Lecce (Puglia)

Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce

Baroque detail of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce

Perspective of Lecce, in Puglia

The Roman Amphiteatre in Sant Oronzo square in Lecce. Built in the 2nd century this theatre was able to seat more than 25000 people

Lecce is a historic city in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Lecce, as well as one of the most important cities of Apulia. It is the main city of the Salentine Peninsula, a sub-peninsula at the heel of the Italian Peninsula and is over 2,000 years old. Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South". The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation.

Puglia Highlights

Inspired Stays
Bar del Portico at Borgo Egnazia
Borgo Egnazia: The Resort That Put Puglia on the Luxury Travel Map

Modeled on a traditional Pugliese village, Borgo Egnazia combines all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort with a sense of place rooted in this idyllic region.

Inspired Stays
Sala Musica at Palazzo Luce
Palazzo Luce: A Boutique Hotel in Lecce for Art and Design Aficionados

Sophisticated and small, Palazzo Luce holds a blue-chip collection of contemporary art and vintage design curated by owner Anna Maria Enselmi.

Travel
View of Gravina di Laterza, Puglia
5 Spectacular Italian Canyons and How to Visit Them

Italian canyons are often outshone by coasts and cities, or wrongly dismissed as too tough to reach. But these natural wonders are easier to explore than you’d think, and well worth seeking out.

 

Inspired Stays
Common area at Masseria Calderisi
Masseria Calderisi: A Ticket to Peace in the Heart of Puglia

Bordered by olive trees and citrus groves, this Puglian paradise between Bari and Brindisi is the perfect place to do a whole lot of nothing.

Italy in Brief
Dry grass burns in southern Italy
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Wildfires in Southern Italy

From the tip of Puglia to the island of Sicily, the beautiful macchia mediterranea — Mediterranean scrub — of southern Italy is in flames. Here’s what to know to stay safe and informed.

What you can't miss in Puglia

Top Experiences in Puglia

Recipes From Puglia

Recipes
orecchiette
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: Puglia's Signature Pasta Dish

Don't be intimidated by Puglia's primo (first course) par excellence: It's a simple dish for a weeknight dinner at home or an informal meal for guests.

Recipes
rustico
Rustico Leccese

Made with two discs of buttery puff and stuffed with béchamel, mozzarella and just a touch of tomato, the rustico is generally eaten in Lecce and the Salento for breakfast or as an afternoon or late night snack.

Recipes
Crostini with Burrata Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Ph. credit Coral Sisk
Crostini with Burrata Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Our recipe of the week is a tasty appetizer by writer and blogger Coral Sisk.

Recipes
Typical Easter Cake Made in Puglia: Scarcelle
Typical Easter Cake Made in Puglia: Scarcelle
Recipes
Tomatoes Al Gratin Apulia Style
Pomodori gratinati alla pugliese
more recipes

What others are saying about Puglia

@raoanna62 asks:

What happens in Italy if one of the family will not sign a progura for inheritance money to be divided 

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@anais97 asks:

I was hoping to get a book on Gravina in Puglia that has nice photographs and a bit of history and / or culture noted. But I can't seem to find anything online! Any recommendations? Thanks so much! 

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@lori.saladino asks:

HI! We are attending a wedding at MASSERIA LA MACINA in September of 2024. I am having a trouble finding acomadations for a family of 8. Thank you!

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