What to do in Lecce on St. Martin's Day November 11

Nov. 11 is a special date in Lecce because it coincides with the celebration of St. Martin's Day. This holiday is very important to the people of Lecce, and it provides an opportunity to participate in many artistic, cultural and culinary activities.

If you are planning to visit Lecce on this date, here are some ideas on what to do to best experience the feast of St. Martin.

san martino a lecce

Exploring the historic center

One of the best ways to start your day in Lecce is to explore its wonderful historic center. On November 11, the streets will be decked out with the first lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. It will be a unique experience to stroll through the streets of the historic center, admiring the Baroque art of the palaces, ornate churches and lively squares.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of Lecce's architectural jewels. This church is famous for its richly decorated facade with breathtaking Baroque details. Inside, you can admire works of art and frescoes that tell the religious and artistic history of the city.

Savor the local cuisine

Salento's cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors, and November 11 is the perfect opportunity to sample some traditional dishes. You can't visit Lecce without tasting pasticciotto, a typical local dessert with different filling variations, such as custard, jam or chocolate.

Also, don't miss the opportunity to taste homemade pasta, a Salento culinary delight that you'll find in many restaurants and trattorias during St. Martin's Day. Fresh pasta, prepared with care and skill, offers an extraordinary taste experience. You'll enjoy different types of homemade pasta, such as orecchiette, sagne and maccheroni, accompanied by traditional sauces and fresh ingredients. Be sure to delight your palate with these authentic flavors that embody the culinary tradition of Lecce.

Many restaurants and bakeries offer these delicacies during St. Martin's Day, so be sure to delight your palate with these unique flavors.

San Martino a Lecce

Markets and entertainment

November 11 in Lecce is often enlivened by markets and stalls selling handicrafts, religious items and traditional foods. This is a great opportunity to shop and purchase unique souvenirs, such as handcrafted jewelry, local textiles and sacred items.

In addition, you can enjoy traditional music and dance performances in the squares and streets. The energy and cheerfulness of local musicians and dancers will make you feel an integral part of the celebration.

Visit the Charles V Castle

If you're interested in discovering the history of Lecce, the Charles V Castle is a must-see. This majestic castle, built in the 16th century, houses the "Sigismondo Castromediano" Provincial Archaeological Museum. Inside, you can admire archaeological finds, works of art and artifacts that tell the story of the city and the surrounding region.

Take part in cultural events

During St. Martin's Day, cultural events are often organized, such as theater performances, concerts and art exhibitions. Check out the schedule of local events to find out what cultural events will take place during your visit. Participating in these activities will allow you to deepen your understanding of Lecce's culture and tradition.

Enjoy the nightlife

The celebration of San Martino in Lecce continues after dark. Nightclubs and bars in the historic center come alive with music and festivities. It's a great opportunity to socialize with locals, dance to the beat of traditional Salento music and enjoy special drinks and cocktails.

san martino a lecce la sera

Experience the tradition of St. Martin's Day in Lecce

November 11 in Lecce is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, history and cuisine. Whether you're interested in religious celebrations, discovering Baroque art or sampling local delicacies, there's something for everyone.

To make your visit even more memorable, why not book one of our exclusive vacation rentals in Lecce? It will be a perfect way to make the most of St. Martin's Day and fully savor all that this beautiful city has to offer. Take advantage of this opportunity and book your vacation in Lecce now. It will be an unforgettable experience!

