Lecce: Jewish Museum Underground & Baroque Walking Tour

Summary

Jewish heritage under Lecce’s streets and sunlit piazzas

You’ll follow a local guide through Lecce’s winding streets, descend into the city’s Jewish Museum beneath an ancient synagogue, admire Baroque masterpieces like Santa Croce, and stand among Roman ruins in lively piazzas. This tour brings you close to hidden stories — and leaves you with more questions than answers (in a good way).

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the entrance to the Jewish Museum — just a quiet doorway tucked between stone walls in Lecce’s old town. Our guide, Silvia, waved us in with a grin and led us down cool steps that smelled faintly of earth and candle wax. She told us about the medieval synagogue that once stood here, and I could still hear water echoing in the old purification tanks below. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much in a basement.

We came back up squinting into sunlight and wandered through narrow lanes until the Basilica di Santa Croce suddenly appeared — all wild carvings and faces staring down from the façade. Silvia pointed out tiny details I’d never have noticed (a sheep? grapes?) and laughed when I guessed wrong at their meanings. The air was thick with baking bread from somewhere nearby. The main keyword for this tour is “Lecce walking tour,” but it’s not just about walking — you’re really tracing centuries on foot.

Piazza Sant’Oronzo felt busier, with locals chatting over coffee and kids running around the old Roman column. We paused by the amphitheatre ruins — honestly, it’s surreal seeing ancient stones just sitting there while life goes on around them. Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, we ducked into shade beside Baroque palaces and the Church of Sant’Irene before ending up in Piazza Duomo. The cathedral towered above us; someone played accordion nearby, which made it all feel almost too cinematic… but real. I still think about that echo in the underground room sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lecce's Jewish and Baroque heritage

• Visit Underground Jewish Museum
• Admire Basilica of Santa Croce exterior
• Explore Roman amphitheater and theater
• Discover Baroque palaces and churches
• See Lecce Cathedral and archiepiscopal square

Top questions

Is the Lecce Jewish Museum tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout all stops.

Does this Lecce walking tour include entry tickets?

Yes, your ticket for the Jewish Museum is included in the price.

How long does this day trip in Lecce last?

The full experience covers several key sites over a half-day stroll.

Are children or infants allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transport options close to where the tour starts.

Will we enter any churches during this Lecce walking tour?

You’ll admire church exteriors including Santa Croce and Duomo; interiors are not included.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the route.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Lecce’s Jewish Museum beneath the old synagogue plus guided walks past Baroque landmarks like Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza Duomo. The route is accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, welcomes service animals, and starts near public transport so getting there isn’t a hassle.