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Things to do in Lecce

Our most recommended things to do in Lecce

Lecce: Walking Tour

1. Lecce: Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the Baroque architecture of Lecce on this guided walking tour. Discover the art and culture of the city's churches, antique buildings, and papier-machè masterpieces. Your tour begins from Sant'Oronzo square, where you will find a Roman Amphitheater which was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th Century. The itinerary goes on to the historic center, which is rich with churches and old buildings decorated by Baroque Art. During the tour, it will be possible to look at papier-machè artisans at work. This kind of art belongs to Lecce from the 17th Century, when it was conceived to decorate churches, back when the paper was the only material available. It continues to adorn the houses and the churches of this magical city thanks to old masters and young people.

Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour

2. Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour

The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano Tour

3. From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano Tour

Immerse yourself in Italian culture by visiting three authentic villages on a day trip from Lecce. Take in the dramatic landscape and medieval architecture as you stroll around. Discover what daily life is like for local people while you discover each town at your own pace. The first stop of the tour is Ostuni, known as the "White City", a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, which recalls an oriental landscape. You will have free time to visit the old town centre, called "la terra" ("the land"), characterized by alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses, craft shops and typical small shops appear. After Ostuni you will reach Alberobello, crossing some charming villages located on top of the hills. The landscape is a continuous succession of ancient olive trees and trulli. Visiting the beautiful Alberobello is like a journey in a timeless country. You will have free time at disposal to explore its characteristic historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is integrally made up of Trulli, particular white, pyramidal structures that make it unique in the world and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Particularly striking are the two districts: "Rione Monti" with its local handcraft shops and "Aia Piccola", where the most ancient Trulli and little museums are situated. After Alberobello, descending towards the Adriatic Sea, you will reach the beautiful Polignano a Mare, birthplace to the famous Domenico Modugno. Polignano a Mare stands on a cliff falling sheer to the sea. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre and the remains of Roman rule. Among the latter, the bridge of the Via Traiana, still viable. Entering the historic centre,

Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

4. Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Visit Lecce by foot. Take a private tour and discover the most beautiful places with an experienced guide. Choose between a morning, afternoon or evening departure and discover the spirit of fascinating Lecce. Admire historical attractions, including the Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the ornate Basilica of Santa Croce, as well as Piazza Duomo. Learn about authentic local culture and traditions and sample mouth-watering food, such as gelato or bruschetta, and a glass of wine. Enjoy a flexible itinerary and individual attention from your guide.

From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

5. From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

Take part in this tour to visit four of the most picturesque towns in Salento: Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, and Galatina. Follow a scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays, and white Caribbean-style beaches. Stop first in Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento. The town of Otranto is full of history and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the Aragoneses. Enjoy free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions, and the walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto, reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves, and bays with rocky bottoms. Along the way, admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina, and the Ciolo Fiord. Enjoy exploring Santa Maria di Leuca, the heel of Italy, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, marvel at spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Next, arrive at Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This Greek city can be divided into two areas, the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old part of the city, which is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Walk through a labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic center, home to traditional shops with local crafts, impressive Baroque churches, and aristocratic palazzi. See the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, the Angevine Castle, and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy. Lastly, see Galatina, a gem of art, history, and tradition. Visit the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and the ancient "courtyard houses". Stop at the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is known for the mesmerizing frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples.

Lecce: Rickshaw Guided City Highlights Tour

6. Lecce: Rickshaw Guided City Highlights Tour

Experience a pleasant, multilingual (shared) or monolingual (private) tour in the comfort of modern, environmentally friendly rickshaws with an experienced guide. The tour starts with a visit to the main sights, through the characteristic narrow streets of the historical center. Discover the huge Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The tour continues by discovering the monumental entrance to the city, Porta Napoli, to continue with the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce, which reveals the artistic development of the Lecce Baroque. The tour ends by pedaling to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where among historical buildings and churches you will discover the Roman remains of the Roman amphitheater. Between history and culture, the inevitable is the discovery of typical flavors, a tasting of the excellences available according to the season. Enjoy a little tasting of a local products during the tour.

Lecce: Private Tour with Pasticciotto Tasting

7. Lecce: Private Tour with Pasticciotto Tasting

The discovery of Lecce starts from the beginning, pre-Roman and Roman, to the great period of the Baroque. Take a walk to the historic center that will take you to discover the wonders of Lecce, one of the most beautiful cities of southern Italy. The route starts from Porta Napoli to Piazza Duomo, Cathedral, Bell Tower, and Bishop's Seminar, the baroque heart of Lecce. Continue walking to the Church of St. Irene, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where you can see the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the church of San Marco and the Sedile. Walking through the streets of the old town, you will visit the Church of Santa Chiara and Roman Theatre, other important particulars of the story of Lecce. During the tour, you will taste a typical pasticciotto, a cake made with pastry and cream. The tour ends at the Basilica of Santa Croce, a jewel of Lecce Baroque and Celestine Convent.

Lecce: Sightseeing Tour, the Florence of South Italy

8. Lecce: Sightseeing Tour, the Florence of South Italy

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.

From Lecce: Full-Day Salento Tour with Professional Guide

9. From Lecce: Full-Day Salento Tour with Professional Guide

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit the four most significant towns in Salento: Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. Galatina, a real gem of art, history and traditions. Of extraordinary beauty is, in particular, the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, second only to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi for the presence of many frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples. Other monuments to visit are the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the ancient "courtyard houses" and the buildings situated in the historical centre. Otranto is Italy’s easternmost town and is well-known as “Porta d’Oriente” (literally, “Door to the Orient”) The town of Otranto is full of history, and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. The splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city make Otranto one of the most interesting cultural destinations in South Italy. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca sits on the southernmost tip of the Salentine peninsula, bathed by two seas, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Santa Maria di Leuca is a tourist center famous for its colourful natural landscape that blends in with its majestic architecture. Located on the Japigo promontory is the Basilica of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae (at the ends of the earth). From the Basilica you can reach the old port on foot via two ramps of 300 steps each. Gallipoli is considered the pearl of Salento. This Greek city can be divided into two areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. The historic centre is characterized by a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets, home to traditional shops of local handicrafts, numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, one of the best examples of Baroque in Salento, the Angevine Castle built in the 13th century and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy.

Lecce: Guided Bike Tour

10. Lecce: Guided Bike Tour

Visit Lecce by bicycle. Take a private tour and discover the most beautiful places with an experienced guide. Choose between a morning, afternoon or evening departure and discover the spirit of fascinating Lecce. Admire historical attractions, including the Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the ornate Basilica of Santa Croce, as well as Piazza Duomo. Learn about authentic local culture and traditions and sample mouth-watering food, such as gelato or bruschetta, and a glass of wine. Enjoy a flexible itinerary and individual attention from your guide.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Lecce

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What people are saying about Lecce

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 424 reviews

Luna brought us closer to Lecce in an interesting and informative way. We were able to see more buildings by bike than on foot. The bikes were in good condition. In between, we were invited to a quick coffee and a sweet treat on the cathedral square, while Luna explained everything. Even as a German, I was able to follow the English explanations well.

Very interesting bike tour. Although we had already visited the city a little, we learned a lot. And it's nice to ride a bike in Lecce. Thanks to Agathe, our French-speaking guide who took good care of us.

Dileta was a wonderful guide. She kept the right pace, with great historical facts. Our family enjoyed the tour a lot. We did not see the time pass by.

Very informative tour of the city of Lecce thanks to the in-depth knowledge of our friendly guide Agathe whom we warmly recommend.

guide very prepared and attentive to all participants