we spent 2 days in the city of lecce, in the “heel” of italy, which is known as the “capital of baroque.” it has five unbelievably ornate church facades. the city has an interesting history as it was the destination of many exiles from the ottoman empire. there is a large, bustling central square, where we engaged in extensive passeggiata, walking around after dark to see and be seen. lecce also has presents perhaps the best value for money in italy – we stayed in the best 5 starĀ hotel in town, the patria palace, for about the same price as a hostel in rome!