Italy’s Most Underrated City

Why not explore some of Italy’s most underrated cities? Many of them are true artistic gems—rich in history, full of character, unforgettable culinary experiences, and an Italian spirit welcoming to visitors.

You can skip Rome and Venice (they’ll forgive you!) and instead immerse yourself in the Baroque beauty of Lecce. Often called “The Florence of the South,” Lecce earns the nickname thanks to its stunning architecture and excellent cuisine and not long museum lines.

Lecce sits in Puglia, right in the “heel” of Italy’s famous boot. The city comes alive in the summer with festivals leading up to the feast day of its patron saint in August. Since Lecce receives fewer international tourists, knowing a bit of Italian definitely helps—and adds to the charm.

The city’s story begins in Roman times, and you can still visit the impressive ruins of a 25,000‑seat amphitheater dating back to around 1 B.C. But Lecce’s true signature is its ornate Baroque architecture—full of movement, contrast, exuberant detail, and golden warmth. Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Basilica of Santa Croce are masterpieces. What sets Lecce apart from Florence is its soft limestone, glowing from off‑white to honey‑gold, giving the entire city a dreamy, sun‑kissed look.

Art is everywhere: in the churches, the streets, the workshops, like the Chiesa di Santa Chiara or the Lecce Cathedral. Almost each Italian city has its own artisanal soul. Venice has lace and Murano glass, Umbria has textiles, many regions have ceramics… and Lecce? Papier mâché.

Papier mâché—literally “chewed paper” in French—is an ancient craft here. Layers of moistened paper are shaped, dried, hardened, and transformed into expressive figures, often religious. Lecce’s artisans have perfected this art for centuries, and you’ll find their creations throughout the city and across Puglia.

And for the final touch of your culinary adventure: the olive oil, the fresh seafood, the Mercato di Sant’Oronzo with its local meats and cheeses, and of course the pasticciotto—a warm, custard-filled delight that practically insists you enjoy it with a coffee.

This is where you truly get a taste of the real Italian Spirit!

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