Porta Napoli, Lecce

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce by bike. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory!

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, seated comfortably at the back of a rickshaw. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory!

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce by bike. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory! The tour will end at a cellarman's who will make you try 3 local wines, and deliver you all the secrets of Apulia's wine-making tradition.

The tour begins with a visit to the main sights, passing through the characteristic narrow streets of the historic centre, we discover the majestic Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful in Italy. The tour continues by discovering the monumental entrance to the city, Porta Napoli, and continues with the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce, which reveals the artistic development of Lecce Baroque. The tour concludes by pedalling to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where we discover the remains of the Roman amphitheatre among historical buildings and churches. Between history and culture, the experience of typical flavours is a must. Tastings of excellences of our territory among those available according to the season.

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.

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce, seated comfortably at the back of a rickshaw. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory! The tour will end at a cellarman's who will make you try 3 local wines, and deliver you all the secrets of Apulia's wine-making tradition.

The tour begins with a visit to the main sights, passing through the characteristic narrow streets of the historic centre, we discover the majestic Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful in Italy. The tour continues by discovering the monumental entrance to the city, Porta Napoli, and continues with the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce, which reveals the artistic development of Lecce Baroque. The tour concludes by pedalling to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where we discover the remains of the Roman amphitheatre among historical buildings and churches. Between history and culture, the experience of typical flavours is a must. Tastings of excellences of our territory among those available according to the season.

Travel back in time on this guided electric scooter tour in Lecce. Gain insight into the city's facinating Roman, Jewish, and Baroque history on this unique tour. Feel like a local as you explore the city with a guide who knows it well.  Meet your guide at the tour supplier's office and board your electric scooter. Ride to the Santa Croce Church to admire this jewel of Baroque architecture. Visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s facinating Jewish history.  Continue to the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, which once was the market square. View the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. From here, enjoy a walk down the narrow Corso Vittorio Emanuele street which boast a Baroque palatial building and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo, where you can admire its unusual design. Make your way to the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Pass by the Roman theater, the Palmieri Convitto library, and the Carlo V Castle. See the three gates of the old town at Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae, and Porta San Biagio. Leave the historic center to admire the city walls and take in the greenery of Belloluogo Park which hosts a medieval tower. Finish your tour at the tour supplier's office where it began.

The private tour begins visiting the main attractions of the old town such as Porta Napoli, the city monumental entrance; the charming Santa Croce Basilica with its Baroque style and Saint Oronzo square. Tour goes on along the authentic narrow streets to discover the roman vestiges of the amphitheater and theater as well as the other minor squares and churches to find out the original artistic development of the Baroque style in the city. Tour ends in a small ice creamery craft workshop, located in the old town. We will learn how to recognise the best ingredients and how to prepare a delicious artisanal ice cream, guided by the expert hands of Sandra.You just have to taste it!