Amazing baroque church with a stunning interior design. The organist, Tonio Calabrese allowed us to stay at the organ loft during mass.

A must see if like baroque churches

There is something mysterious and spooky about this cathedral🫣 the entry comes as part of your €9 ticket 🎫

A must-see, as much for its setting as the church itself. If you want to enter, you need to purchase a ticket that costs 6 Euro to enter the Cathedral, the Old Seminary, the Diocesan Museum, also the Basilica near it.

It’s very amazing the baroque architecture. If you go there sit down and slowly appreciate each detail. The angels, birds and many details sculpted are incredible. The church is not too big. They have a package in the entrance can you can buy one entrance for all the churches or just one for this one.

The biggest and best of the four churches you can visit with the 11 euro ticket. The level of hand crafts is beyond imagination. The crypt downstairs is worth the visit.

Amazing baroque delight in Lecce! Located in a nice piazza, with tickets being sold nearby, in the information office. The family ticket is a value of money, and would recommend to get if you are not alone. *Tip: Look for the secret underground area (Photos posted but shhh)

11€ entrance fee. Sure there are other churches included but it should be free on Easter Sunday. These are places of worshipping too. Merchants of the temple are back and make money.

Over the top Baroque bounty in this lush and fabulous Duomo. The columns have climbing and clinging angels. The altars (there are many) are adorned with saintly sculptures and paintings. My favorite is the railings, complete with multicolored marbles. A true work of art. The downstairs contains some excavation and human remains as in bones and a skull. Oh my.

Impressive church - baroque style with tons of works over the columns. Great value on the family ticket: € 17,00 to visit the Duomo, Museo Diocesano; San Matteo, Santa Chiara and Santa Croce Church’s. Take your time and enjoy!!!!

Beautiful basilica. Beautiful precise baroque style, very well decorated. It was constructed by the famous architect from Lecce, Cino. I really enjoyed and loved this place both exterior and interior. I really recommend to visit this place, it’s worth it to stop by while visiting Lecce.

We were enchanted by the magical lace- like facade of Santa Croce Basilica in Lecce and the extensive and so impressing decoration inside.

Magnificent architecture and a very imposing building🙌🏻 the attention to detail is phenomenal🌟

You have the great option of buying a ticket for 5 churches, museums and the campanilla at a very good price. The churches, including santa croce are amazing, and worth the visit. Also, almost all the other churches that are not included in the ticket are open and you can visit them for free.

Historical place in the city center of Lecce. Easy to find. It is under renovation at this moment. Very old ancient tourism spot that is always full of tourists. Taking photographs need a bit patient. Recommendation of visit is during the weekend (Sunday) as it is quieter than weekdays.

I haven't visited it so it's only an opinion of ehat I saw from the street. It's incredible how the structure remained intact and almost new

It is certainly impressive and well-maintained. The part visible to the visitor is less than half, as the rest remains buried under other buildings in the square. It is thought that it could accommodate 12,000 – 14,000 It is located in the center of the city, Piazza di Sant’Oronzo. It was discovered in 1901. It dates from the time of Emperor Hadrian.

Very interesting place. I recommend visiting this in the evening (it isnt so busy, like it is in the middle of day)

Gorgeous! You can see it as you walk by the shops. Half of it is still buried by the street - so cool!

Like others have said whilst undoubtedly interesting and historical it is a relatively poor experience compared to for example Merida in Spain or of course Rome. So if you are short of time in Lecce I would give this a miss and concentrate on the other stunningly beautiful and unique aspects that you will not find elsewhere

Lecce was a beautiful little city, lots of nice architecture, hampered slightly for us due to renovation work happening, once its complete I am sure that it will be charming again, we did have sushi in lecce which was a lovely change of pace from pasta and pizza! The amphitheater itself is quite small but lots of other little things to do too while you are there!

So hot day today is a pleasant place to stay with friends or anyone to share the joy of the squear and the many places to eat the local food, pasticciotto or a nice icecream.

