Lecce "The Florence of the South"

Ciao a tutti! We have been here in Lecce almost a week and love it so much that we are staying another week! 

Lecce is a Baroque city founded around 200 BC, making it over 2000 years old! The buildings, churches, and piazzas are majestically beautiful and the streets and alleyways are lined with lovely shops, restaurants and bars. 

We are staying in the historic part of this city which has a population of about 95,000. Originally it was a walled city with three magnificent city gates. We are closest to la Porta Napoli.

Of course, Lecce was absorbed into the Roman Empire around the second century. It is even home to a Roman amphitheater that had been completely buried under the city until its accidental discovery around 1901. Excavations continue to this day, but it is a marvel to see.

What does one do while in Lecce? Basically nothing. We wander the historic old town, window shop, stop for yet another coffee or wine, and are finally feeling comfortable having small conversations with people. A little awkward, a little stilted, but it's working!We did do a cooking class and learned how to make orecchiette, little ears, which is the traditional pasta of this area. Served with fresh tomato sauce and parmesan, it went well with the regional wine that was included with the class.

We're here another week, so, arriverderci e ci vediamo dopo, amici miei!