Top 5 Unique Places to Stay in Lecce City Centre, Puglia

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Lecce, Puglia

Since moving to live in Puglia, specifically Lecce, in early 2024, I took on a mission to find the best hidden gems spots, and places that offer unique Pugliese authentic experiences.

During the summer of 2024, I collaborated with the top and unique stays in Lecce’s historic city centre, and today I am sharing those unique stays in this article.

Where is Lecce

Lecce is a city located in South Italy, in the Puglia region. Italians call Lecce, the “Florence of the South” because the architecture of Lecce is phenomenal with all Baroque Facades from the medieval ears.

How to get to Lecce

The good news is that Lecce is a well-connected city internationally and regionally and there are several ways to get to Lecce.

By Air

Brindisi International Airport

Lecce’s closest airport is Brindisi Airport which is around 40-minute drive. Brindisi airport connects south of Puglia with many international flights, and currently, there are expansion plans to connect Brindisi airport with the rest of the world.

Brindisi airport is reached by regular bus services with various main cities in Puglia and also to the main train station in Brindisi which is less than 10-minute drive from the airport.

You can buy the bus tickets directly from the café or the Tabaccheria at the arrival airport building, which costs under $3.

Bari International Airport

The other closest airport is Bari International Airport which is 2-hour drive from Lecce. Given that Bari is the capital of Puglia, the airport is bigger and serves a wider destinations choice.

By Train

Lecce is well-connected by train to the main Italian cities and nearby coastal towns in Salento.

Furthermore, currently, there are plans to update the train tracks and add sleeper trains to connect Lecce (South Italy) to Milan (North Italy) and vice versa.

Using the Trainline application, you can book your train journey smoothly without the need to print the train tickets.

By Bus

Similar to train links, Lecce is well connected to other Italian main cities by bus, you can book online directly your bus from Flexibus or check OMIO for other options.

By Car – Car Rentals

Italy is known for its highways connecting all of Italy with well-service roads, some highways are paid roads (Tolls roads, you can pay by card or cash, however, it is advised to have cash at all times when travelling in Italy).

In my opinion, if you want to explore Italy and nearby towns, especially if you are visiting the South of Italy, I recommend renting a car.

Car rental offices are found at the airports and city centres, I use rental car application to book all my car rentals when I roam around Italy, it is quick, efficient, and easy to book and cancel your booking for free should you need to do so.

Best Time to Visit Lecce

Since Italy is located in the Northern Hemisphere, Italy enjoys 4 seasons a year. Summertime is from June to August, Autumntime is from September to November, Wintertime is from December to February and Springtime is from March to May.

Bonus Tip: Italy is such a long and big country Northern regions’ weather is colder during winter than Southern regions, therefore, be sure to check the weather of the cities you are visiting in every season, as the temperatures change and the weather can vary a lot between North and South.

Wintertime

Given its location in South Italy, Lecce enjoys milder winters in comparison to Northern Europe, which makes it the perfect season for sightseeing tours during wintertime, that is between December and February.

Bonus Tip: Please be mindful that from January until the end of February, Salento (South Puglia) small towns are empty, and most restaurants and stays are closed.

Summertime

Summertime in Lecce, from June until August, Lecce can be very hot and humid, in all honesty, if you are visiting Lecce during this time, I recommend visiting the crystal-clear beaches that are less than a 30-minute drive from Lecce’s centre.

Lecce’s strategic location to both the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea makes it the perfect destination to explore both sides of beaches from soft sand white beaches to cliff turquoise ones, you can explore my top Salento Beaches in my other article.

Spring and Autumn Seasons

Springtime and Autumntime are the best times to go sightseeing and perhaps visit the beaches in Puglia.

During these seasons, Puglia has fewer tourists and enjoys warm and sunny days, and slightly cooler evenings, perfect for sitting outdoors.

Unique Places to Stay in Lecce

There are many options to choose from if you are staying in Lecce, from hostels, B&B, boutique hotels, and luxury accommodations.

In this article, I chose the top 5 unique places to stay in the heart of Lecce city centre, each one of those 5 stays offers a unique experience and true Salentino hospitality that will complement your holiday in Lecce and make your stay memorable.

