Explore the beautiful Baroque city, flavours and noble lifestyle of Lecce during this splendid, full-day sightseeing excursion.
Otranto, Apulian Countryside, Lecce, Baroque Architecture
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive north through the beautiful Apulian countryside en route to Lecce, renowned for its grand Baroque architecture and the impressive, lavish décor on its buildings. The local sandstone, tinged with a warm yellow nuance, is so easy to work with that it prompted the rise of a local style (Lecce Baroque) as ornate and intricate as any the world has seen. Lecce's architectural splendour was further enhanced by the local stone masons who left their mark on this city, covering its buildings with fanciful cherubs, monsters, flowers, fruits, beauties, and beasts. Far off the beaten tracks for most of Italy's art-loving visitors, Lecce is situated on the south-eastern tip of Italy's boot, and astounds visitors with its lesser-known magnificence.
Porta Napoli, Piazza Duomo, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, Seminary Palace
Upon arrival in Lecce, your guided walking tour begins at Porta Napoli, one of the oldest gates to the town. Narrow streets filled with beautiful palaces lead you to Piazza Duomo, where the magnificent Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace are located. A visit is made to the Cathedral, built between 1659 and 1670 by Giuseppe Zimbalo on a pre-existing Romanesque church. The main façade, facing both the Archbishop's and Seminary's Palaces, is modestly decorated, while the side façade facing the square is an explosion of Baroque architecture with Lecce's patron saint, Saint Oronzo, in a triumphal arch. Leaving the Cathedral, visit both the Archbishop's and Seminary palaces.
Town Centre, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, Amphitheatre, Basilica of Santa Croce
Next, proceed on-foot to the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, which lies in the heart of the town. This is the site of the most important local, ancient Roman ruins, a 20,000-seat Amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century, and a column which originally stood in Brindisi to mark the end of the Appian Way. Continue walking along the little alleys en route to the most famous of Lecce's many highlights, the Basilica of Santa Croce. During your guided walking tour, marvel at a variety of intricately-detailed statues and ornaments.
Noble Palazzo Tour, Tasting of Local Specialities with Wine, Free Time
Leaving the Basilica of Santa Croce, the highlight of your tour is a visit to a stunning, noble palazzo. Located on a magnificent corner of the Old City, this hidden gem is just steps away from the Cathedral, and listed among the most noble palaces and buildings in this city of Baroque architecture. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the owners of the palazzo, who personally escort you on a tour of this exquisite, noble house. Following your guided tour, proceed to one of the halls of the palazzo for an aperitif and tasting of local specialities surrounded by splendid antiquities and nobility. Following your visit, some free time is made available to explore the narrow and beautiful streets of Lecce's town centre at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately two miles (about 3.2 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, ten steps at the Cathedral, ten steps at the Basilica and 20 steps at the Palazzo. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection is recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the Cathedral and Basilica; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside the churches during services. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Guests may have the chance to visit the churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not permitted to enter and talk during church services. Photography and videography are prohibited inside the churches. Shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Restroom facilities are located in cafés and restaurants; the purchase of a small snack or beverage is recommended in order to use the restrooms, and is at the expense of each guest. The palazzo is selected based upon available and the number of guests participating on this tour. This tour should be confirmed or cancelled 15 days prior to call. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.