Lecce, Italy: Slow Life and Plenty of Wine!

There’s every reason to visit Lecce, Italy! The Duomo, the color of the stone, the papermaché, the wine bistrots, the modern art museums, architecture, and the music.

Lecce is stunning every day and with colors changing from sunrise to night, the town never fails to impress with its radical chic beauty and style. Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot in the region of Puglia, this town, now a candidate as the city of the culture in 2019, is a real gem dazzling in the sunshine and in its rich architecture, where noble palaces and smiling cherubs on top of churches accompany you on your “passeggiata” (stroll).

Its theatrical architecture of the many narrow streets includes churches, art places, restaurants, artisan shops, and a dizzying number of caffeterie and wine bistrots. You never tire of walking in the historic town and savouring the simple pleasures of life in this charming town, just like the locals do.

Living like a local in Lecce, Italy

Walking through the historic town

Discover the streets of Lecce and do as the Leccesi do. Walk or rent a bike (there are several bike sharing points in the town, the two main ones are located in Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazza Mazzini) and get around on two wheels.

All around, let your eyes be tempted by the beauty of the many baroque churches and Palazzi (buildings), commissioned in the 17th century, with their facades covered with exuberant sensual carvings in the pink and pale yellow creamy local stone known as “pietra leccese”. You’ll be awed by the extravaganza of dragons, smiling cherubs and garlands of exotic fruit.

Lecce is a food paradise

Lecce is paradise to foodies and wine lovers! The local tradition of cucina povera, where simple, ‘poor’ ingredients are transformed into outstandingly delicious dishes, focuses on the many positive aspects of using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As for the choices of restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice in the historic town: some are trattoria style with home cooking, others very trendy, but all of them serving the great wines produced in the area.

When you go to any restaurants in Lecce, don’t miss the “antipasto della casa”, usually made of several dishes based upon vegetables combined in so many delicious ways.

In the many small restaurants you will find in the historic town, you’ll find some of the best traditional food: fava beans puree and chicory, ciceri and tria (chickpeas with tagliatelle), hand made pasta (orecchiette and sagne ‘ncannulate), fresh cheeses, lamb and turcinieddi (charcoal-grilled sausages made from lamb innards), and a glorious pasticciotto and spumone to complete this gourmet experience.

But there’s one more thing! Just like locals do, don’t miss the pleasure of sipping the caffè in a local caffetteria (there are plenty in the old town), or a nice tea together with the finest almond patisserie or again a pasticciotto if you can’t resist!

And in the afternoon, if you crave for a little something, try the “rustico leccese” a puff pastry delicacy filled with mozzarella, bechamel, tomatoes and black pepper.

If you are looking for more food-related activities, get your hands dirty and join a cooking class! Learn to cook traditional and mouth-watering recipes of “cucina povera” with local women and impressive your friends and family back home with your newly acquired skills.

And then there are the wines…

When in Lecce, don’t forget to taste new wines during your stay. Lecce is home to the head office of the Route of Wine and can arrange private wine tastings at your hotel and wine tours that will allow you to explore the many wineries in the area such as full-bodied reds Negroamaro and Primitivo as well as Salice Salentino, Susumaniello and other local grape varieties that are making this area a popular wine destination in Italy.

Don’t forget the olive oil

The production of extra virgin olive oil in the area is renowned in Italy and for the discerning travelers who are looking for an unforgettable experience, it is possible to arrange a visit to meet the farmer, the olive grove estate and buy the real Km zero extra virgin olive oil.

More tips on Lecce

Lecce offers a wide range of accomodations! From old hotels just steps from central Piazza Sant’Oronzo to  boutique elegance at near-budget rates, to “dimore”, apartments with a self catering kitchen that are stylishly furnished, there is something for everyone.

And when visiting Lecce save space in your luggage: hand made necklaces and earrings, local specialities, papermachè items, cotognata (quince jam), almond-stuffed figs, orecchiette (home-made pasta ‘ears’), and cucina povera recipes books, all make for great gifts and souvenirs for friends and family (and yourself).

Author’s bio: Ylenia Sambati, lives and work in the splendid town of Lecce. She manages YLTOUR and will be happy to assist you in designing your experiential trip. You choose the rhythm. Follow Ylenia on Twitter.