Top 5 Unique Places to Stay at Lecce City Centre, Puglia

All places I listed in this article offer unique features, and they are not listed in any order. All those places are my top favourites for different reasons, let’s explore them together.

Top Unique Place to Stay in Lecce Number 1: Palazzo De Noha – Boutique Hotel

Palazzo De Noha is a luxury Leccese Boutique Hotel, opened in 2018, offering a true Leccese family feel hospitality at the heart of Lecce. Recently, Palazzo De Noha was awarded One Key of the Michelin Keys Guides, making it one of two properties to be awarded the key in Lecce.

Palazzo De Noha History

Palazzo De Noha was built in the 16^th century by a wealthy man called Francesco De Noha, who towards the end of his life decided to leave the property to his second wife Marzia with the commitment to turn the property into a hospital for poor and orphan children.

In 2018 De Donno family, the current owners, carried out restoration work to transform the Palazzo into their new home in Lecce, however, after the restoration work was completed, the family decided to turn the Palazzo De Noha into a Luxury Boutique Hotel consisting of 12 rooms and suits.

Palazzo De Noha Today

The well-known Francesca Fiore and Lorenzo Spagnolo Studio Design carried -out the architecture and interior design during the restoration work at Palazzo De Noha.

Throughout the Palazzo, the guests will enjoy art displays on the walls and unique furniture designs where some of the interior pieces were designed by famous Architects including the well-known international Architect Zaha Hadid.

Top Reasons to Stay at Palazzo De Noha

• Palazzo De Noha Art Gallery, if you are an art lover, you will enjoy the beauty of Palazzo De Noha accommodation, which includes an Art Gallery in the halls and the rooms. Each room and suite is designed differently and enjoy unique characters.
• Rooftop Plunge Pool and Solarium Area, the guests of the Palazzo, an exclusive plunge pool with a solarium area are perfect to cool off during hot summer days.
• Exclusive In-House Guests Rooftop Bar Perfect for Sunsets, overlooking the top of the historic Lecce city centre, the guests of Palazzo De Noha enjoy an exclusive rooftop bar perfect for watching sunsets and indulging in aperitivo time snacks and freshly made cocktails.

Key Amenities at Palazzo De Noha

• 24-Hour reception area
• Personalised concierge and private tours
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Private and secured car parking for guests only
• Rooftop plunge pool with solarium area
• Breakfast and snacks rooftop bar

Top Unique Place to Stay in Lecce Number 2: Patria Palace Hotel – 5 Stars Hotel

Patria Palace History

Patria Palace built in the 18th century as a residence for a noble family from Lecce, Marquises D’Anna-Petrarolo who chose the architect Mauro Manieri to build this beautiful Baroque Style Palace at the heart of Lecce.

Until 1850, Patria Palace was a warm home to many orphan children until the ownership transferred to Giacomo Gridi’s family who turned the Palace into the first Locanda (Inn) for travellers and named it (Patria) which means Homeland.

Patria Palace Today

Guests staying at Patria Palace will find a tasteful and elegant interior nowadays, between maintaining the Baroque style and mixing with modern art and contemporary style made by well-known Italian artisans, the Palace offers unmatched luxury for their guests.

Top Reasons to Stay at Patria Palace

Atenze Restaurant is a fine dining experience using seasonal fresh ingredients to create a fusion of Pugliese dishes.

During summertime, Atenze Restaurant opens its rooftop garden providing a magical and romantic dinner with top views of Santa Croce Basilica.

Beach Club Access, at Patria Palace, guests enjoy exclusive Beach Access to the Adriatic Sea with a free scheduled shuttle bus from/to the Palace. It is worth mentioning, that Patria Palace is the only Hotel in Lecce that offers Beach Access to its guests.

Pet-Friendly Hotel! Patria Palace can accommodate the guests’ fury pets weighing up to 8 kgs, so on your next visit, do not forget to bring your own pet for some spoiling time!

Sira Rooftop Bar is a wonderful rooftop bar that offers views of Santa Croce Basilica, at Sira, your host will prepare some house-made cocktails mixed with the Palace Garden fresh herbs. It is the trendy rooftop destination at the heart of Lecce.

Terrace Suite at Patria Palace is a must-stay suite to book to unwind on the very spacious terrace with its private pool that overlooks the Basilica of Santa Croce.

