Highlights of Lecce, Italy
Aside from Rome, one of the most historic cities in the whole of Italy has to be the beautiful and opulent city of Lecce. Located in the south of the country, and the capital of the Lecce Province, the city is hugely popular for fans of architecture, and is dripping in places to see and explore.
Often referred to as the ‘Florence of the south’, because of its plentiful architecture in mainly baroque style, much of the city appears grand, and that means you need to explore it slowly to take it all in.
Here are a few highlights you certainly shouldn’t be missing when you visit this beautiful southern Italian city.
Centro Storico
The heart of the city is also the historic centre, and here you will find more architecture, history, and beauty than you can ever picture in one place. There are also bars, shops, and cafes around, so you can stop for a break and a spot of Italian cuisine along the way. It’s a good idea to read up a little beforehand, so you understand more about what you’re seeing.
Basilica di Santa Croce
This stunningly beautiful church has some of the most amazing architecture on offer, to the point where the exterior seems to almost shine gold in the sunlight. The design is ornate and intricate, with stone carvings dotted around the building. They are restoring the building all the time, to try and keep it in the best possible condition, so don’t worry if you see a little building work going on; this won’t ruin your time here, as it is very well hidden. This church is often referred to as the centre-point of the city itself.
Duomo di Lecce
Another church to check out, but there are so many in this city that are special, you shouldn’t be missing out these highlights at all. The bell tower of this particular church is one to check out, which is one of the highest in Italy overall, used as a look out defence tower during times of dispute. The buildings around the church are also picturesque, which gives it a regional feel, and a great spot for photographs.
Museo Faggiano Lecce
With all this talk of amazing buildings, you will want to know a little about what it is you’re seeing, and whilst you can read up about it beforehand, this particular museum tells you about it in the city itself. The history is very well explained in displays and by experienced guides, who are happy to help you with anything you’re not sure about. Basically, this place will help you get the most out of your time in Lecce, with its fascinating history.
Amphitheatre Romano
Located in the centre of the city you will find this very well preserved amphitheatre. If you close your eyes you can hear the hustle and bustle of times gone by, and it is almost like a window to the past, right in the heart of the present day. The other perk is that it is totally free!
Piazza Sant’Oronzo
When you’ve been exploring Lecce, you will need to chill out from time to time, and rest your weary feet – in that case, head to this beautiful square. There are often street performers and musicians around, as well as cafes, restaurants and shops.
Architecture of such beauty is very hard to put into words, so I guess the only thing left to do is head to Lecce yourself, and see it with your own eyes.
Image by CucombreLibre under Creative Commons license.