Not big, but intersting it has been preserved in the center. I walked around and enjoyed the scene, but there were no visible information signs, only a small gate with a sign that it is temporarily closed for renovation. The sign does say guided tours avalable, but no indication of a price, or a ticket office. No real need to go inside, everything is visible from the outside, would be nice to have the history or background posted.

I've visited dozens of Greek and Roman amphitheaters all over their ex Empires territories throughout Europe and Middle East, however this is the first (and probably only) semi-amphitheater. The layout is very interesting and unusual as there's only one half visible, which was excavated in 1930's. The other half will probably never be excavated as it's beneath the central square residential area. It is one of few free attractions in Lecce - the site is entirely visible from the street and from the tourist office beside

Amazing! Very well preserved and there are two banks and a good cafe (Bonasera) on the same plaza. No, I did not buy tickets. I simply admired it from the outside.

Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce: Where History Echoes! While we can only admire this ancient marvel from the outside, its grandeur is still awe-inspiring. The amphitheater stands as a testament to Roman engineering, nestled in the heart of Lecce.

Very interesting small, family run museum. Great story behind it. 5 rooms , and about 35 stations to stop , observe, and read about. Several languages available. Be ready for stairs.

Awesome experience. The son of the owner gave us a wonderful explanation of the history of the site and the exploration process. It is amazing to see history unearthed like that. They have done a great job of presenting it in a way that makes you feel you are there the day it was discovered. The view from the terrace is not to be missed as well.

Fascinating private museum run by a family who discovered ruins beneath their home while renovating to open a restaurant. We met one of the sons who did the excavating. He was so kind and explained to us the back story of how the museum came to be and the discoveries his family made over several years. They have written guides in various languages and there are many floors and rooms to discover. Great place to spend some time in Lecce

It’s a great place to see and to learn some history and living of the local people. We’ll arranged museum, very compact. There is introduction/description in many different languages. We had great experience in this little museum. Recommended

A totally must visit place. The most interesting site in cities and one of a kind globally. Navigate through the narrow passages that connect the different rooms passing from one era to another . Watching from the oldest parts dating back to 500 BC to the medieval and more modern ones

We really enjoyed visiting this museum. The ladies who greeted us were nice and friendly. They gave us a booklet that explained the exhibits. I found it fascinating. From the tombs they uncovered , the medieval walls, and the Knight's Templar frescos, it was truly a walk through history!

I can say that this is one of the most impressing fascinating and incredibile discovery we had thi s summer2022,from the family's story of Home repair project/turns acheological site. 2000 years of history from Messapian and Roman periods the middle age and the renaissance,levels and levels of history I am flabbergasted.Highly recommended.👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Incredible experience, we have been lucky to meet Marko, who actually participated the whole project.

This museum was one of my favorite parts of my time in Lecce. The owner spent so much time explaining the history to me and his clear passion and knowledge was incredible. I was one of the only people there which made the experience like a private tour. The space is so rich which history. Highly recommend this. Thank you!

This is a must not miss private museum. From the story of the house, the excursions by the family, to future plans and exhibits is brilliant. €5 gets you into a fantastic place.

A museum with an incredible story of family discoveries! We were very well received by Marco and André, brothers who participated in the excavations. It's worth visiting and checking out the history and richness discovered from three different historical periods!

What a wonderful experience. I went because I was interested, but I really didn't expect much. Fortunately, I was very wrong. One of the sons who did the excavation-dig was there to introduce us to the museum. He put everything into perspective and explained the chronology of events before we started the self-guided tour. He added a lot to the visit. There are written explanations for non-Italian speakers as you tour the museum. Very glad to have visited the museum and would recommend it to everyone.

Starting my Lecce visit off with Museo Faggiano was an excellent choice to learn some history! The owner and his son were excellent guides…explaining the story about how this former house became a family-run museum. There is so much passion to share their story, culture, Lecce’s history, and love for this project. I really enjoyed it!

Remarkable story of a modern renovation finding layers of history in a private home, and well presented through the guidebook, cut-outs, and displays.

This is a don’t miss stop on any trip to Lecce. The amount of history in this one spot is amazing and the staff person went above and beyond the self guided tour by giving us lots of extra facts that made the tour even more enjoyable and interesting.

