Apulia

Piazza San Giovanni al Sepolcro· Cheap

Circular Romanesque church built by the Normans in the 11th century; it was probably owned by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The interior has the shape of a "horse shoe" with eight columns in concentric circle within.

Piazza del Duomo

A wonderful example of baroque style, most of the cathedral was designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo and it was completed in 1689.

Via Umberto I, 3· Cheap

It represents the main example of Lecce baroque style. It was built between 1549 and 1695, thanks to three well-known architects: Gabriele Riccardi, who devoted himself to the general plan and the lower part of the façade; Francesco…

Piazza dell'Odegitria, 1· Free

A Roman church even older than St. Nicolas', though later refurbished in baroque style, and equally interesting.

Via Ernesto Alvino, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy· Free

Built in 1580s, this baroque-style church is situated in the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, overlooking the Roman Amphitheatre, and houses a 14th-century fresco of the Holy Virgin and the Child.

Str. Palazzo di Città, 63

St. Anna Church was built between 1246-1247 as a synagogue, known as “Scola Grande”. It was later converted into a Christian Church and entrusted to the Confraternity of St. Anna.

Via Colonne, 53· Free

A symbol of Brindisi, they were thought to mark the termination of the Appian Way, but probably they only had a celebrative purpose. Only one of the two, standing at 18.74 meters (61.5 ft), is still visible, since the other one crumbled in…

Porto Antico di Monopoli is the historic old harbour of Monopoli, framed by whitewashed buildings, small fishing boats, and defensive sea walls that reflect the town’s long maritime tradition.

This romanic church with a gold ceiling and a crypt contains many medieval attractions, including the magnificent cathedra of Bishop Elias.

The symbolic fortress of the city: built in the 12th century, destroyed and then rebuilt during the 13th century by Frederick II.

Corso Cavour, 12

The largest theatre of the city and the fourth Italian theatre by size. Its season feature high quality productions of prose, opera, ballet and classical music.

A large itinerant festival of popular Salento music (Pizzica and Taranta) that takes place in the first half of August, culminating in a final open-air concert in the municipality of Melpignano, province of Lecce.

Choose between four cycling routes from the Adriatic cycle path to the sea crossing fields of Mediterranean red soil under the shadow of olive trees, to reach finally the sand dunes in a well preserved natural area.

Piazza Maria Immacolata, 22/23

Probably the pest pizzeria in town where you can choose between a large amount of varieties, as well as rich salads, hamburger and panzerotti. Located in the centre of the new town.

Via G. Tanzarella Vitale, 61/63

Lounge bar located in a sort of cave made from a medieval mill, with an elegant and cool atmosphere with poufs and soft lounge music. Prices can be a bit high.

Piazza della Libertà, 15

Bar specialized in dishes with fruit, vegetables, frappes and fruit juices. The ideal place for vegetarian and light meals with genuine products and low prices in a handy position.

Via Scipione Petrarolo, 15/17

Informal lounge bar to enjoy cocktails in the welcoming room or seated on apple green poufs in a narrow alley, with a stunning view of the green countryside.

Strada Vallisa, 23

An old and very informal restaurant in the old town. Traditional, non-posh cuisine. Simple four-course menu

Via Cavour, 35

An ideal place for all beer lovers with many varieties to taste in a friendly pub, along with aperitifs and salty snacks.

Corte dei Musco, 3

In the historical centre of Lecce, near Porta Rudiae. It is on a ground-floor of a small, ancient building with a vaulted roof. The building has been subtly restructured and is in a serene and characteristic court of Lecce.

Via Carretti, 6, Arnesano· Pricey

Bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Lecce immersed in an acre of olive groves and typical fruits of Salento offering en suite rooms and organic breakfast, with complimentary parking, swimming pool, lounge terrace, lush garden, bikes and…

along the coast freeway in contrada Pilone

Choose between a tent, a roulotte or a camper in the camping area or a more comfortable room in the holiday village cottages. If you prefer the last option you will have access to pool, playground, sport fields, restaurant and a dog area…

Piazza S.Oronzo – Via Andrea Vignes, 2b

Good value compared to hotels. About 1 block away from the walled old city. The owner, Marco Larusso, speaks English reasonably well and is very helpful and accommodating. Be prepared to spend up to an extra/day on metered street parking.

Via 47° Reggimento Fanteria, 40

This bed and breakfast is in an elegant flat in a modern building in Piazza Mazzini. The furniture is modern, every room has heating during winter and air conditioning during summer, television, DVD player and a small refrigerator and…

turn right out of the train station to travel east, walk two blocks and find the orange and grey building on the other side of the walk bridge· Pricey

Cosy Rox are a couple of residences operated for overnight stays and short term rentals. To stay you will need to visit the main hostel (Sumas Bla hostel) at 40 Piazza Luigi di Savoia, from where you will be directed to the place where you…