Lecce is located in the southern part of Italy's heel, halfway between Brindisi and Otranto. The city has been dubbed the Florence of Baroque. The city's heyday was when it was part of Spain in the 17th century and the noblemen, merchants and religious orders of the city competed with each other to see who could built most palaces. Carved from golden sandstone the exuberant architecture looks like a sumptuous theatrical set.

Piazza Sant'Oronzo is the centre of the old town. From the piazza the via Umberto takes you to the Via Principi di Savoia from where you reach the Portale Napoli. In the old centre you will find some 100 churches and palaces worth seeing.