This is an amazing hidden gem museum. Very helpful and knowledgeable lady welcomed us. There is a suggested route to follow around to see different things and an explanation sheet in different languages. Our daughter enjoyed looking for all the numbers! It's quite an evocative and thought-provoking experience to walk round this unassuming house and think about all the history of the building and the region. Entry price is super cheap too.

A major building in Lecce. It costs 8 eur per person. Inside was an art exhibition. The paper mache museum was closed but we were there when it was to be open. Overall, not a very good experience.

Very interesting site from what we could see of it, but the majority is off-limits unless you're participating in one of their tours, and the next English tour with availability was days away. Worth a free walk-through of the open areas, but wish we'd seen more.

Very nice castle! You can see the different populations that have passed in the city of Lecce, because there are the different simbols of each family engraved in many different places inside the castle! Different, I know :)

Nice place to have a look but nothing exceptional.

Very interesting site from what I could see from the outside. One of the most famous tourist destination in Lecce I guess (?)

Beautifully maintained, a great moment in time. Take time to visit and learn a bit of our past.

It was pleasant enough to walk about and the guide offered up some interesting facts. Surprised the the views from the top of the walls were a little overlooked and you couldn't see the panarama you may be expecting. The dungeons were fascinating and so very well preserved. Personally I'm not hugely into old buildings or castles and I'd say it's worth a visit! Plus, they have a very beautiful cat in the grounds... reason enough to check it out!

Totally overpriced. You pay 8 euros to see the first floor (a few nicely renovated, but rather empty rooms, and there was a photo exhibition). But apparently you have to buy an extra ticket to see the rest of the castle. Renovation works were still going on, so it all didn't look very appealing. Skip it.

We did not go inside but from the outside, there was nothing that really interested us in wanting to go in. I hate to give a bad review but I think this place is just not as unique as others. However, the city of Lecce has so much history and so many beautiful architecture to view.

Would have been better with a tour for sure

Despite many good reviews we read, we were not particularly impressed with the city and its offers. We had planned to spend two days in the city, but after one day we were above and beyond

It is nice that the theater is visible for the public. Unfortunately I could not find some info boads that help me to understand the history of this theater. There are some tours with reservations but we were here on Sunday so that we were not able to book. Btw, good to see it. It is not so far from other attractive places.

Römisches Theater mit einer Kapazität bis zu 5000 Menschen. Man kann es sich von der vorbei führenden Gasse aus von oben anschauen. Ein Betreten ist derzeit leider nicht möglich. Trotzdem kann man sich beim Blick auf die Bühne und die vielen Vertiefungen und Strukturen vorstellen, wie römisches Theater funktioniert hat. (Translated by Google) Roman theater with a capacity of up to 5000 people. You can look at it from above from the alley leading past. Unfortunately, entering is currently not possible. Nevertheless, when you look at the stage and see the many recesses and structures, you can imagine how Roman theater worked.

The square behind it is full of live- people, shops, restaurants, good food and live musicians. We even saw people dancing to the music of the street performers. The theater is not that impressing actually. I prefer the small street around the city with it ist architecture and hidden jems like the street on the third photo.

A bit disappointing to be honest, only €3 entry but really not sure it's even worth that. I thought the museum would give lots of information about the theatre itself but most of the museum seems dedicated to information about the Via Appia. These is a small room with more information dedicated to the theatre but most of the information is only in Italian. Also it is not possible to enter the theatre itself. There is a small street around the corner from the entrance to the theatre, where you can get good views of the theatre through the railings in the fence, so maybe save your €3 for coffee and pasticcioti! 😊

Very cool sight free

Von der Via del Tetro Romano kann man einen Blick auf das Freigelände vom Museum des Römischen Theaters werfen, ohne dieses besuchen zu müssen. So hat man immerhin eine Vorstellung davon, quasi im Vorbeigehen. Uns hat es gefallen! (Translated by Google) From Via del Tetro Romano you can take a look at the outdoor area of ​​the Roman Theater Museum without having to visit it. At least you get an idea of ​​it as you walk by. We liked it!

