Lecce: The Florence of the South
-
Port
Gallipoli, Italy
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Lecce, a city of historical and architectural treasures, aptly calls itself the Florence of South Italy. It is like an open-air museum with an abundance of churches and noble palaces, made more elegant and refined by the unique and sumptuous decorations carved out of Leccese stone. This particular stone is known for its sun-kissed color, evocative of clover honey.
Set in the very heart of the Salento region--the heel of Italy’s boot--the town of Lecce dates back to Roman times. Explore with your guide and at Piazza St Oronzo, you’ll see the Roman amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD. It once held up to 20,000 spectators and its columns marked the end of the legendary Appian Way. Walk through the city center to discover a remarkable architectural style known as Leccese Baroque. From the 16th to the 18th century, Lecce flourished under a period of great splendor and was embellished with Rococo and Baroque monuments. The local fine-grained limestone was particularly easy to work, making the creation of decorative relief and delicate detail relatively easy. You will appreciate the cool interior of the Santa Croce Basilica, which is sumptuously decorated and represents the triumph of Baroque art in Lecce.
Nearby, admire the impressive façade of the Governor’s Palace--it was once a monastery for Celestine monks. And finally, you will visit one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy—the Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square). Some free time to explore will also be available. Afterwards, return to the ship with your guide.