One Day in Lecce with Kids
One Day in Lecce with Kids – Italy can be exceptionally beautiful, but Lecce is a markedly handsome city built in soft creamy limestone. If you’re seeking inspiration for a swift achievable Lecce experience then here are the highlights.
Gates of Lecce – One Day in Lecce with Kids
It might sound odd, but entering an old town through an impressive archway or gate spurs my kids on. We parked up then headed into traditional Lecce though the impressive San Biagio Gate. Of the city’s four original gates, three remain – Porta Rudiae, Porta Napoli and Porta S. Biagio.
Amphitheatre – One Day in Lecce with Kids
From San Biagio Gate we made a beeline for Lecce’s Roman amphitheatre ruins, passing the detailed church of Santa Chiara en route. The amphitheatre’s right in the middle of the city, on Piazza St. Oronzo, it’s kinda surreal. Of course my boys have heard of Romans and gladiators so they entertained themselves with tales of fighting lions and battles to the death. In its heyday this amphitheatre’s said to have held around 15,000 spectators watching gladiators fight with bulls, lions, bears and other people unfortunate enough to face them!
Doorways – One Day in Lecce with Kids
A quirky thing to mention but keep an eye out for the notably attractive doors in Lecce and photograph your favourites. Unusual tip, I know!
Lecce’s Duomo – One Day in Lecce with Kids
Lecce’s Duomo is the city’s third incarnation, dating from the mid 17th century. Lecce is famed for its baroque architecture, perfectly embodied in its churches, and the Duomo is a shining example. A Baroque Walking Tour is on offer to provide more depth and info.
Tourist Train – One Day in Lecce with Kids
A little white tourist train runs through town so that you don’t have to take a step. It’s said to leave every hour from Castello Carlo V from 0930-1930 during the season and we spotted it outside the Duomo.
Beautiful Buildings
If you simply follow your nose and wander around Lecce’s old town, occasionally following the helpful tourist signs, you’ll hit upon several stunning buildings. Our favourite stops were at the Basilica de Santa Croce and the Palazzo dei Celestini, a former convent of the Celestines now home to the Prefecture of Lecce.
Play Time & Greenery at Villa Comunale
From the Basilica de Santa Croce and the Palazzo dei Celestini we cut through a picturesque passageway (pictured above) to reach Lecce’s park, Villa Comunale. Look out for a large fountain, circular temple and a small play area for little ones to have some down time.
Food & Drink
Natale Bakery for Pasticciotti
Next stop, grab a traditional pasticciotti from this classic Italian bakery. You can pick up all manner or treats and goodies at Natale’s, but this local breakfast or mid morning snack, stuffed with custard, cream or ricotta, is bliss. Take your shopping bags to dine at Piazza St. Oronzo and sit on the steps and people watch = a pitstop in the sun.
Cafe Leccese
This sweet drink cuts through the heat of a Puglian day. Coffee, syrup and ice – I found them quite addictive! We stopped at the desperately informal Cafe Palmieri next to Porta Napoli, but ask for this local beverage all round town.
Foodie Tours
Get organised and dine as you tour. A mix of experiences are available including a Private Walking Food Tour, a Street Food Tour, a cycling food tour, a pasticchiotto walking tour and a private pasta making class.
McDonalds on Via Salvatore Trinchese
This may be sacrilege but we fancied a break from pizza and pasta so we grabbed a McDonalds. It was the cheapest family meal of our 10-day holiday. Lecce (as a city) has more dining options than smaller towns if you fancy something different.
Where to Stay
You can find some beautiful spots around the old town. We went slightly further afield and rented a small apartment in Aquarica, so we had both Lecce and Otranto within reach for day trips, and we were a ten minute drive from the beach.
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Have fun!
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