Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene) Tours
Lecce’s Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene) was built between 1591 and 1639 for the Theatines and dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The church is not far from the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce’s city center.
The facade of the church features a statue of Saint Irene, sculpted in the early 18th century. Above that statue is Lecce’s emblem - a shelf-wolf and an oak tree. Artwork worth noting inside the church includes a number of beautiful altarpieces. A particularly large altar dedicated to Saint Cajetan dates from the late 17th century, and two other altarpieces date from the mid-17th century - including one to Saint Irene.
Some walking tours of Lecce include a stop in the Church of St. Irene, though many will make passing reference to the church from the outside.
Practical Info
Originally, there was a monastery built along with the church. The monastery was eventually closed and would become government offices and a school before its current incarnation, a venue for special exhibits.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele II 11, Lecce, Italy
Hours: Daily 7:30-11am and 4-6pm
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene)
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Lecce. Journey to discover a charming baroque
The historic center of Lecce is one of the most interesting in Puglia. The particularity of its Baroque architecture derives from the ability of local artists and architects who, between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, have done something unique thanks to the quality of the tender local stone. Our tour will be a journey through time, from the splendor of the Roman Empire to contemporary Lecce. An elegant and refined city where churches and ancient buildings alternate artisan workshops (especially papier-mache), shops and places where you can taste typical products.
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From
$46.55
Price varies by group size
From
$46.55
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Lecce Private Food and Sightseeing tour
Explore Lecce in the evening with your own private guide who showcases both the city’s landmarks and its tasty food and wines. Visit seven restaurants for tastings of authentic local food specialties and wines, and view important Baroque architectural monuments such as the Church of Saint Chiara, the Lecce Cathedral, and the Palazzo dei Celestini. Your tour includes food and wine tastings, a 2-course dinner, and snacks.
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From
$202.99
Price varies by group size
From
$202.99
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
A walk through Lecce
We will tour the historic center of Lecce for about 2 hours. I will show you not only the most important Roman and Baroque monuments, but we will also discover some hidden corners of the city. I will tell you about its history, its traditions, its food! Lecce will surprise you!
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From
$43.06
From
$43.06
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour
One of the jewels of Puglia, Lecce is rich in history and world-class sights—and a private walking tour is the perfect way to get up close and personal and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere. Admire the ruins of the city’s Roman–era amphitheater, see the baroque splendors of the Piazza del Duomo, take in the Basilica di Santa Croce, and learn more from your guide.
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From
$221.44
per group
From
$221.44
per group
Best of Lecce walking tour
Discover the stories of southern Lecce without spending a fortune on guidebooks with this morning tour of the city center. Starting from the iconic Piazza del Duomo, hear the history of this city as told through its buildings. Visit sites from across the ages, from the classical Roman amphitheater to the baroque Basilica di Santa Croce. Don’t get pushed to the back of the group, either: on this small group walking tour, get personalized attention from your guide and answers to all your questions.
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From
$86.12
From
$86.12
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