Lecce

Lecce, often nicknamed the 'Florence of the South', is the capital of the Salento peninsula in Puglia. The city is renowned for its distinctive Baroque architecture, carved from local golden-hued limestone known as pietra leccese. The historic centre features notable landmarks such as the Basilica di Santa Croce, the cathedral on Piazza del Duomo, and the Sant'Oronzo column, which stands above the remains of a Roman amphitheatre still visible in the town centre. The pedestrianised old town is ideal for strolling among boutiques, cafés and bakeries serving pasticciotto, a local pastry filled with custard cream. Regional cuisine highlights orecchiette pasta, olive oil and seafood dishes. Lecce also serves as a convenient base for exploring the beaches of Salento, including those near Otranto and Gallipoli, as well as the surrounding countryside dotted with trulli houses and centuries-old olive groves. The Mediterranean climate, warm in summer and mild for much of the year, makes the area suitable for visits throughout the year, with peak tourist activity during July and August.