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At the heart of the city is Piazza S.Oronzo. This ancient square dates from medieval times and was for a thousand years covered a Roman ampitheater. It was only unearthed in 1901 when the foundations for the Banca d'Italia were being laid.
If you are visiting Lecce, the top ten places to see of historical and urban interest are the following, in no special order of preference:
The Roman Theater - destined to lovers of classical drama during the Augustan period.
- The Arco di Trionfo now Porta Napoli - built for Charles V.
- Church of San Matteo - The church was built between 1667 and 1700 and is faithful to the Baroque style with its wonderful concave and convex facade.
- Palazzo Marrese - the double and refined exteriors of Palazzo Marrese and Palazzo Palmieri enrich Piazetta Falconieri.
- Church of S.Irene dei Teatini - the Chiesa di Sant'Irene dating from 1591 to 1639 is a wonderful example of Counter Reformation architecture.
- Porta Rudiae - dating from 1703 Porta Rudiae is adorned with busts of the legendary founders of Lecce and was also the entrance to ancient Rudiae.
- Church of Saint John the Baptist - closes the genial activity of Giuseppe Zimballo
- Piazza S.Oronzo - Piazza S.Oranzo has been dedicated to the Patron Saint of the city since 1871. It includes the Roman Ampitheater and column with the statue of the Saint at the top, as well as the small church of S.Marco and Palazzo Carafa the seat of the town council
- Basilica S.Croce - a typical example of Lecce baroque. The city's best known local artists contributed to its realization from the late 16th century.
- Piazza Duomo - the main square is one of the most suggestive baroque locations in Italy. Its includes the cathedral, the bell tower, the bishops' palace and the Seminary.
