About
Lecce is a city in Apulia, in Italy's far south, on the Salento peninsula. It is known for its Baroque architecture, and for the golden stone that gives many of its buildings their warm colour. Because of this, it is often called the "Florence of the South", a nickname that points to its concentration of carved façades and historic palaces rather than to any direct comparison with Florence itself.
What a visit offers
Lecce suits a slow, walking visit. Most of its interest lies in the historic centre, where the streets open onto churches and palazzi whose facades are richly decorated. Wandering without a fixed plan is a natural way to see it, and the city rewards looking up as well as ahead.
- Baroque architecture: the decorative stonework of the centre is the city's defining feature.
- Golden stone: the local limestone gives the buildings a distinctive glow, especially in the afternoon light.
- Walking the old town: the centre is compact enough to explore on foot in a day.
Around the city
Lecce sits within the Salento peninsula, so it makes a practical base for exploring the surrounding area. Visitors interested in the wider region can combine time in the city with trips across Salento, reaching its towns and coastline from here.
Lecce is a good choice for travellers who want an architectural city with a clear character, rather than a long list of sights. Its appeal lies in its buildings and in the pleasure of walking through them.