At the Terrace Suite, you can enjoy a private romantic dinner or simply indulge in the sunset views from your private pool while sipping the finest Salentino wines.

Key Patria Palace Amenities

• 24-Hour reception area
• Personalised concierge and private tours
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Private and secured car parking for guests only
• Award-winning restaurant and Rooftop Terrace
• Pet Friendly
• Dedicated Beach access with free scheduled shuttle bus pick up and drop off services

Top Unique Place to Stay in Lecce Number 3: Pollicastro Palazzo – 4 Stars Boutique Hotel

Pollicastro Palazzo Histroy

Pollicastro Palazzo is a 4-star Boutique Hotel that was believed to have been built on 1508 on the ruins house of Saint Oronzo (The first Bishop of Lecce City).

A few years ago, the restoration of this Palazzo was completed turning it into a beautiful Hotel at the heart of the city centre of Lecce.

Pollicastro Palazzo Today

During the restoration, it was chosen to maintain the key historic structure elements of the Palazzo; the Leccese Pietra (the limestone stones), wood, and iron, and bending those elements with a modern twist to ensure the comfort of the Palazzo guests.

Today, Torre Del Parco and Pollicastro Palazzo are sister hotels and guests can enjoy similar experiences offered by both hotels.

Top Reasons to Stay at Pollicastro Palazzo

The Signature Breakfast Experience. The Palazzo guests are scheduled with an unforgettable Signature Breakfast experience when they stay at Pollicastro. Why the Breakfast Experience is so special?

• The Signature Breakfast have 4 different fresh, seasonal menus to choose from, the Salentino, the Greek, the Pugliese, and the Healthy menus.
• All ingredients are sourced from premium local and organic produce farms
• The Breakfast seating area is unique, as a guest, you will not only indulge in a top breakfast menu, but you will experience the beautifully curated art selection surrounding the breakfast area, such as metal sculptures, colourful paintings, and vintage interiors.

The Terrace is perfect for cooling down at sunset during hot summer days to enjoy traditional Italian aperitivo drinks and snacks with friends or family while being surrounded by a lush and tasteful rooftop garden.

The Terrace offers top views of the historic city centre of Lecce and a direct view of the Chiesa (Church) di San Matteo.

The Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite with Underground Cave Pool! Yes, you read it right! This suite is one of a kind in Lecce, it is the only suite in Lecce that offers an underground cave pool while the water is cascading into the underground historic cave pool. This room is a must-do unique experience when staying in Lecce!

Key Pollicastro Palazzo Amenities

• 24-Hour reception area
• Personalised concierge and private tours
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Private and secured car parking for guests only
• The Terrace Garden perfect for evening drinks and aperitivo times
• Daily Signature Breakfast
• Spa and Wellness

Top Unique Place to Stay in Lecce Number 4: Torre Del Parco – 4 Stars Hotel (A Historic Tower Hotel)

This hotel perhaps is located outside the city centre walls; however, Torre Del Parco is less than 10 minutes’ walk to Porta San Biagio, one of the accesses to the historic city centre of Lecce.

I had to include this unique fortress hotel in my top stays in Lecce as Torre Del Parco is the only stay in Lecce that offers a historic stay inside a Fortress.

Torre Del Parco History

Torre Del Parco is a medieval Fortress built in the 15^th century. It consists of a Tower, the Prince’s Palace, the State Mint, and a Court.

Inside the Tower, there is a historic chapel and a prison. Today, guests can enjoy viewing old engravings and paintings covering the walls of the Tower.

Top Reasons to Stay at Torre Del Parco

• Torre Del Parco Medieval Fortress is the only hotel in Lecce that offers a stay in a medieval fortress and each room is decorated differently
• Signature Breakfast Experience. Like Pollicastro Palazzo Hotel, Torre Del Parco offers the Signature Breakfast that is served in the beautiful outdoors garden
• Wellness and Relaxation Spa area inside the medieval fortress that ensures taking you in a relaxing journey after days by the beach
• Easy access location to Salento Top Beaches, given that Torre Del Parco is located outside the city centre of Lecce, it is located on the street that will connect you with the main highway taking you to the top beaches at either the Adriatic side or the Ionian side with no longer that 20-25 minutes’ drive.

