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CS Lecce Car Hire
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Resting at the tip of Italy’s heel, in the southern Apulia region, surrounded by attractive countryside, seashores and small towns, lies the incredibly historical and flamboyant City of Lecce. Famous for its dazzling architecture & surprises around every corner, it's been nicknamed the "Florence of the South".
Lecce's history goes back a long way, at least 2500 years. You'll see just how ancient this City is with the current ruins of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre. It was the 17th Century that was responsible for the City's current beauty. The 17th Century was a period of prosperity which led to grand developments and constructions of palaces and churches. The buildings were built to adapt the fashionable Baroque style to the soft local stone, with decorations and cherubs extravagantly covering facades and doorways.
The City's spider web of streets & spectacular structures attracts visitors from all over the world, including 18th century traveller Thomas Ashe, who labelled Lecce, "the most beautiful City in Italy". Enchanted visitors also get the opportunity to really indulge in Lecce's culture, as the locals haven't forgotten their roots! The production and sale of olive oil, wine and ceramics continues to be the mainstay of the local economy.
The weather makes it the perfect holiday destination, as the average temperature is 24°C. Although in winter Lecce experiences rainfall, during the summer months it enjoys a milder, more Mediterranean climate - making it fabulous weather for exploring the winding streets and taking a dip in the sea!
Things to do in Lecce
The atmosphere, vibe, aesthetically pleasing structures and cuisine are the main attractions of Lecce. It isn't really a place where you make a list of "must see sites" and tick them off one by one. So not really a place of "doing" things, but more of experiencing. It's a world for you to get lost in with its golden sandstone narrow winding streets, hidden piazzas, lazy lunches, & discovering new gems hidden in different corners. Traffic is limited in the centre so exploring is very enjoyable.
The Main Square - Piazza Sant'Oronzo
The highlight of the main square is the large Roman amphitheatre which was only discovered in 1901. It once seated 14,000 spectators. There are two tiers and concerts still take place in the lower tier. Right next to it, you’ll see two other important landmarks: the Church of Santa Maria della Grazia and the Palazzo del Sedile. Strolling through this square is a great way to soak in the City's atmosphere and get a taste of its historic charm. If you are in need of a refreshment, there's no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. Caffe Alvino is a great place for a coffee and pastry.
Visit the Churches
The churches play a huge role in the City's jaw dropping and mesmerising aesthetics. There are a total of 22 churches in Lecce's historical centre, all built and decorated in the lavish & opulent Baroque style. Each church is worth ogling at, whether it's for the intricate architecture, decorative interior or storied past. Make sure you pay attention to all the impeccable details and the motifs found in these amazing buildings. You can wander around on your own accord on a church hunt! Or if you're short on time, follow the trail mapped out for you on the tourist maps. The Basilica di Santa Croce, Chiesa del Gesu, and Chiesa di Sant’Irene are considered some of the most charming churches.
Lecce Cathedral
This Cathedral is based in one of the most beautiful squares in Lecce - the Piazza del Duomo. Unlike the main square (Piazza Sant'Oronzo) which is bustling with cafes and shops, the Piazza del Duomo gives you a much more intimate and private vibe, as its tucked away, enclosed with elaborate buildings. It's also worth seeing this square lit up at night.
Take a Cooking Class
Many tourists have claimed that their most favourite experience was during a cooking class! Some of these classes involve a tour of the City's produce market, a stop for a typical “Leccese coffee”, before heading to a 17th Century palazzo for a fun and informal cooking class. It's a great way to learn about local food, meet other tourists and have a unique experience as well as enjoy a delicious meal you have cooked yourself! Nothing better than reaping the rewards of your own hard efforts, right?!Check out the website "Cooking Experience Lecce" to explore your options of classes.
Eating Out in Lecce
Lecce is famous for its delicious cuisine. You can spoil yourself with morning pastries with a typical "Leccese coffee". Grab a puff pastry rustico for lunch, followed by aperitivo snacks, and then to round off the day, a multi-course dinner of a generous vegetable antipasti with a hearty plate of pasta. Topped off with a gelato and a stroll along the beautifully lit streets.
Each region of Italy has its own unique cuisine with dishes that you won't find in other parts of the Country, and Lecce has even more specific food traditions. It's highly recommended to try out the traditional trattorias that serve delicious regional cuisine. The restaurants and cafes are wonderfully vegetarian-friendly as well as having plenty of fish and meat options. And of course, don’t miss the local Salento wines like Negroamaro and Primitivo.
Here are some traditional Lecce dishes to look out for: 1. Caffe Leccese (or Caffe in Ghiaccio) - A refreshing coffee consisting of an expresso mixed with almond milk and ice. This drink will even have all the non-coffee lovers excited! 2. Rustico Leccese - Puff pastry stuffed with mozzarella, tomato and béchamel. 3. Frisa - A hard bread often topped with tomatoes as a bruschetta. 4. Pizzo Leccese - A bread roll made with tomatoes, olives, onions and a little chilli, 5. Ciceri e Tria - Pasta and chickpeas. Some parts of the pasta will be fried. 6. Orecchiette - "Little ears", the classic Puglian pasta shape, usually served with tomato sauce or cima di rape (turnin top greens) 7. Sagne ncannulate - Long twisty pasta strands often served with tomato cause and cacrioricotta cheese. 8. Fave e Cicoria - Mashed fava beans with chicoray greens.
Transport in Lecce
Now the best way to travel around Lecce is by car as there are some magical coastal towns, coves, beaches and villages which you may not want to miss. However, don't be put off travelling to Lecce if you're not able to drive as there are available transport links. Lecce is on Italy's mainline railway so it is connected to most major towns in Italy. Local buses and trains take you to nearby towns and some coastal towns. The buses run quite often and are fairly cheap. You can also take a look at organised tours as an easier way of travelling around without having to hire a car. Travelling from the airport to Lecce is simple and easy as there is a direct coach service between the airport and Lecce.