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Lecce

Index What is beautiful in Lecce? What is the sea like in Lecce? What does Lecce look like? What to do in Lecce in one day? What is the most beautiful area in Lecce? What is special to eat in Lecce? How far is the city of Lecce from the sea? How far is Lecce from the beach? What is the most beautiful sea near Lecce? What is the most beautiful town in Salento? What to see in Lecce on foot? What are the people of Lecce like? What to eat in Lecce street food? What is worth buying in Lecce? What to do for free in Lecce? What is Lecce known for? What is the typical Lecce dish? What do you eat for breakfast in Lecce? How far are the Maldives of Salento from Lecce? How far is Polignano a Mare from Lecce? How far is it from Brindisi to Lecce? What towns to visit near Lecce? How far is Lecce train station from the historic center?What is beautiful about Lecce?The main attractions in Lecce Old Town, Lecce Basilica of Santa Croce Faggiano Museum Cathedral Maria Santissima Assunta and S.Oronzo Cathedral Square Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate Jewish Museum of Lecce Roman AmphitheaterREAD ALSO:What to see in Lecce in a day: the beauties of the centerWhat is the sea like in Lecce?The city of Lecce has six coastal hamlets, all located on the eastern coast of Salento, the closest to the city, on a coastline that consists of sandy beaches interspersed with rare low cliffs. Of the marinas, the closest is San Cataldo, known to most as the beach of the Leccesi.How is Lecce called?Also called Florence of the South, Lecce is among the must-see destinations if you decide to visit Puglia. The white Lecce stone, the historical wonders, and the elegance of its Baroque forms will make your next 48 hours unforgettable.What to do in Lecce in a day?Lecce, what to see in a day. Charles V Castle. Roman Amphitheater. MUST, Historical Museum of the City Roman Theater. Via delle Giravolte. Porta Rudiae. Porta Napoli. Porta San Biagio. Cathedral of Lecce. Basilica of Santa Croce. Giuseppe Garibaldi Public Gardens.What is the most beautiful area of Lecce?From San Cataldo to Torre SpecchiaThe beach closest to Lecce and therefore most frequented by its citizens is that of San Cataldo, a seaside hamlet of Lecce. Here the coast is almost entirely sandy, lapped by turquoise waters and interspersed with rocky stretches.What special things to eat in Lecce?10 culinary specialties of Lecce Ciceri e tria Pasticciotto Rustic Orecchiette Puccia Broad beans and chicory Potato panzerotti Peppered musselsHow far is the city of Lecce from the sea?How far is Lecce from the beach? One of the questions that every self-respecting tourist asks when choosing Lecce is "what is the city's distance from the sea." Lecce is about 28 km away Ionian Sea and about 13 kmaway from the Adriatic Sea.What is the most beautiful sea near Lecce?The best beaches in the province of Lecce and Salento: Gallipoli beach (Gallipoli) Porto Cesareo Beach (Frigole) Santa Cesarea Terme (near Otranto) Alimini Beach (Otranto) The Maldives of Salento (Santa Maria di Leuca) Torre Mozza (Ugento, Lecce) Castro Marina (Lecce) Baia dei Turchi (Otranto)What is the most beautiful village in Salento?The most beautiful villages in Salento Otranto Galatina Specchia Maglie Muro Leccese Tricase Nardò Santa Cesarea TermeWhat to see in Lecce on foot? Sant'Oronzo Square Roman Amphitheater Sedile (also known as Palazzo del Seggio) The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Porta San Biagio, Porta Rudie and Porta Napoli Via Palmieri and Via Libertini Giravolte district Palmieri boarding schoolWhat are the people of Lecce like?The people of Salento are a genuine, intelligent and spontaneous people. Often prone to banter and joking, they hardly take offense, and indeed make the so-called 'ngiuria a reason if not really of pride, of good-natured fun and joking.What to eat in Lecce street food?Street food in Lecce: here's what to eat The Rustico Leccese La Puccia Le Pittule The pignata octopus Il Pasticciotto Il Fruttone Horse Chunks in SauceWhat is worth buying in Lecce?One is then attracted by: orecchiette, maccarruni, frise, uliate, taralli and tarallini, ricotta forte, cotognata and Salento's oil. There's no shortage of wines, to be jealously guarded in the cellar, such as Primitivo, DOC Aleatico di Puglia, DOC Alezio and Copertino.What to do for free in Lecce? Old Town, Lecce Basilica of Santa Croce Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta and S. Oronzo Cathedral Square Roman Amphitheater Sant'Oronzo Square Church of St. Matthew Naples GateWhat is Lecce known for?What is Lecce famous forLecce is famous for its Baroque art; it's no coincidence that it has been named the "Lady of Baroque." In fact, the city is a riot of art, historical and religious buildings, such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Cathedral Square with its bell tower and the Bishop's Palace.READ ALSO:What to see in Lecce in a day: the beauties of the center.Where is it best to stay in Lecce? Apartments in Lecce B&Bs in Lecce Luxury homes in Lecce Vacation homes in Lecce Residences in Lecce Villas and cottages in LecceWhat is life like in Lecce?Daily life in Lecce is characterized by a relaxed pace and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. The city is well organized and offers all the services necessary for comfortable living, including public transportation, stores, restaurants, schools, and health facilities.READ ALSO:Pubs, Clubs and Bars: the aperitif in Lecce as a unique experienceWhat is the typical Lecce dish?octopus alla pignataThe protagonist par excellence of Salento cuisine is octopus alla pignata, a dish that involves cooking the octopus in an earthenware pot, over low heat and with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions and chili peppers.READ ALSO: What to eat in Lecce: traditional dishes.What do you eat for breakfast in Lecce?Let's start with breakfast: breakfast in Lecce consists of pasticciotto, a typical local pastry made of short pastry and custard, accompanied by coffee. Not just any coffee, but Quarta Caffè, also locally produced and characterized by a strong and intense aroma.How far is Maldive del Salento from Lecce?Torre Pali is 74km. It takes approximately 1h 1min to drive from Lecce to Maldive del Salento areaHow far is Polignano a Mare from Lecce?The distance between Lecce and Polignano a Mare is 116km. The driving distance is 116.7km.How far is it from Brindisi to Lecce?38 kmThe distance between Brindisi and Lecce is 38 km.Which countries should you visit near Lecce? Galatina Specchia Maglie Muro Leccese Tricase Nardò Santa Cesarea Terme GallipoliHow far is Lecce station from the city center?Lecce station is about 1 km from the city center (map).
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Guides

