupiae”. An important center for trade and culture, Lecce became a flourishing baroque center in the 17th century, thanks to the abundance of local stone that was easy to sculpt. Lecce Baroque Lecce Baroque, with its intricate details and decorations, has made the city famous worldwide. Architects and artisans worked with Lecce stone to create facades of churches and palaces that are true works of art. Historical Curiosities One of the most interesting curiosities about Lecce is its tradition of papier-mâché production, used to create religious figures and decorations that adorn churches and processions during festivals. Cultural Impact The culture of Lecce is a blend of Greek, Roman, and baroque influences, which is reflected in its traditions, gastronomy, and art. Cultural events such as the “White Night” and the “European Film Festival” attract visitors from all around the world. What do you say, are you ready to discover the wonderful Lecce? We look forward to welcoming you at BeBari Apartments in Bari, as your ideal starting point to explore Lecce and all the wonders of Puglia. 🙂 I hope to see you soon and help you have an unforgettable holiday!