Discover Lecce

Lecce brings together the language of Barocco Leccese with archaeological sites and museums exploring different periods of Salento’s history. For your trip, you can focus on churches and the city’s history, explore collections, or discover the city’s archaeological sites.

Baroque character in the historic centre

Barocco Leccese developed in Lecce between the second half of the 16th century and the end of the 17th century. In the historic centre, portals, churches, towers, monuments and residential buildings embody this style. The Basilica di Santa Croce is considered its finest example. At Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the blend of architectural styles gives the square the feel of an open-air museum.

The historic centre can be explored on foot. Another striking building is the Chiesa dei Santi Niccolò e Cataldo, founded in 1180 by King Tancred, Count of Lecce. Its finely framed Norman portal and Norman rose window have been preserved.

Museums: from archaeology to contemporary art

The Museo Sigismondo Castromediano displays archaeological finds documenting Salento in prehistoric, Messapian and Roman times. At the Museo del Teatro Romano, the exhibition “Roma. La scena della vita” explores stage design and illusionistic representation in the Roman world. The objects on display include nine theatre masks from Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli and a model reconstructing part of Lupiae in the imperial period.

The MUST occupies a large part of the former 15th-century Santa Chiara monastery in the historic centre. The Museo Faggiano is housed in a historic building owned by the Faggiano family. As a museum, it makes archaeological and historical evidence from various periods accessible, including tombs, cisterns, granaries and passageways; the finds date back to the time of the Messapians.

The MUSA – Museo Storico-Archeologico dell’Università del Salento documents historical and archaeological research from Salento and other Mediterranean regions in five rooms. The Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – MUDAS is located in the Antico Seminario at Piazza Duomo 5 and displays liturgical vestments belonging to Lecce Cathedral.

The Fondazione Biscozzi | Rimbaud presents a permanent exhibition of representative works from its collection in a historic building in the centre. The chronological tour traces the origins of contemporary art, followed by Informal Art in Italy and Europe, abstract-geometric and kinetic-programmed art, and Analytical Painting, before moving on to explorations beyond the traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture. The foundation also has spaces for temporary exhibitions and an art history library used for conferences and events.

The Museo Ferroviario della Puglia offers a different kind of collection: it displays 34 historic FS and FSE rail vehicles, five service vehicles, as well as memorabilia, models and signalling equipment.

Archaeological sites and walking tours

The Parco Archeologico Rudiae preserves the site of a city founded by the Messapians. The area includes a Roman amphitheatre built under Trajan. The visitor route starts in the Fondo Acchiatura area. Here you can see two paved streets running at right angles and a place of worship; the Hellenistic hypogeum is not accessible. The route also offers an elevated view of the amphitheatre, reached via a metal staircase.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce is a separate site: about one third of its original dimensions is visible today. It also hosts cultural and musical events. If you have a specific event in mind, check the relevant programme.

The Mura Urbiche preserve the north-western section of the 16th-century city walls, including the Bastione San Francesco. The visit includes a walkway leading to the bastion ramparts and multimedia exhibitions in the underground area. At Palazzo Vernazza, a visitor tour traces Lecce’s history from the Messapian and Roman periods through the Renaissance and Baroque. LeccEcclesiae offers an organised discovery tour of the city’s most important Baroque churches.

Planning your visit and local specialities

As of 16 July 2026, Castello Carlo V is closed on Mondays; visits are possible from 10:00 to 20:00, Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit. Visiting arrangements for the Mura Urbiche and LeccEcclesiae may also change, so it is worth checking the latest information if you plan to visit these attractions.

Local specialities include Caffè alla leccese, served with ice and almond milk, and Pasticciotto leccese, a shortcrust pastry filled with custard.

Discover more destinations: Alezio, Bagnolo Del Salento, Casalabate, Posto Rosso, Giurdignano, Trepuzzi, Villaggio Resta, San Foca.

Return to the main travel overview: Lecce.