Lecce

Lecce ( , Italian:) is a city and comune (municipality) in the region of Apulia in southernItaly, and the capital of the province of Lecce. It is on the Salentine Peninsula, at the heel of the Italian Peninsula. With a population of 94,387, it is also the largest city in the province.

Because of its rich Baroque architecture, Lecce is nicknamed "The Florence of the South". "Lecce stone", a particular kind of limestone, is one of the main exports of the city. It is very soft and workable, thus suitable for sculptures. As well as being an industrial centre specializing in ceramics, Lecce is also an important agricultural centre, chiefly for its olive oil and wine production.

Lecce is home to the University of Salento.