Lecce has so many fine Baroque buildings (churches, palaces, convent and triumphal arch) that its nickname is "Florence of the South". However, this ancient town right inside the heel of Italian boot is also unmistakably Roman - it has an amphitheatre to prove its. Romans conquered the place in 3d century BC, but city is believed to be known from times of Trojan War - in Greek sources, local people were called Cretans. So, city has cultural ties with Greek culture - and in some smaller towns nearby a distinctive Greek dialect is still spoken. Lecce Cathedral is also one of the most significant cathedrals in Italy. Town exports wines, olive oils, limestone and ceramics.