Gorgeous! A bit hidden in two alleyways and not possible to go inside, but very fascinating.

This theater is in a large piazza in Lecce where you can sit and enjoy an evening drink.

Do not pay to get to the "museum". There is absolutely nothing inside and you can see the theatre in the street. There are no mask inside, so the photo is deceitfull.

is it barricaded. u can stick ur hands in to take photo. that's abt it. no access to the theatre physically

What a surprising finding here when we were strolling in the alleyway!

Ein kleines und gut Ausgestücktes Museum zu dem ausgegrabenen Theater aus römischer Zeit. Der Eintritt kostet lediglich drei Euro. Wir fanden es informativ und man kann man das Theater näher anschauen, aber nicht betreten. Die Infotafeln sind überwiegend auf italienisch, mit kurzen englischen Texten. Es lohnt sich die Kamera Funktion der Google Übersetzer App zu benutzen um sich die Tafeln übersetzten zu lassen, da das englische deutlich weniger Infos bietet. Nebenbei gibt es auch Infos zum Amphitheater/Arena ein paar Straßen weiter. (Translated by Google) A small and well-equipped museum about the excavated theater from Roman times. Admission only costs three euros. We found it informative and you can take a closer look at the theater but not enter it. The information boards are mostly in Italian, with short English texts. It's worth using the camera function of the Google Translate app to have the boards translated, as English offers significantly less information. There is also information about the amphitheater/arena a few streets away.

This place is such a hidden gem in the city. Imagine you need to get through several alleyways to find this amphitheater. By the way, just a useless fact, there is a public bathroom near in alley where you can get a view of the theatre ^-^

It was kind of closed to go in but we were able to take pictures from high point.

Totally tourist trap! Small unorganized museum, with barely unreadable posters. Sales visit to the theater but you cannot go to the there, actually you can view the theater with more detail from the outside.

(Translated by Google) I didn't find anything extraordinary there. Difficult to find water or toilets nearby (Original) Je n'y ai rien trouvé d'extraordinaire. Difficile de trouver le l'eau ou des WC à proximité

If you are coming from the city center, walk aroung the gate, the beautiful face in actually welcoming you in the city 😉

Pretty standard citta vecchia gate. What makes this special is dozens of swing dancers - old and young - dancing right behind the gate! So fun to see.

Gorgeous gate, in the old town area, we had a beautiful walk around old town streets 😊 just lovely

A door which is representative for the history of Lecce. The giant structure has impressive appearance.

Surrounded by blossoming oleanders and glowing in the golden sun. What a sight!

Beautiful place, especially off season, MUST visit!! The inside is amazing. Better do the cumulative ticket that allows you to visit all the churches in the complex and get on the bell tower (21 euros per person)

Just went in front , but no place to sit and watch… need tickets to go inside unfortunately. The descriptor on the left side is extremely technical about the architectural components. It’s a super awkward location but beautiful! I wish I knew what all the shapes on the facade mean.

The church of San Matteo is a Baroque Catholic place of worship in the historic center of Lecce. San Matteo Church is reached by four alleys, not far from Porta San Biagio. A union in the landscape of Lecce's sacred architecture connecting to the Roman empire.

One of the churches included in the 11 euro ticket. World class paintings and sculptures.

In line to enter the church.. The couple in front says "residents", go in for free... I need a ticket. I ask politely how they know they were residents... For the accent is the answer. Get the right accent, all the doors will open for you in Lecce

A piece of history on Lecce.... Great value on the family ticket: € 17,00 to visit the Duomo, Museo Diocesano; San Matteo, Santa Chiara and Santa Croce Church’s. Take your time and enjoy!!!!

Great place to Pray and to be near your religious figure. I was raised a catholic so this is a very significant place for me. I really advise to get the 9€ ticket and visit this and many more churches of the area

Nice church that you can visit with the 11euros ticket, but nothing special to visit it on its own. It was also not crowded and spend like 5 min there just sitting and looking at the sculptures.