Torre Del Parco Key Amenities

• 24-Hour reception area
• Personalised concierge and private tours
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Private and secured car parking for guests only
• Bridge Garden perfect for evening drinks and aperitivo times
• Daily Signature Breakfast
• Spa and Wellness

Top Unique Place to Stay in Lecce Number 5: La Fiermontina Family Collection– Luxury 5 Stars Hotel

La Fiermontina Family Collection’s story started in Lecce in 2015 when the grandchildren of Antonia Fiermontina and her brother Enzo Fiermonte decided to honour their lives and create a luxury stay that “celebrates the harmonious blend of art and the pleasure of living.”

La Fiermontina Family Collection – Lecce

La Fiermontina Family Collection in Lecce consists of 3 different stays at Lecce City Centre, each offering a unique experience that exudes the Salentino artistic hospitality.

Those 3 Stays are:

First Stay: La Fiermontina Luxury Home – Masseria

La Fiermontina Luxury Home is a Masseria built-in Lecce City in the 17^th century. Today the Masseria consists of 19 rooms and suites in a style called Albergo Difuso.

Top Reasons to Stay at La Fiermontina Luxury Home

• La Fiermontina Luxury Home has a beautiful, lush, and tranquil Garden with one of the biggest swimming pools you can find in Lecce City Centre.

• There is also a café and world-class restaurant to make your stay memorable, the restaurant’s name is Zéphyr Restaurant by Chef Alessandro Pascali. Described as “A fusion of cultures that create a unique, innovative cuisine with local roots”.

• All La Fiermontina guests get to enjoy all the facilities that each one of those 3 stays offers, such as free access to the museum, rooftop swimming pool, Gardens and the biggest swimming pool. ,

Bonus Info: Albergo Difuso is a form of Italian hospitality created in the 1980s, it is a hotel in the form of various buildings nearby, usually this term is used to revive the historic city centres of Italian towns.

Bonus Info: A Masseria is an Italian term used for lands and establishments that produce farm products whether these products are animals or agricultural.

 Second Stay: Fiermonte Museum

The Fiermonte Museum stay is without a doubt the most unique stay experience you will ever find in Lecce! It features artworks by Antonia Fiermonte, Jacques Zwobada, René Letourneur,

The Fiermonte Museum hosts 4 suites, and each one of those suites offers a different artistic experience inside the suite itself.

Top Reasons to Stay at the Fiermonte Museum Stay

• In each of those suites, the guests will find artistic kits to unleash their artistic side, whether it is clay or watercolour painting kits, it is a pure art experience.
• Also, given the suites are situated above the museum, the guests of the museum suites are provided with flashlights to experience the museum after dark hours, I mean, how cool is this!
• All the activities the La Fiermontina hosts, such as the private cooking classes, and art classes are hosted at the Museum grounds.

Third Stay: La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso

La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso was built in 1775 and is a few steps from the famous Basilica di Santa Croce.

Palazzo Bozzi Corso hosts 10 suites, each suite offers a different style whilst maintaining the artistic luxury around.

What caught my eye at the Palazzo was the mix of art deco interior blended with the original wooden interior features of the Palazzo, this vibe gave me the feel of lush and took my senses to the Great Gatsby era.

Top Reasons to Stay at La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso

• The vintage and art-deco Palace and relaxation lounges areas
• Rooftop Haven has a small plunge pool with a spacious garden makes it the perfect escape for signature sunset cocktails served on the rooftop.
• Each room has its own style and features which

Bonus Tip: It is worth mentioning that all guests of La Fiermontina Home Collection can enjoy the facilities of the other stays within Lecce, such as visiting the museum, using the swimming pool, priority for booking Zefyer restaurant and the rooftop pool and garden at the Palazzo.

Final Say…

While you are staying at one of those unique hotels in Lecce, you can read through my other articles about Puglia where you want to explore the most beautiful Towns to Visit in Puglia or discover the top beaches in Salento, I got you covered!

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If you wish to visit Puglia specifically or Italy in general and you do not know where to start, or where to stay, and what to do, there is no better way than letting me help you plan your charming Italian escape.

Check out the travel planning packages I offer and let me transform your Italian dream into a magical reality.