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The window on the Cathedral

Photo gallery for The window on the Cathedral

Interior
Outdoor dining
Point of interest
Interior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5100 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Lecce, Puglia
  • Lecce Obelisk
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Piazza del Duomo
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Piazza Sant'Oronzo
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Brindisi (BDS-Papola Casale)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Office
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

The window on the Cathedral

General Description
Our two-bedroom apartment in the sixteenth century Palazzo Spada is situated in the very heart of the historical centre of Lecce, renowned as ‘The Florence of the South’ for its beautiful Baroque architecture. It overlooks Piazza Duomo and other key sights such as Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Amphitheatre are just a few minutes’ walk away, while the railway station is 10 minutes on foot. The apartment is situated on the second floor which affords it wonderful views of the Duomo and the old town at large. However, as there is no lift, please note it is not appropriate for guests with mobility issues (there are 62 steps).
The apartment, which has been in our family for generations, is very light, airy and peaceful and tastefully furnished with both antique pieces and custom-built items. There is a stunning view of the Piazza Duomo from the large living room, which in addition to its comfortable lounge furniture, also contains a characteristic ‘Pietra Leccese’ fireplace.

The apartment can comfortably sleep up to 5 guests. There is a king-size double-bed in the main bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a large fitted wardrobe. In the other bedroom, there is a bed (which can be easily converted into a double) and a large chest of drawers. Guests staying in this room may use the second bathroom (on the raised level next to the fitted and fully furnished kitchen) and the large, fitted wardrobe/ cupboard in the hall. The day-bed in the living room can also be used as a fifth (single) bed for guests who are not too tall (bed-length 1’80 x 90cms width). Both of the bedrooms and the living room have air-conditioning. In addition, the windows in all the rooms are soundproof, allowing the guests to stay in a quiet home while being in the very heart of the historical centre.

The French doors of the kitchen extension open-out onto a large terrace (with bamboo awning, a large table and deck-chairs) where guests may enjoy relaxing and dining al-fresco while enjoying the beautiful roof-top view.

Your hosts, who live nearby, are always happy to help and to provide further informations about the many wonderful places to visit in and around Lecce.

Languages

English, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

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Terrace/patio

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10.0 out of 10, (26 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
SCALA INTERNA PRIVA DI CANCELLO DI SICUREZZA
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Possibile fumare sul terrazzo

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number LE07503591000013683, IT075035C200049002

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lecce

Located by the sea, this apartment is in Lecce Historic Center, a neighbourhood in Lecce. Paisiello Theatre and Faggiano Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include City Walls and Chruch of Sant'Anna. Railway Museum of Puglia and Azienda Olearia Schirinzi are also worth visiting. With scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Lecce, Puglia

What's nearby

  • Lecce Obelisk - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Piazza del Duomo - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Piazza Sant'Oronzo - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Roman Amphitheater - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • University of Salento - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Lecce (LCZ-Lecce Rail Station) - 14 min walk
  • Brindisi (BDS-Papola Casale) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Caffè Paisiello - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪I Latini - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ristorante Antica Corte - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Maccheroni - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bar Martinica - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The window on the Cathedral pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The window on the Cathedral?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The window on the Cathedral?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is The window on the Cathedral located?

