Lecce Cathedral

Through the cobbled alleyways of Lecce's historic center unfolds a journey into the heart of Salento's Baroque art. Visitors are greeted by architectural grandeur reflecting centuries of history and culture. The 2-hours guided tour, begins with a stroll through ancient streets, where buildings adorned with Baroque details stand tall, recounting tales of nobility and devotion. Expert tour guides lead the group through significant sites, unveiling secrets behind decorated facades and richly adorned churches. Visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo, admiring the magnificent facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce and the bell tower of Lecce Cathedral, a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Continuing the journey, the tour heads towards the captivating entrance of the Archaeological Museum, where an underground world of discoveries awaits. Here, the ancient secrets of the city emerge from archaeological excavations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors explore the museum's depths, admiring precious artifacts and remnants of bygone eras. The highlight of the visit is the exploration of the underground, where evidence of daily life and buried traditions lie beneath the layers of time. Through ancient corridors and mysterious chambers, participants uncover the richness of Lecce's historical heritage, a testament to a glorious and captivating past. In conclusion, the guided tour offers an unforgettable experience through the wonders of Baroque art in Lecce's historic center, enriched by the evocative discovery of the Archaeological Museum's underground. A journey through time and the beauty of a city steeped in history and charm.

Meet the guide at Porta San Biagio, one of the four main old gates of the city - do all four still exist? - and start an amazing discovery of this small, but enchanting town. See what makes San Matteo church unique amang the numerous churches of the city centre. Stop in Piazza Duomo and enjoy the beauty of this elegant square unique in its "closed" shape. Learn about the old papier-mâché tradition by visiting a workshop where you will see the construction phases of a papier-mâché statue At the relaxing pace of a walk with friends, the guide will lead you across the alleys of the historic center and through anecdotes and details will let you discover the wonders of this fantastic Baroque city, such as the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which looks like an embroidery or the sculptures that embellish the balconies of noble residences. You will discover the history of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, listen why a column of the Via Appia, an ancient Roman road, ended up in Lecce; why the emblem in the center of the square depicts a she-wolf and what are the allegories of the great Clock of Wonders. Between one monument and another you will stop to savor the local specialities, such as rustic: puff pastry disc filled with mozzarella, tomato and béchamel; or the pettole: small balls of leavened dough, in white or pizzaiola style, a typical appetizer on Christmas Eve and you cannot skip the pasticciotto, the king of Salento pastry: a base of shortcrust pastry filled with custard. These are just some of the samples. You'll find out the rest at the moment, we don't want to spoil the surprise!

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce, comfortably seated on the back of a rickshaw. Pick up the time which is best for you and dive into the sublime atmosphere of southern Italy. During this visit and along with our guide, you will discover the main gems of Lecce: the majestic Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, the monumental entrance to the city, Porta Napoli, followed by the enchanting Basilica of Santa Croce, which reflects the artistic development of Baroque Lecce. The tour ends in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where, among historic buildings and churches, we will discover the remains of the Roman amphitheater.

Discover the main attractions, most important monuments, curiosities, legends, places frequented by the locals, best restaurants, typical dishes, and anecdotes of people who have always lived in the city of Lecce with this self-guided audio tour. Start the tour at any time. Once purchased, receive a link and password to start your experience. Walk about 3 km through the streets of Lecce. Enter the monuments (entrance fees are not included) and spend as much time as you like on the various visits. Unlike standard tours where you have to run after a guide, the beauty of this experience is that you can decide whether to relax, read historical insights, or spend more time on food or views.

