Vacation Packages to Lecce

General Information about Lecce

Lecce is an Italian city located in the Apulia region of southern Italy. With a population of about 95,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the province of Lecce and is known for its impressive Baroque architecture and history dating back to Roman times.

Lecce is often called the "Florence of the south" due to its rich cultural and artistic history. The city boasts numerous historic buildings and tourist attractions. It is also known for its delicious cuisine.

History of Lecce

The history of Lecce dates to Roman times when the city was founded as a settlement in the Apulia region. During the Middle Ages, Lecce became an important center of trade and culture in southern Italy, and in the 17th century, it developed an important school of Baroque architecture.

In the 16th century, Lecce became part of the Kingdom of Naples and later of the Kingdom of the Two Sicily’s. The city experienced a period of great prosperity during this time, and many of Lecce's historic buildings and monuments were built during this period.

In the 19th century, Lecce became part of the Kingdom of Italy and experienced significant economic and demographic expansion. During World War II, the city was subjected to Allied bombing, which caused severe damage to its historical heritage.

Today, Lecce is an important cultural and tourist city in southern Italy, known for its impressive Baroque architecture and rich history. The city has been designated a "City of Art" by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism and is a popular tourist destination in the Apulia region.

Places of Interest in Lecce

Lecce is a city rich in history and culture, with a wealth of sites of interest for visitors. Some of the most outstanding places to visit are:

The Basilica of Saint Croce is an impressive Baroque church and is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture in southern Italy. The facade is adorned with sculptures and intricate details.

Piazza del Duomo is the main square in Lecce, it is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including Lecce Cathedral and the Palazzo del Seminario. It is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

The Roman Amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD, are one of the oldest places in the city and an impressive place to visit. Although much of the amphitheater has been lost over time, parts of the structure can still be seen and there is a small archeological museum on site.

The Charles V Castle was built in the 16th century and is one of the most important buildings in the city. Today it houses an art exhibition and is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

The Museum Faggiano is a hidden gem in Lecce and displays an impressive collection of artifacts and antiquities, including objects dating back to Roman times. The museum is housed in a historic house and also offers guided tours through its subway passages.

Culture in Lecce

What's on in Lecce

Lecce is a city that celebrates numerous festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are related to its rich history and culture. These are the festivals celebrated in Lecce:

The Feast of Saint Oronzo is one of Lecce's biggest festivals and is held in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint Oronzo. It is held in August and features parades, fireworks, live music, and many other activities.

The Notte Bianca is an annual event held in July that features music, art, and cultural activities throughout the city. Throughout the night, visitors can enjoy art exhibits, live concerts, and more.

Holy Week takes place during the week before Easter. The city celebrates with religious processions and other events related to Holy Week.

The St. Nicholas Fair is an annual fair held in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The event takes place in September and features activities for the whole family, including games, shows, and fairs.

The European Film Festival is a film festival held in Lecce that showcases some of the best European films. It takes place in April and features screenings, workshops, and other film-related activities.

Dishes to Delight Your Palate

The gastronomy of Lecce is known for its rich variety of traditional dishes that reflect the history and culture of the region. We recommend its unmissable traditional dishes:

Orecchiette con cime di rapa is a pasta dish made with orecchiette, an ear-shaped pasta, and cime di rapa, a type of broccoli that is a common ingredient in southern Italian cuisine. It is cooked with olive oil, garlic, and red bell pepper.

Focaccia di patate is a kind of pizza made with bread and potato dough, olive oil, and salt and is often filled with local products, such as dried tomatoes and cheese.

Pasticciotto is a pastry made with shortcrust pastry and filled with lemon or chocolate pastry cream. While the rustico is a shortcrust pastry filled with mozzarella, bechamel, and ham. It is usually served as an appetizer or main course.

Swordfish a la leccese is a typical Lecce fish meal that is cooked in a tomato, olive, and caper sauce, often served with fresh pasta.

In addition to these dishes, Lecce is famous for its olive oil, wine, and cheese, which are common ingredients in local cuisine. Also popular is the region's bread, especially puccia, which is a flatbread that is filled with fresh, local ingredients.

Natural Beauties in Lecce

Lecce is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Although it does not have a coastline directly, many natural landscapes near the city are breathtaking.

Lecce has a nature reserve called Le Cesine, it is located along the Adriatic coast, about 25 kilometers north of Lecce. It offers a variety of habitats, including marshes, coastal dunes, and Mediterranean forests, and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Valle d'Itria is a rural area located about 50 kilometers north of Lecce, known for its picturesque villages and green hills.

The beaches of Salento are some of the most beautiful in Italy, with white sand and crystal-clear waters. While the Zinzulusa cave is a sea cave located on the Adriatic coast, about 40 kilometers east of Lecce.

How to Get to and Around Lecce

There are several ways to get to Lecce, depending on your point of departure:

By plane is the most common option, the nearest airport is Brindisi Airport, which is about 40 km north of Lecce. From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or cab to the city.

Lecce is well connected by train to other cities in Italy, such as Rome, Naples, and Milan. There are frequent trains connecting Lecce with these cities and many others.

There are also buses connecting Lecce to other cities in Italy, as well as to some international destinations, such as Albania and Montenegro.

If you are traveling by car, you can take the A14 highway from northern Italy and then change to the A16 highway to Bari. From Bari, take the E55 highway towards Lecce.

Once you arrive in Lecce, you can get around the city on foot, by bicycle, or by public transportation, which includes city buses and cabs.

What to See and Do in Lecce

Lecce is a beautiful and diverse city, offering a rich history and culture and beautiful natural landscapes nearby.

At the same time, because of its proximity to Naples and Bari, many travelers combine their trip to Lecce with these destinations, so you will find these sites in our offers.

In Greca we offer you tour packages to get to know the city of Lecce, which you will be able to adapt to your needs and time. 

Do you want to know a city and be fascinated by its vibrant culture? Do you want to delight your palate with the best Italian dishes? Then don't wait any longer and start your new adventure!