A Journey Through Time in LecceIn the heart of Lecce, the Faggiano Museum is a hidden treasure that unveils over 2000 years of history. Born by chance during renovation work, the museum reveals an intriguing story of ancient peoples, a forgotten convent, and mysterious underground excavations. From medieval cisterns and Messapic floors to tombs carved into the rock, every corner tells tales of life and death, of secrets buried in time. A unique place where the past meets the present. Discover it, explore it, live it.

The museum located inside a medieval palace with a late Renaissance and Baroque appearance, on the site where the 15th-century synagogue stood in the center of Lecce's old Jewish quarter. Visitors are invited to follow the traces of the Jewish presence in Lecce from the Middle Ages to the present day, the legacy of Apulian Jewry in other centers of the diaspora, and the relationships between communities of different faiths in the history of the area.

The Provincial Museum "Sigismondo Castromediano" is an archaeological museum in Lecce. The Picture Gallery, located on the upper floor of the building, displays paintings documenting Byzantine and Venetian influences on the work of local artists from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

In Lecce, one can take a fascinating journey through Apulia's transportation history by visiting the Museo Ferroviario della Puglia (Apulian Railway Museum), created by a group of real and miniature railway enthusiasts formed in 1997 into the non-profit AISAF Onlus.

Abbey of Cerrate Nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of olive groves and cultivated fields, the Abbey of Cerrate tells a captivating tale of faith and agricultural tradition. Founded between the 11th and 12th centuries by Italo-Greek monks, according to legend by King Tancredi of Altavilla, the abbey became one of the most significant monastic centers in southern Italy. Once a place of worship and a working farm with mills, oil presses, and housing for peasants, it fell into disrepair after being raided by Turkish pirates in 1711. A long period of abandonment followed, until a careful restoration in the 1960s brought it back to life. Today, the abbey is open to visitors once more, with its church restored for worship and its Romanesque frescoes making it a unique example of Byzantine art. A remarkable corner of history and beauty, reflecting the rich past of this extraordinary land.

There’s much to discover around Lecce, starting with the towns of the "Grecia Salentina," a land where history, tradition, and culture intertwine. Nine municipalities (now eleven) have united since 2007 to preserve and promote the "griko" dialect, an ancient language that traces its roots back to Magna Grecia and the Byzantine rule. Among the villages of Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, Castrignano de’ Greci, Martano, Soleto, and others, you’ll find a unique atmosphere, shaped by centuries-old language, customs, and legends. A region where, through collaboration between the towns, the rich cultural and tourist heritage is passionately and authentically shared with the world.

Discover the magic of the Itria Valley, a land of trulli, olive groves, and charming villages. This region of Puglia, with its breathtaking landscapes and white-stone villages, is a true gem to explore. The picturesque historic centers of Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino offer timeless beauty, with narrow streets, quaint squares, and traditional trulli. A journey through the Itria Valley is a dive into the authentic culture and traditions of the true Puglia.

Salento is a corner of paradise, where the sea offers enchanting beaches, charming villages, and crystal-clear waters in tropical hues. From Gallipoli to Otranto, from Porto Cesareo to Santa Maria di Leuca, every corner reveals breathtaking landscapes. Embraced by two seas – the rocky Adriatic and the sandy Ionian – and shaped by the winds of Tramontana, Scirocco, and Grecale, Salento constantly transforms. Lecce is the perfect starting point to explore this land, where every journey adapts to the beauty and atmosphere of the moment.

 predominantly rocky and kissed by the winds of Tramontana and Grecale, is a true paradise for windsurfing enthusiasts, with waters offering the perfect stage for sports lovers. But it's not just for thrill-seekers: hidden caves, sheltered coves, and breathtaking inlets make this stretch of coast ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in truly unique and sensational atmospheres. The must-see marinas and spots, perfect for both swimming and scenic tours, are all just a short 15-30 minute drive from Lecce. A corner of Salento where nature and the sea deliver unforgettable emotions.

Enchanting with its stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, the Ionian coast stretches from Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, to the small coves in the province of Taranto. Here, paradises of white and blue await, perfect for losing track of time during a summer escape. Ideal for those who wish to relax on fine, white beaches, bask in the setting sun, and immerse themselves in the sea, this coastline offers truly unique panoramas. Influenced by the warm Scirocco wind, it promises unforgettable moments. The must-see spots, perfect for both swimming and exploration, are just a 20-40 minute drive from Lecce.

Set off to discover the Caves of Leuca with a spectacular boat tour... Ceruleo, Porrano, Verdusella, Vora, all the way to the Adriatic coast at Santa Maria di Leuca. Two stops are planned for a swim, near two enchanting caves: the River Cave on the Ionian side and the Blowhole Cave on the Adriatic.