Located in Lecce Historic Center, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Paisiello Theatre, Porta Napoli and City Walls. Museo Diocesano Lecce and Church of Sant'Irene are also within 5 minutes. Lecce (LCZ-Lecce Rail Station) is 14 minutes by foot and Lecce Station is 14 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 64 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Pat N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful apartment in great location
We stayed for 11 days in this spacious apartment and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Lecce. Located just a few steps from the Duomo, it has everything you need. I would highly recommend it. We were surprised however about the 65 steps up to the front door. We are reasonably fit retirees but I think guests need to be warned about the staircase, especially with luggage. However we didn’t let this spoil our holiday.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Apartment in Prime Location
We stayed 5 nights in this terrific apartment. It has everything that you need, with lots of thoughtful inclusions. It is spacious, well equipped, comfortable and clean, and perfectly located to access everything in Lecce. The ambiance is special with the furnishings and decor making it feel like a home. We really enjoyed breakfast on the terrace and sitting in the lounge room looking out at the Duomo in the evening. At bedtime close the windows and shutters and it is quiet. There is lots of local information provided and the hosts are very available should you need them. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Spot in Lecce
A beautiful apartment in a perfect location! We stayed for 18 days, and really felt like we had a home away from home. Everything that we needed was provided, along with unexpected extras that added to our comfort. The steps to the apartment were indeed a bit of a workout, but they helped to mitigate the potential weight gain from the great food in Lecce. Costanza, our hostess, was helpful, and kind. We would happily stay here again if we returned to Lecce!
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dynamite Duomo Digs
“Window on the Cathedral” says it all. This is a fantastic Apartment, complete with rooftop terrace and fantastic location. It is very spacious and furnished beautifully, including a washing machine and ironing board and plentiful reading material in multiple languages. The best part was communication with our host, Francesco. He responded immediately to any question I had, and he was particularly helpful in arranging to reserve parking in an attended lot for us. We then walked our bags to the apartment where his son met us to help carry them up the stairs. And speaking of stairs, there are a lot of them, but they are easy to manage because they are wide and have handrails, especially for seniors like us .Timing for check-in and ease of check-in went like clockwork.. Lecce is a great city to explore and we did two side trips to Gallipoli and also Otranto with easy in and out of the parking lot. Window on the Cathedral is a terrific place to stay, convenient to all areas of historic Lecce with an incredibly communicative host,and easy parking situation. It was a nice touch to have pastries on the kitchen table welcoming us.Grazie Mille ,Francesco!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful palace apartment in the heart of Lecce
We had the most incredible stay at this stunning apartment in the heart of Lecce, Italy! The location couldn't be more perfect - literally next door to the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo. The apartment itself was spacious and beautifully decorated. The hosts included details to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. From the plush furnishings to the well-equipped kitchen, we wanted for nothing. The views were amazing and the sound proof windows allowed us to shut out the street noise while still enjoying the nighttime views. But what truly sets this apartment apart is its convenient location. We could easily explore Lecce's historic center, indulge in delicious food and wine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere - all just steps from the apartment. The hosts were so kind and accommodating. We would love to return to this amazing apartment the next time we visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Memorable Stay in an Amazing Apartment
Fantastic location to see all the sights. Apartment was beautifully appointed. Hosts were accommodating and wonderful to work with. We loved every moment of our month's stay. In Lecce,make this your stop!
Stayed 30 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two wonderful months in Lecce
My husband and I stayed for two months, October and November 2023. We have visited Italy often, and of the 16 apartments we've rented, this is probably the best. Donatella and Francesco are very attentive hosts, always responding immediately to any question we had. Their beautiful apartment is extremely comfortable and well equipped. There were no problems with plumbing, air conditioning, heating, etc., and the internet connection was very fast and reliable. My husband is 74 and managed the 62 steps with our heavy suitcases and groceries without too much trouble, but you do need a certain level of fitness. When closed, the French windows shut out almost all noise from outside. The security gate at the top of the steps opens to a space shared by the apartment's front door, and, almost adjacent to it, the front door of another apartment. This could be a problem with the wrong neighbor, but during our stay that person was considerate. Overall, it was one of the quietest apartments I've rented in Italy. The apartment was serviced every week. The small bedroom is comfortable for a single guest. We had a married couple our age visiting us in Lecce, but they stayed elsewhere, because we all felt the second bedroom was too small. It might be okay for younger, more easy-going couples, or for family members. We left Lecce with a great affection for the city, and to enjoy it from the comfort of Donatella and Francesco's splendid apartment was a treat we won't forget.
Stayed 60 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Living the relaxing life in the middle of historic Lecce
Before our trip Francesco was in communication with us. He was very helpful in securing a parking space quite close to the apartment for our entire stay since one cannot drive in the city. Even when we arrived at the parking, he helped us via telephone since our Italian was next to nothing. His walking directions were perfect and we arrived to the apartment with Costanza (his wife) greeting us. It was so lovely to have her show us around and explain things to us. For whatever reason, maybe new place or brain fog, we had trouble the next day with one of the keys. In less than 5 minutes Francesco came over with another set and verified how to use the lock. We never had a problem again. Since we were there for 10 days, the cleaning person stopped by and changed the sheets, towels, cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen for us. Now to the apartment...it was beautiful! It was comfortable! It was in a fabulous location! There were dishes, pots, outdoor clothes hanger and clothes pins, everything you needed. There was soap for the dishwasher, your hands, your shower, etc. We did purchase some toilet paper and another papertowel, but we were there for 10 days. You could tell the place was decorated for them to live in. It wasn't an ikea rental. The location was close to 2-grocery stores, the fresh market at Porta Rudiae and restaurants. We LOVED the rooftop terrace. The downside is the 3 sets of stairs with luggage. But you can get used to steps, we did and it was worth it.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jackie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely
Lovely apartment in a beautiful Lecce. It was beyond our expectations. We enjoyed the beautiful terrace and views of the city. Our host was always accommodating and helpful before and during our stay. I have been in the Travel business for over 30 years and would highly recommend this property. The 63 steps up are worth it👏👏👏
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

