Lecce

Lecce is a historic city in the southern Italian region of Puglia, often called the “Florence of the South” due to its rich Baroque architectural heritage.

Here is an overview of its key attractions, architecture, history, and cuisine:

Baroque Architecture and Main Attractions

Lecce is renowned for a highly decorative style known as Barocco Leccese (Lecce Baroque), which features intricate carvings and ornate facades made possible by the soft, workable local limestone, known as Lecce Stone.

Must-See Landmarks:

• Basilica di Santa Croce: Considered the most significant example of Lecce Baroque. Its facade is an elaborate masterpiece of sculptures, gargoyles, a rose window, and decorative details.
• Piazza del Duomo: A spectacular enclosed square that showcases a harmonious collection of Baroque buildings, including:
  • Lecce Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce): Notable for its two facades (one richly decorated) and a tall bell tower.
  • Bishop’s Palace and Seminary Palace.
• Piazza Sant’Oronzo: The city’s main square, which blends different eras. Highlights include:
  • Roman Amphitheater: Partially unearthed ruins of a large Roman-era structure.
  • Column of Sant’Oronzo: A Roman column topped with a bronze statue of the city’s patron saint, Sant’Oronzo.
• Castle of Charles V (Castello Carlo V): A massive Renaissance fortress originally built to strengthen the city’s defenses.
• Churches: Other notable Baroque churches include Chiesa di San Matteo (with a convex facade) and Chiesa di Santa Chiara.

History

The city’s history is ancient, with roots dating back to the Messapian and Roman eras (known as Lupiae).

• Roman Era: The Roman Amphitheater and the Roman Column are enduring relics of this period.
• Middle Ages: After a decline, the city gained prominence under the Normans.
• Baroque Era (16th-18th centuries): Following Spanish rule under Charles V, Lecce became an important cultural and defensive center. The abundance of the local Lecce Stone and the artistic flourishing of this time led to the distinctive and celebrated Baroque transformation of the city.

Local Cuisine (Cucina Povera)

Lecce’s food is part of the broader Salento and Pugliese culinary tradition, often characterized as cucina povera (peasant cuisine), focusing on fresh, local, and rustic ingredients like durum wheat, olive oil, and vegetables.

Dishes and Delicacies to Try:

• Rustico Leccese: A popular street food item—a flaky puff pastry disc filled with béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and tomato.
• Pasticciotto: The iconic local dessert. A shortcrust pastry typically filled with custard cream.
• Puccia: A round, soft bread, often stuffed with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables, popular for sandwiches.
• Pittule: Deep-fried dough balls that can be savory (with olives, anchovies) or sweet.
• Ciceri e Tria: A traditional pasta dish with chickpeas, where part of the fresh tagliatelle is fried for crunch.
• Caffè Leccese: A unique local coffee—iced espresso with almond milk syrup.