Excursion Lecce with aperitif at a noble palace tour at Brindisi

Explore the splendid landmarks and Baroque architecture of the 'Florence of the South' during this half-day sightseeing excursion to historic Lecce. You can still see ruins of a Roman theatre and amphitheater, but the period which led to town's current fame was the 17th century. A period of prosperity led to grand developments and the wholesale construction of palaces and churches.

These buildings adapted the fashionable Baroque style to the soft local stone, with decorations and cherubs extravagantly covering facades and doorways, this local style is known as barocco Leccese ('Lecce Baroque'). After your visit, add a special moment, a visit to a private palace.

Lecce Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one -hour drive through the beautiful Apulian countryside to Lecce. Sit uated south of Brindisi on the southeastern tip of Italy's 'boot', Lecce is home to sandstone buildings adorned with grand Baroque architecture and lavishly decorated facades featuring fanciful cherubs, monsters, flowers, fruit, beauties, and beasts. The local sandstone, tinged with a warm yellow nuance, is so easy to work that it encouraged the rise of a local style (Lecce Baroque) as ornate and intricate as any the world has seen. More than architects, it was the local stone masons who left their mark on this city.

Lecce Cathedral and Palaces

Your visit to Lecce begins at Porta Napoli, one of the oldest gateways to the town. A guided walking tour takes you through narrow streets filled with exquisite palaces en route to Piazza Duomo where the magnificent Cathedral as well as the Archbishop's Palace are located. The Cathedral was built between 1659 and 1670 by Giuseppe Zimbalo on a pre-existing Romanesque church. The main façade, facing both Archbishop's and Seminary's Palaces, is not so 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.

Sant'Oronzo's Square and Basilica of Santa Croce

Located in the heart of Lecce, Sant'Oronzo's Square is the site of the most important local Roman remains; a 20,000-seat amphitheater dating from the 2nd century A.D., and a column that originally stood in Brindisi to mark the end of the Appian Way.

A stroll through the little alleys of Sant'Oronzo's Square leads you to Lecce's most famous landmark, the magnificent Basilica of Santa Croce. During a visit here, marvel at the variety of statues and ornaments that will capture your eyes and curiosity inviting you to discover the smallest of details.

Noble Palace Tour & Aperitif

After the guided tour of the city, 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. After the visit, enjoy a nice stroll through the narrow and beautiful streets of Lecce's town centre back to the parking place. You will then rejoining the bus to go back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Lecce, Lecce Cathedral and Palaces, tasting of local products

Note

Please note: This tour involves an moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles on flat and uneven cobblestone surfaces that can be slippery when wet, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 10 steps at the Cathedral and 10 steps at the Basilica of Santa Croce. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedrals and/or sacred sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Restroom facilities are located in cafés and restaurants; the purchase of a little snack is recommended in order to use facilities. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside churches during services. Guests may have the chance to visit churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not allowed to enter and talk during services. The tour sequence may vary.