Hotels near Porta Napoli

Porta Napoli is the grandest of Lecce's three surviving city gates, a triumphal arch raised in 1548 in honour of Charles V. Modelled on a Roman triumphal arch, it is topped by the emperor's coat of arms and trophies of arms carved in the local stone.

It marks the historic road to Naples and the northern entrance to the old town, making it a natural place to begin a walk into the centre. Nearby stands a tall obelisk from 1822 and the church of Santa Maria della Provvidenza, giving the little square a monumental feel.

Pro Tip: Start your day here and walk south into the old town, so you approach the Baroque sights the way travellers historically arrived. It is free and always accessible.