Close

“We don’t sell products, we sell life projects.” That’s the powerful message of Luciana Delle Donne, a passionate and visionary woman from Lecce in southern Italy. After a successful 20-year career in finance—where she helped create Italy’s first online bank and specialized in change management and innovation—Luciana decided to give back. In 2006,...

62

Nestled right down in the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce is called the “Florence of the South”, known for its extravagant Baroque architecture and winding old town. With a population hovering around 95,000, Lecce is big enough to offer a bit of buzz, but small enough that you’ll quickly recognise familiar faces at your favourite pasticceria. The town...

103

In the sunny heel of Italy’s boot lies Salento, a stretch of land suspended between sea and stone; famous for its turquoise water, white beaches, and beautifully rugged coastline, this part of southern Puglia has earned the nickname the Caribbean of Italy, and it’s easy to understand why. But beyond its natural beauty, Salento has its own culinary...

136

Pietra Leccese is a type of limestone, known for being the warm, malleable stone that gave Lecce – one of Italy’s most visually distinctive cities – its unique architectural personality. Found only in a small area of southern Italy’s Salento peninsula, this creamy, golden-hued stone was the true lifeblood of construction in the region, particularly...

156

As summer approaches, Riviera Travel has released a round-up of hidden gem destinations across Europe that promise history, charm, and breathtaking scenery without the crowds of tourists. From the unique capital cities of the Baltics, to the ancient ruins of Sicily and the dramatic mountains found in the north, Italy is no stranger when it comes to...

243

A beautiful Italian city is known as the Florence of the country's south, and has fewer tourists than the likes of Venice, and Rome. Joanne Lynn, head of European product at tour operator Riviera Travel, included the sunswept travel destination among seven "hidden gem" spots in Europe to visit this summer. Lynn included Lecce, in the Apulia region,...

1021

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (CGS), Italy’s longest-running traditional music ensemble, will mark its 50th anniversary with a U.S. tour in spring 2025. The tour, running through March and April, includes performances in Chicago, New York City, and appearances at both the Big Ears and Savannah Music Festivals. Founded in 1975 by writer Rina Durant...

459

The Italian State Police hosted the Lecce-based theater company “Tènemos Recinti Teatrali” in Rome to pay tribute to and remember the figure of Joe Petrosino, the Italian-American police officer killed by the mafia. The play, performed, conceived, and written by Dr. Maria Francesca Mariano, tells the story of the police officer who was...

588

talian coffee culture is world renowned, best known for strong espresso downed at the bar counter and breakfast cappuccinos paired with flaky croissants. Every region of Italy, however, has its own culinary hallmarks — and coffee is no stranger to such geographic differences. In Southern Italy's Puglia region, one particular coffee drink reigns sup...

1903

Capital of the homonymous province and the cultural fulcrum of Salento (Apulia), Lecce is one of the most beautiful art cities in southern Italy. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce knows how to astonish and intrigue visitors and locals alike. Its ancient Messapian origins and its archaeological ruins, left behind after Roman domination, fu...

364