Duomo, pure expression of the Lecce Baroque it is named after the assumption and integrated in the splendid frame of the cathedral square, among the bell tower, the bishop’s palace and the ancient seminary’s one. the cathedral appears at the tourists’ eyes with its side façade while the main one seems nearly hidden. a façade that zimbalo makes richer to house, in a triumphal arch, the new statues of the patron saints, oronzo, giusto and fortunato. Santa Croce, jewel of lecce baroque Famous for the decorative richness of the central rose window, the basilica of santa croce, through a rich repertoire of images, recalls the triumph of christianity. the visitor is amazed by the abundance of the façade in which figures of men and beasts contrast celestial figures such as angels and saints. A unique installation that evokes unforgettable emotions, when the Basilica of Santa Croce unveils its Mysteries amidst musical notes and light. San Matteo, roman form and lecce substance The church of San Matteo is reached by four alleys, not far from porta San Biagio; it connects roman baroque forms to the traditional decorative carving of the local stone. on the external façade, the concave and convex surfaces typical of borromini art dominate, whilst indoors the rich altar structures revoke the typical lecce tradition. Santa Chiara, an authentic treasure of Lecce Baroque style The plump angels nearly come out from the stone, crowding the façade decoration and many inside altars, as a characteristic of giuseppe cino art, to whom is conferred the church rebuilding and the internal project. The internal space is airy and bright when the sun light, seeping through the big windows, reflects on the rich friezes of the baroque altars. Palazzo Vernazza This jewel of Lecce’s Renaissance architecture is finally open to the public and offers an exciting tour to discover years of history kept in the basement of this noble palace, one of the oldest in Salento. Box Up Lecce Panoramic viewpoint A unique viewpoint for admiring Lecce from its tallest building, the bell tower of the Duomo. The UP! Lift whisks visitors up to the 43-metre-high balconies that offer a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city. Interactive totems and multimedia viewers allow to know the main points of interest; our staff guarantees assistance and safety during the visit.

Following a pick-up from Naples Gate, drive to the historic city of Lecce to admire Baroque buildings, whitewashed houses, and more. Your tour of the “Florence of Southern Italy” includes Lecce Cathedral. Originally built in 1144, and completely restored between 1659-70, the addition of a 5-story bell tower and octagonal loggia helped turn it into one of Italy’s most important cathedrals. Continue to the Church of the Theatines, dedicated to St. Irene, and marvel at the expansive façade of different styles. The portal is surmounted by a statue of St. Irene by Mauro Manieri, while the altar of St. Michael the Archangel boasts a copy of an eponymous painting by Guido Reni. Nearby is the Rococo altar of St. Andrew Avellino, and the mid-17th-century altar of St. Orontius by Francesco Antonio Zimbalo. Admire the altar of St. Irene with its canvas by Giuseppe Verrio, and the 9 busts of saints housing historic relics. See the altar of St. Stephen, containing the “Stoning of St. Stephen” by Verrio. Visit the 2nd-century BC Roman Amphitheatre near Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Once able to seat more than 25,000 people, it is now half-buried by monuments built over it throughout the centuries. Go to the column that holds a statue of Lecce’s patron saint, St. Oronzo, given to the city by Brindisi for St. Oronzo’s reputed role in curing Brindisi of the plague. Once one of a pair, it marked the end of the legendary Appian Way, the main road between Rome and southern Italy. Walking through the streets of the old town, visit the Church of Santa Chiara and Roman Theatre.

Hi, travellers! You can take a lot of pictures during your travel, but what I want to give you more than some conventional photos, is something that captures your feelings and the magic of the place. I can suggest you my favorite spots where I could take your portraits, or you can also take me wherever you feel happier. We will spend 2 hours together capturing your best moments in Lecce, while walking or having a coffee with locals. I worked many years as lighting designer, so I pay special attention to both natural and artificial light to enhance your beauty and expression together with the atmosphere of the surroundings. You will get 30 pictures in high resolution, through a link I will send you for downloading. This offer is for one person or a couple. The early mornings or the late afternoons are the best moments to take good pictures, but you can choose the hours according to your needs. I started this activity in Corfù and Istanbul, where I was living. Then I kept doing it in Lecce, my home town, and I would love to make you some great portraits in this magical baroque light.

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce by bike. Pick up the time which is best for you and dive into the sublime atmosphere of southern Italy. During this visit and along with our guide, you will discover the main gems of Lecce: the majestic Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, the monumental entrance to the city, Porta Napoli, followed by the enchanting Basilica of Santa Croce, which reflects the artistic development of Baroque Lecce. The tour ends in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where, among historic buildings and churches, we will discover the remains of the Roman amphitheater. Between history and culture, the experience of typical flavours is a must. We're going to taste culinary excellences of our territory among those available according to the season.