kelly t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
We spent a week in this cozy apartment in the center of Lecce and we loved our accommodation! It’s tastefully decorated, cozy, spacious, clean, and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are stairs to the 2nd floor (3rd floor to Americans) so it may not be suitable for everyone. The terrace was our favorite feature for morning coffee and evening aperitivi. Spectacular sunsets and the view of the duomo. All of Lecce is at your doorstep. Francesco arranged for our car parking just a 5 minute walk away. Lovely and communicative hosts. We highly recommend a stay at this gem!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location to see Lecce
We had a great stay in May at this wonderful residence in Lecce. Great location from which to explore the city and enjoy the nightlife. Thank you for having us x
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely wonderful!
We enjoyed 2 weeks in this awesome apartment. It was everything we hoped it would be, and more. Beautifully furnished, fully equipped and immaculate. The location is perfect for Lecce. The owner Francesco is a very kind and considerate gentleman who booked our parking in the best parking lot nearest the apartment. He was so gracious that he transported us with luggage to his apartment. The apartment is very spacious and quiet on the top floor of a classic building directly across from Piazza Duomo. Views to the Piazza Duomo are amazing! The patio off the kitchen and dining room is a lovely retreat. We cooked in a few nights after shopping at the local market 5 minutes walking. Pack light, easy to use washer and dry clothes outside Italian style. Our favorite restaurants, Blu Notte & Il Vico del Gusto were 10 minutes walking. Went twice to both. The DOK supermercato and Wine&more shop both also 10 minutes walking. Best gelato at Baldo near S. Croce, 10 minutes walking. I hope my view expresses how wonderful it is to stay at this lovely apartment. Enjoy Lecce!
Stayed 13 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kai W., Idstein, Deutschland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastische Wohnung in historischem Gemäuer
In dieser Wohnung haben wir uns super wohlgefühlt. Die Wohnung hat zwei sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtete Ebenen plus eine tolle Terrasse. Topp ausgestattete Küche, alles sehr gepflegt, Organisation optimal.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bridget B., United States

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quintessential Lecce Living
I had an extended (8 week) winter stay in this beautiful apartment. It was like living in a fairy tale; imagine having the chance to borrow an historic family palazzo. The furnishings are classic yet comfortable, the kitchen and baths updated, and the deck breathtaking. The hosts are very accommodating and available. The location is ideal for local sites and for visiting other Puglia sites: info center is across the strada, van tours leave from 5 minutes away and the train is a 10 minutes walk. Highly recommend this unit, especially for an extended stay as I cooked nearly every day taking advantage of local markets.
Stayed 56 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Avril S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Christmas in Lecce
This apartment is ideally located in the historic center of Lecce, a stones throw from the Duomo and for exploring the beautiful city by walking. The apartment is in in a lovely old palazzo and is very attractively and tastefully furnished and very comfortable. Donatella and Francesco were great hosts and really helped us to get settled in and with our departure. They provided lots of local information. Staying here really enhanced our enjoyment of Lecce and we highly recommend it.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H., Philadelphia USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10 stars
If I could give Francesco and Donatella 10 stars I would. They were the most attentive hosts. Nothing was too much to ask. And the apartment was better than pictured. I would recommend this rental to anyone. Fabulous.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hans-Dietmar B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traumwohnung
Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt in Lecce sehr genossen. Die Wohnung ist ein Traum. Sie ist im obersten Stock eines Palazzo direkt am Domplatz, sehr stilvoll eingerichtet, komfortabel, gross und mit sehr hohen Räumen. Ausserdem verfügt sie über eine riesige Dachterrasse. Obwohl die Wohnung sehr zentral gelegen ist, ist sie ruhig. Wir hoffe, dass wir wiederkommen!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna Marie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
The Window on the Cathedral is wonderful - the view of the Duomo and surrounding rooftops, the sounds of liveliness from the street far below (easily quieted when you close the beautiful windows), the historical location that accesses Salento’s beautiful towns within an hour or two, the inexpensive reserved parking 10 mins away, all super. And now for a description of the interior… beautifully appointed antiques and fabrics adorn each room, the architecture, decor and textiles are rich yet comfortable. The steps leading up to the apartment in the Palazzo have landings that make it easily doable unless one has mobility issues. (I acknowledge we did not have huge heavy luggage) The hosts Donatella and Francesco were welcoming and quickly responded to our every request. I even asked for and took an Italian lesson via a teacher recommended by Donatella which was an asset to the Italian I am studying at home. I wish we could have stayed longer. It truly felt like home and holds a special place in our hearts. We’ll be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

