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Florence seems to be on everyone’s bucket list these days, and can you blame them?
With its soaring dome signed off by Brunelleschi, UNESCO-listed historic center, and medieval bridge spanning a scenic river, it’s something straight out of a fairytale.
As beautiful as Florence may be, there are just a couple of caveats to note:
First of all, it can be incredibly crowded regardless of season, so much so that it dulls the magic of the place a little. Secondly, there’s the fact that prices increase year after year, with the average overnight rate being a jaw-dropping $197, and food expenses totaling $70 per day in 2025.
We love a good Tuscan cathedral, but listen, in this crazy economy, if we can get it cheaper, we’re going for the alternative.
Lucky for budget-conscious travelers, Florence has a Southern counterpart dotted with Renaissance landmarks that’s 30 to 50% more affordable to visit!
Lecce Is The Florence Of The South
Located at the heel of the Italian boot, one of the lesser-explored regions of the country, Lecce is a historic port city dating back to Ancient Times. It has the cultural charm and architectural wealth to back it up.
Settled as early as 1200 BC, it has received the contribution of many civilizations throughout history, most notably the Roman Empire:
In the heart of the historic center, you’ll find a well-preserved Roman arena that initially seated over 25,000 people and wasused to host gladiatorial games. A short walk away, there’s an equally impressive ancient theater, once used for plays and musical events.
Fast-forward to medieval times, and you’ll come upon the landmark Piazza del Duomo, or Cathedral Square, home to several of Lecce’s most impressive edifices. These include the 12th-century cathedral, the campanile, and the Episcopal and Seminary Palaces.
Several of the old buildings in Lecce’s maze-like Old Town were rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century, so you can expect ornate details and carvings.
Notable examples include the Church of San Matteo, famous for its undulating façade, and the richly decorated Church of Santa Chiara.
There’s No Big Dome Here, So Where Do The Florence Comparisons Stem From?
Lecce’s authentic charm, however, lies in its enviable collection of Renaissance monuments, which often appear subtle compared to Florence’s soaring dome but stand out amidst Puglia‘s largely whitewashed townscapes.
We’re talking about the triumphal Porta Napoli, a commemorative arch erected in 1548; the late-medieval Castle of Charles V, distinguished by its geometric design and imposing bastions; and Palazzo dei Celestini, a 16th-century palace now serving as the seat of the local Prefecture.
Still on the topic of duomi (or duomos), you should probably know that, despite its 16th-century makeover, the Duomo di Lecce was originally Renaissance in character.
The plan and proportions of the nave date to the 1570s, and their symmetry strictly follows Renaissance guidelines, as do some of the columns and pilasters: it’s no wonder Lecce is sometimes referred to as ‘Florence of the South‘.
How Much Cheaper Than Florence Is Lecce?
Last but surely not least, Lecce can be a lot more affordable than Florence, so if you’re visiting Italy on a stricter budget, you’ll be spending considerably less here.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the chart, compiled from cost-of-living and pricing databases like Numbeo and Booking.com:
| Category | Lecce | Florence |
| Budget hotels or B&Bs | $60–90 | $100–150 |
| Mid-range hotels | $90–130 | $160–220 |
| Luxury hotels | $70–120 | $130–200 |
| Breakfast (coffee and a pastry) | $2.50–4 | $4–7 |
| Lunch (panino or pasta) | $6–10 | $10–15 |
| Dinner (pizza and a drink) | $8–12 | $14–18 |
| 3-course dinner | $20–30 | $35–50 |
*Prices are given in US dollars
**These are only rough estimates. Prices can vary based on location and season.
Lecce has long been overlooked by most travelers, but a recently launched train route is certain to put it back on the map.
Check out the new Espresso Salento, which travels from Rome all the way to Lecce with no changes and calls at a number of world-class destinations on the way, including the Apulian gems of Polignano a Mare and Ostuni.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.