The best of Lecce: walking tour - History, Tradition, Anecdotes

Our best tour guides will accompany you on a passionate tour of the historic center, rich in history, traditions, anecdotes, and culinary experiences. This walking tour will introduce you to the tradition of papier-mâché with a visit to a local artisan workshop. The visit starts in Piazza del Duomo, where you will learn more about the history by passing through the Church of Santa Irene, built between 1591 and 1639 for the Theatines and dedicated to the patroness of the city. The walk continues to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the largest square within the city walls, an attractive center of Lecce and a place where the ruins of the Roman amphitheater are located. The tour continues to the Church of Santa Croce, in baroque style, completed in 1695. The church has a richly decorated facade with six smooth columns supporting an architrave, with animals, grotesque figures, and plants, and has a large rose window. Do not miss the Palazzo Celestini, which was built during different historical periods, the oldest part in the first half of the 14th century. Visit the Church of Santa Chiara, a very famous and admired church in Lecce for its baroque style and its papier-mâché and wood ceiling from the 18th century. And how not to visit the Roman Theater in the heart of Lecce, built in the 2nd century AD, forgotten for a long time, covered by gardens and palaces. A true historical and cultural jewel in the heart of the city. The Church of San Matteo stands out for its baroque style and architecture, one of the most beautiful known by locals as Santa Maria della Luce. Tracing back the history of Lecce, the guide will lead us to the southernmost of the three gates of the historic center of Lecce, dedicated to Saint Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia in the 4th century. It is located near Piazza d'Italia. Finally, we will have a commented tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with "tarallini."