FREDERIC C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay in an amazing Palazzo !
Very nice appartement with a great view. The terrace is amazing. The city is amazing. The owners are very nice and ready to help.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gill Newell N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lecce apartment
This is a beautiful apartment in a fantastic location. It’s spacious and well equipped. The bed in the main bedroom is very comfortable. The roof terrace is a real bonus.The only negative aspect is the 62 step staircase to reach the apartment! To be fair this is made perfectly clear in the online description. We got a lot fitter climbing the steps every day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is such a special apartment!
If you don't mind 62 steps, you should experience this location. There are many tour groups that come though Lecce in the day, so by staying here in the heart of the old section you can enjoy the peaceful streets in the morning and then visit one of the many spectacular beaches during the day. Francesco could not have been more accommodating and arranged reserved parking a 10 minute walk away. Such a special place and we felt lucky to have access to this beautiful historical apartment. The kitchen, dining, roof terrace flow together and creat a wonderful space in the morning and evening. The living room is very special as well but we were outside. In the winter it would be so nice near the fireplace sitting area. The bedroom was also very comfortable and from the entire apartment there is privacy because you are above and super quiet with double high quality windows. Thank you so much Francesco and Donatella!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim K., North Carolina, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful palazzo
Francesco was a wonderful host who helped us navigate parking, checking in, and getting around Lecce. The palazzo is beautifully decorated and is itself a valuable part of Lecce. It is a beautiful accommodation in a classic corner of Puglia.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

matthew k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
True Heart of Lecce
Lovely, large beautifully appointed apartment in the very heart of “Lecce vecchia” (old Lecce). Really, you cannot do better. Lovely terrace on which to dine or simply watch the swallows every morning and evening. Everything you could ask for in a traditionally decorated (privileged) old aristocratic apartment. Owners Donatella and Francesco could not be more welcoming. This is the sort of place people dream of finding. Perfect.
Stayed 31 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frédéric G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Logement idéal
Dans un beau palais historique, l'appartement, spacieux et parfaitement meublé, très confortable, est idéalement situé en plein centre du coeur historique de Lecce. Impossible d'avoir une plus belle vue sur la fameuse place du Duomo. La terrasse est aussi très agréable. Grâce aux double-vitrage et doubles-fenêtres, toutes les pièces sont très calmes. Le propriétaire est très sympathique, réactif et disponible quand c'est nécessaire, tout est très bien organisé. Idéal pour un séjour dans cette ville merveilleuse.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen K., West Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely historic apartment perfectly located with fabulous Duomo views!
Unique, comfortable and quiet, with a great location in the heart of the historic center and stunning views of the Duomo from its second floor perch (3rd floor to us Americans). Very close to almost everything you need (markets, shops, restaurants, cafes and gelaterias) within a 5-10 minute walk. The apartment is spacious with high ceilings and very charming, has antique (as well as comfortable modern furniture) and a marble fireplace, which made us feel like we were living in Lecce history! Francesco and Donatella are fabulous hosts, and were very responsive to our needs and questions throughout our month-long stay. The apartment is perfect for two for longer stays, and accommodates up to 4 comfortably for shorter (one week or less) stays. The rooftop deck is a real plus, and we would have used it more but for the weather in January, which was a little too cool and breezy for regular use of the deck. However, the heat and hot water were more than adequate for our needs! The kitchen was modern and well-stocked, and had most everything we needed to cook well—which we did quite frequently during our stay once we found the historic food and meat market at the Porta Rudiae! There is some noise that filters up from the street at certain times of the day and night, but the window doors are well-constructed and insulated, so the noise of the city is greatly reduced when the windows are closed. And hearing the bells of the Duomo regularly throughout the day and night only adds to the wonderfully historic atmosphere of the place! Highly recommended for those who are looking for a unique and comfortable stay in the heart of historic baroque Lecce!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022

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