Journey through the 7 jewels of sacred art and Lecce Baroque

The Cathedral and its CryptAmong the seven most beautiful churches in Lecce, the majestic presence of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in Piazza del Duomo, stands out. Founded in 1114 during the Norman period, this magnificent structure was completely rebuilt starting in 1659 by architect Giuseppe Zimbalo at the behest of Bishop Luigi Pappacoda. Made of the typical Lecce limestone, the cathedral has an imposing three-aisle layout and a panoramic bell tower that was also used for geodetic measurements in the 19th century.The crypt is the hidden jewel of Lecce Cathedral. It spans almost the entire surface of the church, although much of the rooms have not yet been brought to light.Of particular value are the paintings on the two altars of the left transept, Our Lady of Shame and St. Irene, the ancient patron saint of Lecce, and those on the two altars of the right transept, the Visitation of Mary to St. Elizabeth and the fresco with Mary and St. John under the Cross . The most evocative environment brought to light is the gallery that, starting from the entrance to the crypt, extends for a few tens of meters running in parallel throughout the central nave of the upper cathedral.The Church of St. MatthewThe Church of St. Matthew, on the other hand, amazes with its curvilinear forms and the sumptuousness of its architectural lines. Built in 1667 by architect Achille Larducci, it is said to have been inspired by the Borrominian church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome. Inside, a vast elliptical nave houses the statues of the Apostles, while the nuns attended liturgical services from the mullioned windows of the nave.The Church of St. ClareThe Church of St. Clare, founded in 1429 and renovated between 1687 and 1691, is a jewel of Baroque architecture kept by the Poor Clares, a monastic order founded by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. Inside, the octagonal layout and opulent altars testify to the order's contemplative and cloistered spirit.The Basilica of the Holy CrossThe Basilica of Santa Croce represents the quintessence of Lecce Baroque, with its richly decorated facade and three-aisled interior. Built between 1549 and 1646, this basilica is considered a meeting point between Renaissance and Baroque, testifying to Lecce's artistic and architectural richness.The Church of San MarcoSt. Mark's Church, founded in 1543 by a Venetian colony and named after the historic patron saint of the lagoon city, is a small late Renaissance jewel with a square facade and a portal decorated with a statue of a lion, symbol of the evangelist Mark.The Church of Sant'IreneTheChurch of St. Irene, commissioned by the order of Theatine Fathers, is dedicated to St. Irene of Thessalonica and is an example of 16th-century Baroque architecture. Built between 1591 and 1639, this church was the site of the plebiscite for the Unification of Italy in 1860, testifying to its central role in local history.The Church of San Francesco della ScarpaFinally, the Church of San Francesco della Scarpa, built in the 12th century and renovated between 1699 and 1714, is known for its understated beauty and nickname of "church without a facade." Currently used as an exhibition space and auditorium, this church holds a fascinating history mixed with Lecce's rich religious tradition.How to visit the churches of Lecce?The seven most beautiful churches in Lecce not only represent architectural masterpieces, but are also living testimonies to the rich history and fervent devotion of the city of Salento.Some of these splendid churches, along with other ecclesiastical monuments such as the Palace of the Ancient Seminary or the Museum of Sacred Art, are accessible through the LeccEcclesiae project, a route created by ArtWork in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Lecce and the Splendor Fidei ETS Foundation . This project aims to safeguard, enhance and make usable the main ecclesiastical properties of Lecce, guaranteeing their prolonged opening, welcoming services and offering the best possible visiting experience. For more information and to participate in the project, visit the official ArtWork website . Discover LeccEcclesie
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Events