This church has one of the most interesting facades and a unique design. Chiesa di San Matteo has a Baroque architectural site and its front façade has a curved design – the wall actually curves in a sweeping arch and is covered in beautiful sculpture work and statues. 🌸🌸🌸🌸

The church was built starting from 1591 on the project of the Francesco Grimaldi from Turin and was completed in 1639, the year of the consecration by the Bishop of Brindisi. The church experienced important historical events: in 1797 it was visited by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon; in October 1860 it hosted the plebiscite operations to decide the yes of Lecce to enter the Kingdom of Italy. In 1866 the annexed convent of the Theatines was suppressed, but the church remained open for worship. The parish community celebrates its patron Irene on May 5th. The building refers to the model of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome, where Grimaldi himself worked. The façade is made up of a double order system, punctuated by overlapping pilasters connected by festoons. The columns are spaced out in the lower order by empty niches and cartouches and in the upper order by a large window. The central space of the lower order houses the portal, surmounted by the stone statue of Saint Irene, by Mauro Manieri from 1717. Above the string course frame stands the civic emblem of the city of Lecce. The façade is crowned by a triangular tympanum bearing the insignia of the order of the Theatines. The Latin dedication to the patron saint Irene virgini et martiri (Irene virgin and martyr) is engraved on the entablature. The interior has a Latin cross plan, with a single nave open at the sides by three deep chapels communicating with each other and characterized by elliptical domes. On the left side there are the altars of St. Stephen, which houses the painting with the Stoning of St. Stephen, by Antonio Verrio, of the Crucifix and of the Virgin of the Good Council. In the left arm of the transept there are three altars: the altar of Saint Oronzo, built around the middle of the seventeenth century by Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, uncle of Giuseppe Zimbalo; the altar of Saint Irene (1639) which houses nine busts of saints which each contain the relics of the depicted religious, while above is the statue of Saint Irene surmounted by the coat of arms of Lecce; the altar of the Holy Family built in 1672. The apse houses the main altar altered in 1753. On the wall is a painting depicting The Transport of the Holy Ark, a masterpiece by Oronzo Tiso. In the right arm of the transept there are three other altars: the altar of the Guardian Angel dating back to 1700; the altar dedicated in 1651 to St. Gaetano of Thiene by the archbishop of Otranto Gaetano Cassa, which houses the oil painting depicting the founder of the Teatini order, created by Filippo Maria Galletti [1]; the altar of Saint Andrew Avellino, in the Rococo style. In the chapels on the right side there are the altars of St. Charles Borromeo, of the archangel Michael, built by Cesare Penna in 1642, and the altar of the Souls of Purgatory with a recent painting by Luigi Scorrano. The church's sacristy houses other paintings, including that of the Madonna della Libera.

By far the best church in Lecce; the ones I have seen and visited. Firmitas, Utilitas, and venustas at work. Utili Dulci

This city is really peppered with beautiful churches

Unique in a city of churches

Closed.

Nice in Italy

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful church from an architectural point of view and which also hides a very curious history. A local lady told us that in the 17th century there was a conflict between the Theatines and the Jesuits and the center of this conflict was the exclusivity of the city's cult of the Saint. The conflict ended when Sant'Oronzo was recognized as the patron saint of the city. We can thus understand how Saint Irene continues to be a very important figure for the city even today! (Original) Una chiesa molto bella da un punto di vista architettonico e che nasconde anche una storia molto curiosa. Una signora del posto ci ha raccontato che nel '600 c'era un conflitto tra Teatini e Gesuiti e il centro di questo scontro era l'esclusività sul culto cittadino della Santa. Il conflitto finì quando Sant'Oronzo fu riconosciuto patrono della città. Si può comprendere così come Sant'Irene continui ancora oggi ad essere una figura molto importante per la città!

Roof. Nice.

The church is decent but it had the rudest attendant in Lecce (pictured in white). He should not be working in tourism.

Splendid barocco altars behind modest fasade. Beautiful rich church of poor Clarisse sisters

Quite standard baroque church but very unique ceiling (not beautiful but different)

One of the four churches you can visit with the 11 euro ticket. Great hand crafts.

This little terribly ugly looking place has the courage to ask for tickets (money)to get inside... get a grip, you are not Rome. 10/10 NOT RECOMMENDED.

