LECCE Private Tour: The Florence of Southern Italy
Description
The tour of Lecce, also known as the “Florence of Southern Italy,” starts from Porta Napoli and leads into the heart of the historic center, visiting the Duomo in Piazza del Duomo, a Baroque cathedral with an elegant façade and a slender bell tower dominating the square. Continue to the Church of the Theatines dedicated to St. Irene and admire its impressive façade and refined Baroque altars enriched with artworks and decorations. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, one of the most important Roman remains in the city, once able to host over 25,000 spectators for shows and combats, and still partly visible today. Reach the column topped by the statue of St. Oronzo, patron saint of Lecce, marking the end of the ancient Appian Way connecting Rome to southern Italy. The tour ends with an external visit to the richly decorated Basilica of Saint Croce, famous for its ornate Baroque façade, and the Roman Theatre where parts of the ancient structures are still visible today
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce is one of the finest examples of Lecce Baroque. Famous for its richly decorated façade, it features intricate carvings, symbolic figures, and a large central rose window. It is a true artistic masterpiece that reflects the elegance and richness of the city’s Baroque style ( external visit )
The Church of St. Irene in Lecce is one of the main examples of Baroque architecture in the city. Dedicated to Lecce’s original patron saint, it stands out for its impressive façade and richly decorated interiors, featuring elegant altars and valuable works of art.
Piazza Sant’Oronzo is the lively heart of Lecce, where history meets everyday city life. Here stands the column topped by the statue of St. Oronzo, the city’s patron saint, a symbol of protection and identity. The column, once part of the Appian Way, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the square.
Piazza del Duomo in Lecce is one of the city’s most charming squares, known for its intimate and scenic atmosphere. Surrounded by Baroque buildings, including the Duomo, the bell tower, and the Bishop’s Palace, it offers a harmonious blend of elegance and history in the heart of the historic center.
The Duomo of Lecce is one of the most elegant examples of Lecce Baroque. Located in the scenic Piazza del Duomo, it stands out for its richly decorated façade and its tall, slender bell tower that dominates the square. The interior is harmonious and richly detailed, reflecting the refined style of the city.
The Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce, located in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, is one of the main remnants of the city’s Roman past. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries, it could host thousands of spectators and was used for shows and combats. Today, part of its structure can still be admired, reflecting Lecce’s ancient history ( external visit )
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Reviews(30)
I paid 280 Euros for a private tour scheduled for 10am (myself and my wife) Then I got a message asking to reschedule for 11am, to what I agreed When I showed up at 10:50 I was informed there are no guides available I was offered a group tour that was overcrowed and we could barely hear the guide
What a beautiful city. Historic with architecture that is imposing. We looked at the architecture with admiration. Definitely recommended!
Myriam discovered us all the city and it was very intéressant for all the family. We recommanded her prestation.
We stayed in Lecce for 3 days, we did a walking tour, but on our own, with a map and references in hand, and we loved everything we saw. The so-called Florence of the South is beautiful, - what else to say, it is ITALY, and forever the BEAUTIFUL ITALY. We went, among other places, to the historic center - famous for its baroque architecture - and visited the Church of Oronzo, the Oronzo column, the Roman Amphitheater, the Roman Theatre, the impressive Basilica of Santa Crocce, the Piazza del Duomo and its buildings, the Castle of Charles V, and the Cathedral. In the evening we toured La Villa Comunale and its typical gazebo, then we had dinner - we loved it - orechiettis, the typical pasta of Puglia. From there it is worth going to Gallipoli because of its short distance, and getting to know it. Very good experience !.
Excellent tour, the monuments visited are splendid, breathtaking, the guide was a little verbose, at the end of the tour he didn't collect the earphones and made us go back to the agency to return them, we didn't like it
Christian was an excellent guide and one of our favorites! He gave us great history, is so warm and personable and made our stay in Lecce so much better! Highly recommend!
We all would have liked more about the history of Lecce and the buildings and less about the cafes and shopping stops.
We had a very entertaining, competent tour of Lecce with Christian. He always had an answer to all questions, and the tour was livened up with little puzzles. We had a lot of fun. Thank you very much. The Schoeller family
Our guide Christian was excellent. We gained a better appreciation of this amazing city. I would definitely recommend.
Very nice private guided tour, carried out at 7 p.m., with the night lights on the monuments of Lecce. Our guide Raffaella was perfect!