Weekend between Art and Nature with the FAI Spring Days in Lecce

Extraordinary openings in the province of LecceIn the province of Lecce, as many as 13 extraordinary openings are planned for this occasion. The municipalities involved include Lecce, Nardò, Castrì di Lecce, Gallipoli, Matino, Tuglie, Sannicola and Carpignano Salentino with the hamlet of Serrano, along with the opening of the Abbey ofSanta Maria di Cerrate, the only FAI Property in Puglia.The "FAI...la storia" and "Le vie dell'olio" routes.The visitable properties proposed by the FAI Delegation of Lecce and the FAI Group Salento Jonico are presented this year through two main itineraries: "FAI...la storia" and "Le vie dell'olio."The first itinerary offers the opportunity to visit the Church of Saints Niccolò and Cataldo and the Monumental Cemetery in Lecce, as well as the Church of Santa Maria Incoronata and the former Convent of the Scalzi Augustinians in Nardò. Regarding history, it should be recalled that it was the extraordinary reopening of the latter property in Nardò in 1997 that represented the first FAI Day in Salento, marking a significant moment in the enhancement of local heritage.The second itinerary, "Le vie dell'olio," proposes a series of routes focused on the cultivation of olive trees, from underground oil mills of medieval origin to projects related to the fight against xylella, in order to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the region's environmental heritage, particularly olive trees and oil production.FAI places to visit in and around Lecce.Among the properties involved in this itinerary, we find the village, church and underground oil mill of San Ligorio in Lecce, the underground oil mill of Castrì di Lecce, the Granafei underground oil mill in Gallipoli, the Marquisate of the "Del Tufo" family and the frescoed stables of their palace in Matino, the Masseria Carignani in Tuglie, the Cooperativa Olearia Sannicolese in Sannicola, the Olivami project and new reforestation in Serrano, hamlet of Carpignano Salentino, and the Campo dei Giganti at the Boncore Village in Nardò.For more details on all the openings in the province of Lecce, including times and planned initiatives, you can visit the official FAI websiteThe FAI Spring Days represent an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, art and nature of Lecce and Salento, offering an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to fully experience this wonderful land and book now one of our exclusive vacation homes in Lecce to make your stay even more unforgettable! Discover the beauty of Lecce and Salento with us.<a rel='nofollow' href="en/apulia/province-of-lecce/lecce-city/holiday-homes-lecce/" "target="_BLANK" title="Discover homes in Lecce" style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer"> <button style="background-color: #00598a; cursor: pointer; border-spacing: 10px; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 18px; border-radius: 4px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; border-color: #0000; height: 40px; margin: 0px auto; display: inline" type="button"> <div style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800"> Discover homes in Lecce <div style="clear: both"> </div> </div> </button> </a> </div> </div>
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