Lecce, the Florence of southern Italy
It was a full day sail from Otranto to Brindisi. With one anchorage option and high winds predicted we opted to stay in the Brindisi Marina.
Our Chesapeake sailing friend Max introduced us to his Moody 54 English friends who keep their boat in Brindisi. They recommended renting a car at the marina and taking a day trip into Lecce. It was a great suggestion.
Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption and St Orontius. First built in 1144, then in 1230. It was rebuilt by the Lecce architect Giuseppe Zimbalo, starting in 1659.
This Roman amphitheater, built by Augustus about 2,000 years ago, was discovered in 1906 during excavation for a bank. It was declared a historic site and has been the subject of careful archaeological digs ever since.
May 7, 2025
We wandered the old port city of Brindisi and enjoyed delicious homemade pasta and fresh mussels at La Locanda del Porto. The decor reminded us of an authentic old world version of the South Carolina Yacht Club.