The Church of Santa Chiara is located in the historic center of Lecce, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The beginnings of the church date back to the 14th century. In the church, there are wooden statues of saints from the end of the 17th century. The presbytery has a large altar.

Worth a stop if you’re in the area and buying the ticket that provides access to the churches and museums of Lecce.

It's a church you can visit with the 11year ticket. It's fine but nothing special to visit on its own. It's also not crowded..

This is a must-go place for any tourist visiting Lecce for the summer holidays. Enjoy a captivating sight of ancient Italian baroque architecture design.

Excellent representative of Lecce’s Barroco period. Is a must see in this city. I totally recommend getting the pass to this and many other churches so you can explore each altar and Saint in close detail. Photos cannot do it justice

Great building, full of history. Particularly quiet at evening time

It's a good place to visit and all is that it explains the history of the world.

Beautiful old town, there are many nice places to eat, food is always good in Italy

Beautiful historical spot. Walk all over Giuseppe Libertini street and end in the Port Rudiae.

Nice for visiting inside and street shops and public traditional music, food, and fun with friends. Evergreen

It is an ancient gate into the old city of Lecce. Beautiful architecture all around! A lot going on nearby! It is a city gate, not an entry to a amusement park.

The oldest, most significant and interesting ports of Lecce’s old city.

One of the original entrances through the fortified town walls. From an old map I have seen, the old town was bounded by these wall in 1896. Now it's virtually city surrounded by urban sprawl. Just outside the gates you will find a coffee shop and market of fresh produce. Just inside a bar and a street that further on is lined with restaurants and shops serving mainly a tourist trade.

One of the gate to "centro storico di Lecce". Friends, coffee and view of the old town of Lecce is such a pleasant experience... 😃 #nofilters #testingphonecams #LGV50 #summer #Lecce #italia 🇮🇹

One of many great photo spots at the gates to old Lecce.

Beautiful entrance gate in Polignano a Mare!! The gate gives on a road that lead to a main square!! Beautiful architecture and colors 😎😜

Nice historical place in Lecce.

Just next to the historic center. Busy, entertaining and near lots of great food places

Beautiful park to go to chill and enjoy the weather.

A good place to practice in knowing best local historical ppl by face. The names on multiple plates around the place are not readable anymore ;-) Otherwise a tranquil place to chill off in a hot day.

A beautiful garden for a good rest and relax with a lot sitting places, a fountain and a small place were children can play. I love the signs that are placed under specific plants for indentification. And as a nature lover I was impressed of the size of the Cycas seeing at the photo. I only hope that the town can spend a few more coins for a higher plant diversity;)

Nice place to read a book at any time

Peaceful park, with ample shade at the edge of historical city center. Has 2 playgrounds, and a water fountain too.

Decent place for young children. There are 2 separate playgrounds, however the number of swings is limited which leads to very long waiting times when busy. Best to avoid children running in the non-paved areas as dog walkers tend to let their dogs do their business there and few times I have seen them not cleaning afterwards.

The green heart of Lecce is this beautiful park filled with lots of trees, flowers and fountains. All the sculptures are made by the most important local sculptors and have been displayed for free viewing. It is believed to be built at the end of 19th century and a perfect spots for a little afternoon picnic.

Great place to sit down and rest😌 lots of places to sit and enjoy the greenery 🌳🌴🌲

Very nice outdoor walk or to meditate. In bad weather there is very little protection, but in nice weather this is a great outdoor place. Has children's playgrounds and public events for families.

I like that place, because there have too much trees and plants. And every time breathing good oxygen. There have also tracks of walking. And too much toys of children's. And coffee bar ,there are held many seminars. And every facilities at there. There have toilets for the public.

Wonderful garden very clean in the city centrum. Plenty of statues of historical characters who have made the city. This park has games for children's, and beautiful old trees. Nice place to hang on for a gelato or smoking a cigarette

Out of the blue we came across this marvel, in the center of Lecce. Quite impressive and well maintained. Go and see the sight when you are in Lecce, a must see in the history of the city