If you are looking for an authentic experience that brings you to discover the very soul of Italy, one of the best places to start your journey is undoubtedly Lecce, a charming southern city with a unique character, a real jewel rich in history and culture, perfect to visit all year round.
In fact, you might not know that Lecce is also splendid in autumn, to be discovered by getting lost among its alleys in search of the Baroque, accompanied by the unforgettable taste of a cream pasticciotto or a very rich puccia, the quintessential Salento street food. So today we have decided to take you with us to discover the beating heart of Salento by bike, not only when the sun shines and the beaches are full of tourists, but also when the fresh air of the Mediterranean pervades the city streets!
In this article we will guide you through the 5 things to do in Lecce to experience the most authentic Salento: from the streets paved with clear stone to the delicious local delicacies. Get ready for an exciting journey to discover one of the most fascinating destinations in Italy.
1. A walk to discover the Baroque
It is no news that Lecce is the city of the Baroque and its historic centre is the perfect place to do a full immersion of history, art and culture.
We start with the Palazzo dei Celestini and its splendid cloister. For three centuries it was the headquarters of the Celestini fathers' convent and forms a unique complex with the palace and the Basilica of Santa Croce, also imperdible monuments of the city. The facade of the palace presents the classic elements of Lecce Baroque: it is a splendid place to visit both from the outside and from the inside. If you are a lover of this architectural style, take a moment to admire the rosette of the Basilica of Santa Croce.
The walk continues with Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, where you can admire the splendid structures dating back to the '600 and '700.
2. See the Roman Amphitheatre
One of the 5 things to do in Lecce is definitely to visit the Roman Amphitheatre, located in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, in the heart of the city's historic centre.
Built in the 2nd century AD, this ancient amphitheatre could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators and was a place where epic events, gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place. Today the amphitheatre, beautifully restored, is open to the public and offers a splendid opportunity to immerse oneself in the Roman history of Salento. Walking on its ancient stone steps, it will almost seem as though you can hear the echo of the cries of the gladiators and imagine the vibrancy of the spectacles that once took place there.
Two further great reasons to visit Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the Amphitheatre are the Alvino Café, one of the pastry shops where you can taste one of the best pasticciotti in the city and the Fornaio, where you can stock up on typical Salentinian baked goods, such as frise and taralli.
3. Visit the papier-mâché workshops
In the heart of Lecce, among the picturesque paved streets and historic squares, you will find a unique artistic treasure: the old papier-mâché shops, for which the city is famous. The art of papier-mâché dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when craftsmen, lacking precious materials, started to use poor materials for decoration.
Even today this ancient know-how is passed down from generation to generation and you can visit the workshops while the artists are at work. Here you can admire the skill of the papier-mâché artists as they mould this unusual material to create extraordinary works of art, such as intricate puppets, masks and other decorative objects, as well as having the opportunity to purchase unique pieces.
In via Umberto I, right next to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, you will find several workshops not to be missed!
4. Visit Carlo V Castle
One of the most iconic places to visit in Lecce is undoubtedly the majestic Carlo V Castle. This imposing fortress, built in the 16th century by Emperor Charles V of Habsburg, is an extraordinary testimony to the military architecture of the time.
Located in the heart of the city, Carlo V Castle offers not only a spectacular view of the old city, but also a deep immersion in history. Its mighty walls and imposing towers tell stories of ancient battles and a bygone era. Today, the castle hosts cultural events, art exhibitions and performances, making it a fascinating place to discover Lecce's history and culture.
A visit to Carlo V Castle is a journey back in time, allowing you to explore its frescoed halls, medieval prisons and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this historical gem during your trip to Lecce.
5. Eat typical Lecce cuisine
Lecce is also famous for its culinary tradition, which reflects the wealth of the Salento territory. When you visit this city, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to taste the typical Lecce dishes. Besides the iconic pasticciotto, a sweet made of shortcrust pastry stuffed with custard, you must absolutely taste the pitta di patate, ciceri and tria, sagne 'ncannulate and if you are a lover of fish, the frittura di paranza. Moreover, Lecce is famous for its wines, from Negro Amaro to Primitivo, to name just the most famous ones, which are a perfect accompaniment to the local cuisine.
In the city centre there are several osterias that offer typical local cuisine, such as Osteria da Angiulino, The Old Osteria of Totu or Trattoria Nonna Tetti. Here you will have the opportunity to live a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience, which will introduce you to the heart and soul of Salento through taste.
Would you like to visit Lecce by bike? Autumn is the perfect time to do it and on Cyclando you will find many bike routes in Puglia just waiting for you!
