Lecce, Apulia, Italy
Lecce is the capital of Puglia. Our last full day in Puglia, we took the short drive to see 'the baroque lady', spending the morning wandering centro storico.
So, Tourist Map in hand, we're off dodging tour groups and discovering.
First stop, the Anfiteatro Romano. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was completely buried by rubble froom earthquakes until early in the 20th century. Only about 1/3 is visisble, the remainder still under Sant'Oronzo square.
There are plenty of churches in Lecce (about 40).
We visited the Church of St Nicolo and Catltodo, built in 1180 and then restructured in 1716.
The Cathedral of Lecce is in Piazzo Duomo. Dedicated to Maria SS Assunta, first built in 1144, renovated in 1230 and rebuilt in 1659. The line-ups of tour groups to get in sent us off in search of lunch! So, we didn't make it inside.
Back to Otranto after lunch ... time for a few hours at our local beach before dinner. Then a quick pack, ready to leave after breakfast for the long drive to Calabria.
Kathy Saunders
2018-09-21
Hey Carol and Gary, As you know we stayed in Lecce after hiking the Cinque Terre. My girlfriend owns a house there in the old city. Thought it was like a mini-Rome, without the dirt. We LOVED it there as we did Alberobello with the hobbit houses. You are having an amazing trip!!! Safe travels. CK