centro storico, lecce

A nice place close to any place in old lecce you can reach any place walking very central close to shopping centers sightseeing and train station 20 min walking ...its recommend that you take a BB around this place

Some cities excite you and make you tingle in anticipation of revisiting its charms. Yes, it has an ancient university, monuments galore and a 2nd century Roman theatre that could entertain 25,000 spectators, with last but not lastly, the imposing castle built by that great property developer, Charles V. But its Lecce's unique baroque style that makes it stand out. We arrived at fist light of dawn, when the sun bathes the walls of the churches and palazzos in gold, the time when no one is around, no shops or bars open and the squares deserted. Its priceless, causing a near tear- welling experience in this crusty curmudgeon when the architectural embellishments that decorate the balconies and doorways became jewel-like in detail. Returning to Lecce is exciting for the town is rich, yet shabby- beautiful and fragile, with its aristocratic yet provincial outlook clearly defined. Sumptuous palazzos and elegant, pastel-coloured churches whose facades are accented by gorgeous scrollwork and crenelated cornices, adorned with fantastic human and animal figures, its alter decorated with fresh flowers and fruit. The 'Lecce Stone', a fine grained tufa rock, is the cheapest of stones, easily quarried and easily sculpted with gold but its destiny however is to return back to dust in time in years to come, regretfully. Narrow streets branch out from the twin piazzas that gave my femme and i, fascinating glimpses of massive bulging balconies that block out the dome of the sky, while hundreds of mocking mythological figures look down at us from the heights of the cornices. They stick out their tongues and rear beastly up on hind legs. Cherubs caught in naughty poses project a sense of whimsy and joyfulness. Maybe its the stone, its delicate yellow colour softening everything. We weep when we see how the porous stone disintegrates over time, crumbly, with the elegant sculpting rounded and flattened over time, exposed as they are to pollution and bad weather. We adored the papier-mache statues around. No wonder they are the pride of the city, both sacred and the profane.

Even if you're not that close to the city make an effort and go there. Lecce has one of the finest "Centro storico's" in the south of italy, many wonderful historical sites and buildings amongst the wonderful catherderals and basilica's. The hotel Patria Palace is situated in the Centro storico which makes a great overnight stop. The hotel is not so easy to find by car but they will give excellent directions.

The city is quaint, inexpensive, and very authentic. Italians, as always, were very friendly and helpful.

Also very nice during the day. Get to know the area during the day than come back at night. We discovered a tiny place with jazz in the night, singer and player of bass. Good exploring...

Beautuful buildings, churches, great enotecas with local wine... my favorite part is that it is not overly touristy, so you can still enjoy an authentic experience!

Beautiful city to wander round, especially on a moonlit night. Just watch out for traffic in the supposedly pedestrian area,

Lecce was a nice surprice while travelling in south Italy. Beautifil city, many nice baroque buildings, clean streets. Nice spaciouc central square with roman amphitheater. The city looks elegant and cultural.

Everywhere you go is poetic!, just crazy crowds.. It's like walking into the past (no cars allowed in the area)

Lecce is known as the Florence of the South. This is a PR stunt they came up with about 20 years ago. So do not come here thinking you will be seeing anything like Florence.That being said, Lecce is a beautiful town with wonderful architecture. There is inexpensive parking at 40° 21' 31.60" N 18° 10' 06.94" E This parking lot is about a one kilometer walk from the Duomo.

Lecce is a sort of gem , and it s historical part is simply a joy and a feast for the eyes . Exepect a strong movida until late at night

This beautiful old town is exactly what Italy is all about! A wonderful place to stroll around and soak up the Italian architecture and art.

Lovely variety of shops in wonderful settings amongst churches and narrow streets, plus nice bars and cafes to sit outside. Something for everyone

The picture shows exactly what you will see at the archeological site. Most of this site can be seen from above. The area around is loaded with shops and restaurants. This is a great place to enjoy the day, but parking in this area can be quite a challenge.

Lecce's historic center is currently having its heyday, after years of being neglected and forgotten by the local inhabitants. It's a joy for me to see all the restaurants, bars, and shops opening and flourishing despite Italy's slow economy. As a 25 year inhabitant of the centro storico, every year I notice new streets coming out of the shadows and filling up with local street artists, wine bars and midnight strollers. Although all this recent success with tourism has come at a price for the inhabitants: we go to bed to the sound of rowdy local kids drinking and yelling, and wake every morning to beer bottles, trash and foul-smelling dumpsters. Lecce's local police must broaden its control and oversight in these matters... one lone vigile writing tickets all night just isn't sufficient anymore. And about those tickets: would it kill the city to translate (at least into english) the parking and circulation restrictions into the centro storico at each access point? Unfortunately many innocent tourists return home with another souvenir of their stay in Lecce: one or multiple €93 tickets due to their driving their car into the centro storico. Che figuraccia...