Art and culture

Authentic treasures to discover

A land full of surprises

Lecce is a city that enchants anyone wishing to explore it from different perspectives, offering experiences that span art, history and nature. Here are some ideas for thematic tours, perfect for discovering the many facets of the city.

Among the Historic Palaces of Lecce

The heart of Lecce is a real open-air museum, full of monuments and historical palaces of extraordinary artistic value. A must-see for history lovers is the Roman Amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD and located in the center of Piazza Sant’Oronzo. This ancient amphitheater, discovered only in the 20th century, testifies to the splendor of Roman times, when Lecce was an important center of the empire. Its sculpted walls still tell of animal fight scenes, suggesting that this very type of spectacle animated the arena.
A few steps from the square stands the Charles V Castle, an imposing fortress built by the emperor of the same name in the 16th century to defend the city from enemy incursions. Today, the castle hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events and a museum dedicated to Cartapesta Leccese, a local craft tradition.
There is also no shortage of ancient city walls and the impressive moat surrounding the city, ideal for a scenic walk. From here, you can admire the three historic entrance gates to the center: Porta Napoli, a monumental triumphal arch built in 1548; Porta Rudiae, the oldest of the gates, which welcomes with statues of the city’s patron saints; and Porta San Biagio, characterized by its Baroque elegance.

The Churches of Lecce

Lecce is known as the Florence of the South for the beauty of its Baroque churches, a veritable riot of decorations and artistic details. The emblem of Lecce Baroque is the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the city’s best-known masterpieces. Its construction began in 1353, but only two centuries later it was resumed and completed in 1699. The richly decorated facade, with its floral elements, fantastic animals and characteristic central rose window, attracts visitors from all over the world. Inside, the basilica holds valuable works of art, including the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, The Madonna and Child, and a striking wooden representation of the Holy Trinity.
A key stop on this tour is Piazza del Duomo, a real jewel of the historic center. Here you will find the Cathedral of Lecce, the majestic Bell Tower and the Seminary and Bishop’s palaces. The square, closed on three sides, creates an intimate and solemn atmosphere, offering visitors a unique experience in the heart of Lecce Baroque.

The Rauccio Regional Park

For nature lovers, the surroundings of Lecce offer striking and unique scenery. One of the most fascinating destinations is the Rauccio Regional Park, which covers 625 hectares and is an oasis of peace just a few kilometers from the city. This park is ideal for those who enjoy trekking, walking or bicycle rides surrounded by nature.
The park is divided into several ecosystems: a 90-hectare wetland, two coastal basins connected by three canals that allow the fresh waters of the resurgences and the sea to meet, and 18 hectares of holm oak woodland, the habitat of various species of flora and fauna. Added to these are areas of Mediterranean scrub and fields where grazing helps preserve the natural balance of the area.
Within the park you can visit ancient coastal towers such as Torre Chianca, Torre Rauccio and Torre Colombaia, evidence of a past when they served to protect the coast from pirate attacks.

Lecce Museums

Lecce boasts a wealth of museums that allow visitors to delve into local history, art and traditions. One of the most important is the Faggiano Museum, a fascinating underground itinerary that tells more than 2,500 years of history, including Messapian, Roman and medieval artifacts. Initially, a simple renovation led to the discovery of an entire world hidden under a private house, which can now be visited by tourists.
For lovers of contemporary art, the Sigismondo Castromediano Museum is a must-see. It is the oldest museum in Puglia and houses a vast collection of archaeological finds, sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age, offering an overview of Salento’s cultural history.
Another interesting stop is the Museo della Cartapesta, located inside the Carlo V Castle. Here you can admire the works made with this ancient craft technique, which has made Lecce famous for creating unique statues and sacred figures. The visit allows you to discover the secrets of a tradition that, even today, lives on in the workshops of the historic center.