We are continuing our Puglia trip and we have two more stunning
locations to discover.
Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of the South.
The town's great artistic treasure is its architecture. There are no grand museums that boast collections of World-famous artworks, but the streets are artwork itself.
Most of the monuments, building facades and churches are baroque style built with the soft local stone. Uniquely found only in Lecce this local style is known
as barocco Leccese ('Lecce Baroque').
Piazza Sant’Oronzo is city’s main square (During the Roman era, some 20,000 spectators would fill the stone seats of the arcaded amphitheater) – from there you can start your exploration, with a map in one hand and a camera in other.
You will find yourself Wowing about the extravagantly carved baroque churches and beautiful architecture, wandering through the maze of narrow streets.
I couldn’t believe that I had never heard of this city - another, different kind of,
unexperienced Gem of Italy!
Here is a quote from The New York Times:
“Basilica di Santa Croce bursts exuberantly with hundreds of finely detailed forms. Pacing lions, howling dragons, cross-bearing angels, undersea creatures, turbaned Turks, topless women, urns, scrolls, shells, birds, horses, heralds, shells and flowers fill the facade of Lecce’s iconic church, completed in 1695 after work by three generations of architects and artisans”
As the day heats up, the streets empty.. There is no secret that Italians love their siesta and Lecce residents are no exception. From 2 to 5 pm shops close, squares empty
and only a handful of overheated tourists
can be spotted in the historic lanes.
Local people re-appear as the afternoon cools into evening, opening their shops and sitting down for a glass of wine. The buildings turn golden as the sun sets.
There is a certain rhythm to their living, and for someone, like myself, it feels like a movie
shot in slow-motion.
When it comes to dinner time - this region is famous for the
“poor people’s food” that has traditionally made up the local diet. The focus is on authentic flavors and healthy Mediterranean ingredients. Very simple and tasty.
Finally, I want to mention that Lecce is a great vantage point to explore the neighboring beaches. You will find a handful of beautiful turquoise blue water beaches just within 30-45 min drive away, so I recommend staying in Lecce for at least 2-3 nights!
Take it all in as you raise another glass of the famous Puglia's strong red wine.
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