GemmaLecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” is a city that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Baroque painting. Wandering through its streets, you can’t help but be captivated by the intricate stonework, ornate facades, and hidden architectural gems tucked around every corner. If you’re an architecture lover, Lecce is not just a destination—it’s a playground. From my own personal experience, every corner of this city tells a story, and the best part is that the buildings themselves are the narrators.
Here’s a detailed guide on 10 things to do in Lecce that you truly need to see, explore, and fall in love with if architecture is your thing.
1. Explore the Piazza del Duomo
Starting your architectural adventure in Lecce must include a stop at the Piazza del Duomo. Unlike many European squares that feel chaotic, this one is a harmonious masterpiece. The square is framed by the Lecce Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Seminary—all showcasing the exuberant Lecce Baroque style.
Take your time to notice the fine details: the delicate columns, the carved saints, and the way sunlight plays across the stone. You’ll truly love how the city manages to combine grandeur with a sense of intimacy. From my own personal experience, standing in this piazza feels like stepping into a living museum.
2. Marvel at the Basilica di Santa Croce
If Lecce has one crown jewel, it’s the Basilica di Santa Croce. This church isn’t just a religious site—it’s a showcase of architectural extravagance. The facade is adorned with an intricate mix of floral motifs, animals, and mythical figures, carved with such precision that you’ll need to look twice to believe it’s stone.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a more subdued elegance, a peaceful contrast to the ornate exterior. You’ll truly love taking your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the way Baroque artistry comes alive here. This is one of those must-see sites that make you pause and simply admire human creativity.
3. Stroll Through Piazza Sant’Oronzo
Piazza Sant’Oronzo is where the heart of modern Lecce meets its ancient roots. The square features the Roman Amphitheatre partially unearthed beneath the city, surrounded by 17th-century buildings. Architecture lovers will enjoy the contrast: the clean lines of Roman engineering juxtaposed with the decorative exuberance of Baroque facades.
Take a slow walk around the square, and notice the charming cafes and shops tucked into historic buildings. You’ll truly love how history and modern life coexist so effortlessly here.
4. Admire the Roman Amphitheatre
While you’re in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, don’t miss the Roman Amphitheatre itself. This ancient structure dates back to the 2nd century AD and provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Roman past. Imagine gladiators, crowds, and the echoes of history bouncing off the walls—well, maybe minus the shouting tourists today.
As an architecture enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the symmetry, the clever use of stone, and the enduring power of Roman design. From my overall experience, seeing how ancient and Baroque styles exist side by side in Lecce makes the city feel almost magical.
5. Discover the Column of Sant’Oronzo
Not far from the amphitheatre stands the Column of Sant’Oronzo. While it might look like just a tall column, it’s actually a storybook in stone. The column honors Lecce’s patron saint and features sculptural details that reflect the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Take a moment to examine the carvings and the surrounding square. You’ll truly love how such a simple structure can tell so many stories about faith, artistry, and history all at once.
6. Wander the Streets of the Historic Center
Lecce is best experienced on foot. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, and you’ll find ornate balconies, sculpted doorways, and small chapels tucked away behind unassuming doors. Every corner has something to make an architecture lover pause and take a photo—or ten.
The street layouts themselves are fascinating. They create a rhythm that guides your eye from one building to the next, revealing layers of architectural history you might otherwise miss. You’ll truly love getting lost here; sometimes the best discoveries happen when you let curiosity lead.
7. Visit the Castello Carlo V
The Castello Carlo V is a fortress that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. Built in the 16th century, it combines military pragmatism with the elegance of Renaissance design. Its imposing walls and battlements give you a sense of Lecce’s strategic importance through history.
Inside, the castle often hosts exhibitions, giving you a chance to enjoy art and history under one roof. From my overall experience, exploring the castle provides a break from the Baroque extravagance while still offering architectural inspiration.
8. Explore Palazzo dei Celestini
Palazzo dei Celestini is one of Lecce’s most stunning palaces. It was originally a monastery, and its facade is a showcase of the Lecce stonework that makes the city famous. Look closely, and you’ll see delicate floral motifs, grotesque faces, and other Baroque flourishes that are as playful as they are intricate.
Wandering through its courtyards, you’ll notice the harmony of proportions and the way light and shadow enhance every detail. You’ll truly love how this building embodies the essence of Lecce Baroque without being overwhelming.
9. Check Out the Museo Faggiano
For a unique architectural experience, the Museo Faggiano offers something different. This museum started as a private home and turned into a fascinating archaeological site when renovations revealed layers of history beneath its floors.
As you explore the museum, you’ll see Roman foundations, medieval walls, and Baroque renovations all in one place. From my own personal experience, it’s a remarkable reminder of how architecture is not just about style—it’s about the layers of life lived within walls.
10. Relax in Villa Comunale
End your architectural tour with a leisurely visit to Villa Comunale, Lecce’s public park. While not as ornate as the city’s churches and palaces, the park offers beautifully designed pathways, fountains, and elegant structures. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your architectural journey, enjoy some quiet, and watch how Lecce’s built environment blends with nature.
You’ll truly love how even the simpler architectural touches in the park feel thoughtful and harmonious, rounding out your exploration of this extraordinary city.
Lecce is a city that invites you to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the artistry that surrounds you. From intricate Baroque facades to Roman remnants hidden in plain sight, there’s always something new to discover. Based on my overall experience, architecture lovers will find themselves enchanted at every turn, with a city that not only tells stories but makes you a part of them.
This city is more than a destination—it’s a visual feast. So pack your camera, bring comfortable shoes, and let Lecce reveal its architectural treasures to you. Every step you take is a step through centuries of history, creativity, and sheer human imagination.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.