🇮🇹Lecce

Basilica di Santa Croce

This is Lecce's showstopper. The facade is covered in mythical creatures, floral carvings, and figurative sculptures: it took over 200 years to complete and was finally opened in 1695. Stand back and ask your kids to spot the strangest creature they can find. Inside, look out for two masterpieces by Cesare Penna and a stunning 16th-century fresco of the Madonna of Constantinople.

Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant'Oronzo

Built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, this amphitheatre once seated 14,000 spectators across two tiers. It stayed completely hidden underground until 1901, when builders accidentally uncovered it during bank construction work. Only the lower tier is visible today, but it sits right in the middle of a lively city piazza: which makes it all the more extraordinary.

Piazza del Duomo

One of the most impressive Baroque squares in all of southern Italy. The piazza is enclosed on three sides, which gives it an almost theatrical atmosphere. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption has foundations dating back to 1144, though the current design was commissioned in the 17th century. The bell tower next to it stands over 70 metres tall: climb it for sweeping views over the city and, on clear days, all the way to the mountains of Albania across the Adriatic.

Papier-mâché artisan workshops

Lecce has a centuries-old tradition of papier-mâché craftsmanship, and the old town is dotted with small workshops where artisans produce religious statues, carnival masks, and decorative objects by hand. Many workshops welcome visitors to watch the process, and some offer hands-on sessions for families. It is a genuinely memorable activity that connects kids to local culture in a tactile, creative way.

The hidden Roman Theatre

Tucked quietly among the side streets of the historic centre, Lecce's lesser-known Teatro Romano is a lovely find. It is smaller and more intimate than the amphitheatre, and it has become something of a local secret thanks to its resident population of cats who have made it their home. A charming, unhurried stop that kids tend to enjoy for obvious reasons.

Lecce cooking class experience

Cooking classes are a popular and genuinely fun family activity in Lecce. Some experiences start with a guided tour of the city's produce market before moving into a class held in a historic palazzo, where you learn to make local dishes using fresh Puglian ingredients. It is a great way to slow down, connect with the food culture, and come home with a skill your kids will actually remember.

Festa di Sant'Oronzo (August)

If you are visiting in August, the Festa di Sant'Oronzo is a brilliant experience. This key local festival brings the city to life with street food stalls selling rustici, puccie, and other Lecce specialities. The atmosphere is festive and very family-friendly, with the historic piazzas at the heart of the celebrations. A wonderful way to experience Lecce at its most vibrant.