Embark on an unforgettable street food adventure through the enchanting streets of Lecce, where history and gastronomy blend into an experience rich in flavors, culture, and tradition. Led by a passionate local food expert, this walking tour will take you through the city's charming baroque center, where you’ll stop at 4 to 5 carefully selected venues to savor the authentic street food of Salento. As you stroll through Lecce’s picturesque alleyways, uncover the secrets of traditional Salentino cuisine, tasting a variety of local delicacies that have been enjoyed for generations. From sweet treats to savory delights, each stop will introduce you to a new layer of Lecce’s culinary heritage. Begin your journey with a classic Caffè Leccese, an irresistible combination of espresso and almond syrup served over ice, perfect for refreshing your senses. Alongside, indulge in Pasticciotto, a warm, crumbly pastry filled with velvety custard cream, or a Fruttone, its cocoa-infused cousin with a heart of almond paste and fruit preserves. Next, stop to enjoy one of the city’s most iconic street snacks, the Rustico Leccese. This golden, flaky puff pastry is filled with béchamel, tomato, mozzarella, and a hint of black pepper, making it an irresistible savory bite, perfect for any time of day. Time for something hearty! Visit a traditional pucceria to try Puccia, a rustic, wood-fired bread stuffed with succulent horse meat stew—a centuries-old specialty in Salento. If you prefer, there will be delicious vegetarian alternatives, such as grilled vegetables, local cheeses, or creamy burrata with sun-dried tomatoes. No visit to Lecce is complete without trying Pittule, deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether served plain, or flavored with tomato, olives, or anchovies, these irresistible bites are the perfect example of how simple ingredients create incredible flavors. To conclude the tour on a sweet note, stop at one of Lecce’s best artisanal gelato shops, where you can choose from a variety of seasonal and classic flavors, all made with local, high-quality ingredients.

Embark on a magical journey through Puglia with a private tour of Lecce and Otranto. Explore two of the region’s most iconic destinations with an expert guide. Discover the rich history, art, and breathtaking coastal beauty of these cities. Begin your adventure in Lecce, often hailed as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities due to its striking Baroque architecture. The city is often compared to Florence, but Lecce holds a unique charm with its intricate stonework made from the region's famous pietra leccese (Lecce stone). On this private tour, be led through the heart of Lecce's historic center. Be awestruck by the Basilica di Santa Croce, a magnificent example of Baroque art. The basilica's elaborate façade is adorned with detailed sculptures, carvings, and symbolic designs that tell the story of the city’s religious and artistic history. Next, explore Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy’s most stunning squares. Surrounded by the Lecce Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace, the square offers an unforgettable atmosphere. Your guide will help you understand how Lecce evolved from a Roman settlement into a Baroque art center during the 17th century. Your stroll through Lecce will lead you to hidden gems like the Roman Theatre, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, and the Church of San Matteo. Each site offers a glimpse into the vibrant past of this remarkable city. Your guide will explain their significance, from Roman origins to Baroque transformations. After discovering the beauty of Lecce, continue your journey with a scenic drive to Otranto, a picturesque town on the Adriatic coast. Otranto is one of the easternmost towns in Italy, strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. Its mix of medieval, Byzantine, and Norman influences makes it a true gem of Puglia. Upon arrival, be captivated by the stunning coastal views. Otranto is famous for its cathedral, which houses one of Italy’s most impressive floor mosaics. This 12th-century mosaic covers the entire floor of the cathedral and depicts scenes from the Bible, including the Tree of Life and The Last Judgment. As you explore Otranto’s historical center, wander through narrow, winding streets and discover whitewashed houses that create a charming, timeless atmosphere. Among the highlights is the Castello di Otranto, a 15th-century castle offering panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. A visit to Otranto would not be complete without strolling along its picturesque harbor. The turquoise waters of the Adriatic lap against the historic buildings lining the seafront, creating a tranquil and scenic atmosphere. Here, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of Otranto’s coastal setting, while absorbing the town’s unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. This private tour of Lecce and Otranto is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Puglia.