Guided Tours - Christmas in Lecce
Lecce, the Santa Lucia Fair and Christmas Markets
Private or Group Tours
Tour Description
A guided tour of the historic center of Lecce in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas season, when the narrow streets are lit with thousands of colorful lights, and the squares host bustling Christmas markets filled with traditional sweets and goods.
Lecce's most famous Baroque monuments provide a stunning backdrop in scenic Piazza Duomo, where an artistic nativity scene, featuring life-sized papier-mâché statues, is set within an environment reminiscent of the Salento landscape, complete with traditional dry-stone rural architecture. The itinerary leads us through the city's main thoroughfare.
A must-see stop on the Christmas tour is the Santa Lucia Fair, also known as the 'Pupi Fair' as it was once called. Held in Lecce since the 17th century, this event offers a unique opportunity to admire and purchase handcrafted works by artisans, or "pupari," made from papier-mâché or terracotta. Here you’ll find the three wise men, shepherds, angels, and all the figures for a traditional nativity scene. This journey into the Salento nativity tradition continues at the workshop of a master papier-mâché artist.
WHAT WE WILL VISIT
Piazza Duomo (Bell Tower, Cathedral, Seminary, Bishop’s Palace)
Santa Lucia Fair
Church of Sant’Irene
Piazza Sant’Oronzo (Roman Amphitheater, Column of the Saint, Sedile, and Church of San Marco)
Charles V Castle (courtyard)
Basilica of Santa Croce and Celestine Palace
Papier-mâché Workshop
INFORMATION
Extra entry available for churches
Skip the ticket line by booking your guided tour with us
MEETING POINT WITH THE GUIDE
Piazza Duomo, Lecce
DURATION
2 hours and 30 minutes
INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS
Call +39 3926513063
info@bestguidedtours.com
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