Arnesano

Travel Guide

A street with colorful buildings, parked cars, and trees.
A row of colorful buildings with shutters.
A street with a bench, trees, and a building with arched windows.
A sunny street lined with historic buildings, a red car parked on the side, and a cow grazing on the sidewalk.
A tree in front of a yellow building with a brown door.

Spend a day visiting the ancient churches and palaces that line the streets of this quiet town in southeast Italy.

Armesano is an interesting place to visit when touring the towns and villages of the province of Lecce. It boasts a worthy collection of religious landmarks and grand palaces spread around a compact historic quarter. Arnesano’s quiet and flat streets make this a great place to explore on foot.

Start your visit at Porta Rande, the historic gateway to the old town. Next to this arched portal is the Monument to Our Lady of the Assumption, which has a capital based on the designs of the Baroque capitals common in Lecce. A statue of the Madonna crowns the monument.

Go to nearby Palazzo Marchesale. This 17th-century landmark stands on the site of the town’s old fortress. Today, the palace hosts art exhibitions and live music events.

Pass through Porta Rande and walk to Chiesa Matrice Maria S.S. Assunta. Established in 1581 and then renovated in the 1700s, it evidences Baroque architectural features both inside and out. Note the sculptures of saints located in niches either side of the main entrance. A short stroll from here is Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate, which stands in the middle of a small roundabout.

Spot paintings by Serafino Elmo at the Cappella dell’Asilo Bernardini. Admire the Palazzo di Selvaggio Guarini, commissioned by a former mayor of Lecce.

Find more architectural treasures a short drive from the town centre. Set amid green countryside is the Cappella di Santa Maria di Montevergine, known for its interior paintings of venerated saints. Also worth seeing is the humble Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Take a break from sightseeing and relax at Il Parco Urbano, located in the village of Rione Riesci. Find bike paths, a children’s playground, an educational Neolithic site and other historic ruins.

Arnesano is about 8 miles (13 kilometres) west of the city of LecceOpens in a new window. You could easily fit the main attractions into one day of sightseeing and public buses connect the town with Lecce. Park for free on the town’s streets if arriving by rented car.

Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce Hotel

Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce Hotel

5 out of 5
Via Augusto Imperatore, 19 Lecce LE
The price is HK$2,489 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
HK$2,489
HK$2,828 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Lecce. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (496 reviews)
"Great location for exploring Lecce. Francesca was a lovely host and made our stay perfect, Erik was also very nice and the breakfast was amazing. Highly recommend for anyone planning a visit to Lecce we would not stay anywhere else and plan to return in the future."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce Hotel
CDSHotels Grand Hotel Riviera

CDSHotels Grand Hotel Riviera

4 out of 5
Via Emanuele Filiberto n.172/174 Nardò LE
The price is HK$2,025 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
HK$2,025
HK$2,300 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Nardò. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Santa Maria al Bagno Beach and Santa Caterina Harbor ...
9/10 Wonderful! (101 reviews)
"The view of the sea was spectacular. The entire property and room were in excellent condition and very clean. The daily breakfast was amazing and the terrace cookout was superb, especially the wine. Each employee went went above and beyond, from front desk, dining staff to housekeeping."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2026

CDSHotels Grand Hotel Riviera
Arthotel & Park Lecce

Arthotel & Park Lecce

4 out of 5
Via Giorgio de Chirico, 1 Lecce LE
The price is HK$904 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
HK$904
HK$1,075 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Lecce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Torre del Parco and Casa Museo Spada are located ...
8.4/10 Very good! (174 reviews)
"Staff member checking us in was unfamiliar with SERVICE dogs. That created a little friction, but was resolved. The room was comfortable, except for loud mechanical noises all night. The water pressure is excellent, but the shower is a bit small. The breakfast was adequate."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026

Arthotel & Park Lecce
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dimore di Lecce

Dimore di Lecce

Corte Sant Irene, 6 Lecce LE
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lecce. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Church of Sant'Anna and Museo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"It’s hard to list all the amazing aspects of this stay - large, clean, comfortable accommodations, delicious breakfast served on the rooftop, and the hosts went out of their way to make my stay perfect (including dining recommendations that were wonderful). I’d give 100 stars if I could."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026

Dimore di Lecce
Palazzo Mosco

Palazzo Mosco

4 out of 5
Via Micetti, 26 Gallipoli LE
Stay at this spa residence in Gallipoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach and Punta Suina Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
"I loved this property…they had to switch us to a neighbouring sister property which we loved. Clean, comfy beds, attentive staff, great dip pool, quiet and convenient location in the heart of Gallipoli. Antonio was fabulous and helpful. I absolutely would stay here if I return to Gallipoli and I ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026

Palazzo Mosco
Directly on the beach. 6 beds in villa with private access to the sea

Directly on the beach. 6 beds in villa with private access to the sea

Scala di Furno Puglia
Stay at this beach apartment in Porto Cesareo. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Torre Lapillo Beach and Lapillo Sea ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"Well located property, so close to the lovely sandy beach. Clean and comfortable. Host Fabrizio was really helpful."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Directly on the beach. 6 beds in villa with private access to the sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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