Lecce Jewish

The tour begins with a visit to the Underground Jewish Museum, where you will discover the fascinating Jewish and medieval history of the city. Here you can admire an underground room with tanks used for the purification of the body. You will continue the tour with a stop in front of the Church of Santa Croce, jewel of Lecce Baroque, to appreciate its exterior. You will explore the nearby Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the former market square with the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. Walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you will discover beautiful Baroque palaces and the Church of Sant'Irene. Finally, you will end the tour in Piazza Duomo, one of the most renowned squares in the region, where you will admire the Archbishop's residence, seminary, bell tower and cathedral from the outside.

Discover Lecce, the "Florence of the South," on an unforgettable guided tour that reveals its hidden treasures! This baroque city, with its winding streets and picturesque squares, is a true masterpiece of art and culture. Join an expert guide to explore every corner, uncovering the fascinating stories and architectural wonders that make Lecce one of Salento’s most captivating gems. Admire the stunning churches and ornate palaces, each a testament to centuries of history, and be captivated by the richness of its baroque masterpieces. A key highlight is the exclusive access to the Underground Jewish Museum "Medieval Jewish Lecce," where you’ll delve into the history of the city’s Jewish community, hidden beneath the streets. Don't miss the chance to experience an immersive journey where history, art, and legends come together for an unforgettable adventure through Lecce’s hidden wonders.

Begin your journey through the streets and alleys of medieval Lecce, focusing on its Jewish community. Visit Via della Sinagoga, the ancient path that led to one of the most important synagogues in Salento. Next, discover Vico della Saponea and walk along Via Abramo Balmes, a street dedicated to one of the city's most influential Jewish figures. Visit the basement of the old synagogue which now houses the Jewish Museum. Here you will find purification tanks, mikvehs and a mezuzah. Learn more about the Jewish community, including why Jews were forced to leave Lecce.

The visit starts from Santa Croce church, jewel of Lecce's Baroque, and continues Sant'Oronzo Square, where you can see the Old Tawn Hall "Sedile", the Roman Column and Amphiteatre, important remains of Lecce's glorous Roman heritage. Walking through Corso Vittorio Emanuele street, you will see historical buildings of the 16th, 17th and 18h century and Sant'Irene church. Then u will visit Duomo square, with the Archbishop's Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower and the Cathedral. The tour will take you to the underground Jewish Museum, situated in the core of the jewish area, and in particular on the remains of the Sinagogue, with its mikveh and mezuzah. Here in the cellar of the museum is the start of a journey into Medieval Lecce, a journey into what is still even today largely unexplored.

The Jewish Museum of Lecce is a place rich in history, located in the basement of a building that in the Middle Ages was the ancient synagogue of the city. During the visit it is possible to see important elements related to the Jewish religious life, such as the tanks (Mikwe'ot) used for the ritual ablutions, fundamental for the purification according to the Jewish tradition. It is also possible to admire a niche in the door frame, an architectural detail that once housed a mezuzah. The tour continues outside, in the heart of the old Jewish quarter of Lecce, following the streets that once formed the city's Giudecca. This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover not only the history of Lecce, but also the history of the Jewish community of Lecce.

The tour will take you in three hours to discover the medieval part of the city by visiting the ancient Jewish quarter and the basement of the ancient synagogue. You will continue with a walk to discover the historic center of Lecce, with its churches and baroque palaces.

This private tour will allow you to visit the most attractive places in Puglia and Matera. It includes transfers on board a comfortable minivan with a local driver, guided tours with certified guides, selected hotels in the city center and unique local experiences