Lecce in 1 day
One day in Lecce, hour by hour: churches before noon, the museum at midday, amphitheatre and castle toward evening.
- Churches
- April–September 9–21
- Castello Carlo V
- €10, Tuesday–Sunday 10–20
- Museo Faggiano
- €5, daily 9.30–20
A day in Lecce fits into one walk on foot: churches before noon, the Museo Faggiano at midday, and the amphitheatre and Castello Carlo V at the end of the day. The order follows the calendar, since the castle has a closed day and the churches keep different hours in summer and winter.
Churches in the morning, museum at midday, amphitheatre and castle in the evening
Santa Croce. Look on the facade for the animals and grotesque figures. It is open April–September 9–21; October–March 9–18, so go in first; the ticket is €11 (€21 with the bell tower) and covers the other churches too.
The Duomo, on Piazza Duomo. The work of Giuseppe Zimbalo, like the bell tower. The same shared ticket, €11 (€21 with the bell tower); open April–September 9–21; October–March 9–18.
Museo Faggiano, on Via Ascanio Grandi. Entry €5, open daily 9.30–20. The house keeps layers from the Messapians to the Renaissance; booking: no.
Lunch in the centre.
Santa Chiara, the third church of the day. Entry €11 (part of LeccEcclesiae).
Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the second-century Roman amphitheatre. Entry free; visible and accessible at all times from Piazza Sant'Oronzo, so it can be seen even when everything else has shut.
Castello Carlo V. Entry €10, open Tuesday–Sunday 10–20, shut: Monday. The guided tour lasts about 50 min; booking: recommended.
What changes the plan
- The castle's closed day. When the castle is shut (Monday), drop the last stop and end the day on Piazza Sant'Oronzo.
- Winter hours in the churches. From October to March the churches shut at 18:00. The plan above only fits if Santa Chiara is not put off: April–September 9–21; October–March 9–18.
- If you run late. Skip Santa Chiara; Santa Croce and the Duomo are the reason to come.
A walk toward evening
For the end of the day there is the Porta Napoli, a gate raised in honour of Charles V. It is not in the plan, and it is a good point for the way back to the centre.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is one day enough for Lecce?
For the churches, museum, amphitheatre and castle it is, since they fit into one walk. The full picture: 1–2; 3–4 as a base.
How do you get around Lecce?
On foot; every sight is on the same walk.
Ready for Lecce?
Where to next
Front row for the next trip
Leave your email and we'll let you know when a new destination or story goes up.