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Province of Lecce
Lecce
Things to Do in Lecce
Basilica di Santa Croce
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Basilica di Santa Croce

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Basilica di Santa Croce
4.5
2,327 reviews
#6 of 140 things to do in Lecce
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
617 within 3 miles
Tabisca Il Vico dei Tagliati
1,004
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Steakhouse • Mediterranean
Porcaria - Il Panino Gourmet
341
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Fast Food • Mediterranean
Baldo Gelato
295
341 ft$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Mille E Una Crepes
473
0.1 mi$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly
Vico del Cuciniere
229
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Gusti Proibiti
688
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Prendici Gusto
566
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Fast Food • Deli
Mezzo Quinto Cibo di Strada
265
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Street Food
Duo Ristorante
364
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Miro Coffee, Bistrot & Lounge Bar
447
265 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Cafe
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Attractions
182 within 6 miles
IdeaDue
2
107 ftShips
Jewish Museum Lecce
232
110 ftSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Palazzo dei Celestini
47
144 ftArchitectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Villa Comunale di Lecce
185
331 ftParks • Gardens
Gesuiti Chiesa del Gesu'
49
467 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Chiesa Santa Maria della Grazia
48
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
L’Orologio delle Meraviglie
40
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Piazza Sant'Oronzo
655
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Museo Mostra La Tana della Taranta
7
261 ftSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
Teatro Politeama Greco
11
328 ftTheaters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,327 reviews
Excellent
1,744
Very good
462
Average
82
Poor
21
Terrible
18
JohnRegoPark
Rego Park, NY1,028 contributions
Breathtaking
Sep 2022
The basilica is one of the true gems of Baroque architecture. The facade, newly restored, absolutely dazzles in the sunlight. You need to study the intricate details on the facade and examine the work artists did in creating this masterpiece. The interior does not disappoint. It too is a Baroque masterpiece, The churches in Lecce are open all day long, but they come with fees. Check out a joint fee for the cathedral and the basilica.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
duhoz
Beroun, Czech Republic6,200 contributions
Magnificent and stunning at night
Oct 2021
Another a nice piece of baroque very impressive at night, when the facade is more magnificent and stunning then during the day. The rich interior is interesting too. I enjoyed the wooden ceiling. Many important sculptors contributed to the decoration. Open till 9 PM (no entrance during the service) You have to pay single ticket 6€ or full ticket / pass for 4 churches.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crystalfox
Spicewood, TX15 contributions
Santa Croce Basilica
Dec 2022
Enjoyed guided tour of this Basilica and its history and importance to the city of Lecce. It is a main attraction especially if your appreciative of baroque art. The intricate carvings on the building's facade is beautiful and stories behind the reason for the carvings. Lively plaza in front of church with many groups going through. The interior is impressive with more carvings and stories!
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,126 contributions
The most beautiful Baroque church that the city of Lecce offers to those who come to visit.
Aug 2019
The construction of the Basilica di Santa Croce began around 1353 and lasted about 150 years. The facade of the church is carved and sculpted in a wealth of flowers, saints and a variety of animals and figures, an incredible wealth.
Someone has already written in one of the tourist guide books that at sunset when the church is lit, it looks just like "a wedding cake that got out of the baker’s control".
Inside the basilica there are an abundance of chapels, altars, murals stunning in beauty and another spectacular selection of amazing artistic treasures. A site that is a must for any art lover (and even for those who are not). NOT 2 B MISSED.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,016 contributions
High Baroque
Apr 2022
Turning the corner to view the Basilica for the first time, all of our group just stopped and said “wow” - exactly as the builders had designed it for! This is a stunning example of Baroque architecture both inside and out. Take the time to have a good look round the side chapels and paintings. I was surprised that there were no ornate windows here, though.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Navigator51244514619
3 contributions
Hmmm!
Jul 2022
While the locals are very proud of their basilica, it is a demonstration of the temptation which architects face of building monuments to themselves (using other people's money). The facade of this building took over 100 years, and 3 architects, to complete. One gets the sense that each successive architect was struggling to make their mark, to outdo their predecessor. The consequence is a facade full of intricate detail and hidden meanings which collectively are so "over the top" the whole impression is of an unintegrated mish-mash that borders on the psychotic. I didn't dare go inside!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mira V
Smarje Pri Jelsah, Slovenia347 contributions
Beautiful baroque building
Sep 2021
The basilica is made of shining Leccean limestone and very richly ornamented in the baroque style. The interior likewise abunds in ornaments and colonnades of white pillars. The ceiling is of particular interest; it is wooden, the s.c. cassette ceiling with a huge painting of the holy trinity in the middle.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Milton Kanno
Sao Paulo, SP10,063 contributions
Amazing
Sep 2019 • Friends
There are no words to describe the greatness of the whole building specially the roof. This is Umbeleivable, there is a huge paint in the middle surrounded by wood encarved with Golden pieces from the entrance to the altar, really impressive. The sides have art painting as well that are amazing small sections. Excellent experience.
Written September 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dyosipin78
Bangui, Central African Republic151 contributions
Intricate details of the façade of the Basilica - a must see!
May 2016 • Business
I love the intricacy of the details of the façade, in general a wonderful piece of art. Restoration works must be going on, bad news and good news for me and my colleagues visiting the place. Overall, a must see for the first time travelers in Leece.
Written May 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
askok
Rotterdam, The Netherlands496 contributions
Favorite church for exterior
Sep 2020
This was my favorite church based on the exterior. The details are amazing and there is so much to spot on the whole building, from top to bottom. Make sure to stop here.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce

Frequently Asked Questions about Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Sun - Sat 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Basilica di Santa Croce tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Basilica di Santa Croce tours on Tripadvisor
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