Castello Carlo V, Lecce’s imposing medieval fortress, is an ideal destination for households, mixing historical past and creativity. Once a military defense stronghold, the citadel now hosts artwork exhibitions, cultural events, and homes the Museo della Cartapesta (Paper Museum). Kids can discover the winding corridors, imagining the knights and kings of old, while additionally studying about Lecce’s traditional craft of papier-mâché. The Tomba di Tutankhamon in Lecce is a symbolic monument inspired by the well-known Egyptian pharaoh. While not a standard museum, this web site provides a unique cultural expertise by blending elements of historical past, mythology, and artwork. museodeibambini and modern creative interpretations, providing visitors with an engaging way to join with historical civilizations and their enduring legacy.

This and Porta Napoli are essentially the most spectacular though the oft-overlooked Porta San Biagio has the good factor about being quieter. Aside from all of the unique issues to do in Lecce, this city is considerably extra reasonably priced than traditional Italian hotspots like Rome or the Amalfi Coast. I additionally discovered Lecce to be cheaper than well-liked nearby cities like Monopoli and Matera. My favorite factor to do in Lecce was just to absorb the environment, strolling the passeggiata as the sun went down, poking my head into fascinating retailers and trying lots of totally different wines and foods.

Stituto Santa Chiara – Lecce

So, if you’re on the lookout for ways to escape the weather or simply want a break from the solar, here’s a guide to the best family-friendly indoor actions Lecce has to supply. Casa Museo Spada presents a glimpse into the opulent way of life of Lecce’s aristocratic households through its impressive collection of art, furnishings, and ornamental objects. Housed in a fantastically preserved historic residence, the museum showcases intricate stucco work, ornate furnishings, and period-specific decor that replicate the class and class of past eras. Visitors can explore displays that highlight the cultural and inventive heritage of Lecce, providing insights into the intersection of artwork, history, and structure. It is an ideal vacation spot for those thinking about exploring the blend of art, history, and architectural magnificence in an enthralling and intimate setting.

Well-liked Road Trips From Lecce

I recommend shopping for the combination package for eleven EUR ($12 USD), as this consists of entry to 4 different church buildings, plus the Seminary Palace. Located in the Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent Lecce Cathedral deserves special mention. The foundations of the Norman church date back to 1144, but what you see today was constructed in the 17th century. Architect Giuseppe Zimbalo was commissioned for the re-design and addition of the bell tower which set the tone for the Lecce Baroque style.

It mainly draws a line between the working day and dinnertime, whereas weekends have an much more celebratory ambiance. This small-group Tour to Discover Lecce comes extremely beneficial; over two hours, your professional guide will lead you to a few of Lecce’s most essential historical sites. Bus number 106 connects Lecce Bus Station in a single hour however driving takes 40 minutes. Once you’re there, both discover at will or guide this non-public Otranto strolling tour. It’s a nice way to brush up on the town’s historical past and hear to tales you’d in any other case miss.

Situated on the Ionian coast (and very completely different from the Turkish region of the same name), Gallipoli is one other Puglia beach town price a day journey from Lecce. There’s little in the way of sights however the seaside is sandy with great swimming circumstances and lidos renting umbrellas, in the traditional Italian type. Either take a picnic from Lecce or decide up seafood at one of many casual promenade eateries. One of the most surprising things about Lecce is its reputation for paper-mâché! The Pugliese have common decorations using this historical method since the 17th century and you’ll spot paper-mâché souvenirs throughout city. In reality, the ceiling of the Church of Santa Chiara is created from paper-mâché that imitates wood.

Italy could be very stylish and Italians famously gown nicely, so keep away from white sneakers the place attainable and choose for a sensible shoe or boot. Always have a beautiful coat in winter, it’ll cover anything less stylish you could be sporting as you discover within the colder months. But honestly, it might be a shame to visit Lecce Puglia and never explore some of the astounding historical cities surrounding. You may spend a week walking round Lecce discovering picturesque, laundry-strewn alleyways, boutique outlets, making an attempt totally different street meals, and dining in high-end restaurants. The (formerly) totally walled metropolis of Lecce was accessed by three triumphant city gates.

Winter isn’t a nasty time to go to Lecce; in reality, I have a pal who hopped on a cheap flight from Prague to Bari and had a ball visiting Puglia’s Christmas markets in December! Some smaller beach resorts might be closed down, however it is a nice time for visiting Lecce in addition to Matera, Bari, and Alberobello. You’ll have the flexibility to go to probably the most places, have loads of flexibility, and never have to fret about strikes or cancellations. Besides the aforementioned tour of Otranto, Leuca, Gallipoli and Galatina, you possibly can drive the 40 minutes in a rental or hop on the 108 bus, which takes one hour.