Lecce

Called "the Florence of the South," Lecce is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities for those deciding to take a tour of Puglia. A true open-air museum, one of the most fascinating in Italy, it is rich in monuments and works of art from the Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.

But it is especially the city of stylistic excess and Lecce Baroque, which reaches its peak expression in the Basilica of Santa Croce. Its exuberant facade is a riot of decorative fantasies and unique ornaments found nowhere else in the world. Admire the large central rose window outlined with laurel leaves and berries, and inside, the richly decorated altars and the magnificent coffered ceiling — you will be left speechless!

After visiting the Basilica, head towards the scenic Piazza Duomo to admire the other gems of Lecce Baroque: the Cathedral of SS. Maria Assunta with its towering 72-meter bell tower, the Bishop's Palace, and the Seminary. From Baroque to Roman art: there are two main monuments dating back to this era,

the Roman Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre, both from the 2nd century, with the latter’s elliptical shape capable of holding up to 14,000 spectators.

Both the amphitheatre and the cathedral are located in Lecce's most important square, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where the column of the patron saint stands tall. In this square, buildings from different eras and styles harmoniously coexist, such as the Palazzo del Seggio, better known as the Sedile, and the churches of San Marco and Santa Maria delle Grazie.