If I could give Francesco and Donatella 10 stars I would. They were the most attentive hosts. Nothing was too much to ask. And the apartment was better than pictured. I would recommend this rental to anyone. Fabulous.

The Window on the Cathedral is wonderful - the view of the Duomo and surrounding rooftops, the sounds of liveliness from the street far below (easily quieted when you close the beautiful windows), the historical location that accesses Salento’s beautiful towns within an hour or two, the inexpensive reserved parking 10 mins away, all super. And now for a description of the interior… beautifully appointed antiques and fabrics adorn each room, the architecture, decor and textiles are rich yet comfortable. The steps leading up to the apartment in the Palazzo have landings that make it easily doable unless one has mobility issues. (I acknowledge we did not have huge heavy luggage) The hosts Donatella and Francesco were welcoming and quickly responded to our every request. I even asked for and took an Italian lesson via a teacher recommended by Donatella which was an asset to the Italian I am studying at home. I wish we could have stayed longer. It truly felt like home and holds a special place in our hearts. We’ll be back!

Very nice appartement with a great view. The terrace is amazing. The city is amazing. The owners are very nice and ready to help.

This is a beautiful apartment in a fantastic location. It’s spacious and well equipped. The bed in the main bedroom is very comfortable. The roof terrace is a real bonus.The only negative aspect is the 62 step staircase to reach the apartment! To be fair this is made perfectly clear in the online description. We got a lot fitter climbing the steps every day!

We stayed 5 nights in this terrific apartment. It has everything that you need, with lots of thoughtful inclusions. It is spacious, well equipped, comfortable and clean, and perfectly located to access everything in Lecce. The ambiance is special with the furnishings and decor making it feel like a home. We really enjoyed breakfast on the terrace and sitting in the lounge room looking out at the Duomo in the evening. At bedtime close the windows and shutters and it is quiet. There is lots of local information provided and the hosts are very available should you need them. We would definitely stay here again.

If you don't mind 62 steps, you should experience this location. There are many tour groups that come though Lecce in the day, so by staying here in the heart of the old section you can enjoy the peaceful streets in the morning and then visit one of the many spectacular beaches during the day. Francesco could not have been more accommodating and arranged reserved parking a 10 minute walk away. Such a special place and we felt lucky to have access to this beautiful historical apartment. The kitchen, dining, roof terrace flow together and creat a wonderful space in the morning and evening. The living room is very special as well but we were outside. In the winter it would be so nice near the fireplace sitting area. The bedroom was also very comfortable and from the entire apartment there is privacy because you are above and super quiet with double high quality windows. Thank you so much Francesco and Donatella!

Francesco was a wonderful host who helped us navigate parking, checking in, and getting around Lecce. The palazzo is beautifully decorated and is itself a valuable part of Lecce. It is a beautiful accommodation in a classic corner of Puglia.

If you don't mind 62 steps, you should experience this location. There are many tour groups that come though Lecce in the day, so by staying here in the heart of the old section you can enjoy the peaceful streets in the morning and then visit one of the many spectacular beaches during the day. Francesco could not have been more accommodating and arranged reserved parking a 10 minute walk away. Such a special place and we felt lucky to have access to this beautiful historical apartment. The kitchen, dining, roof terrace flow together and creat a wonderful space in the morning and evening. The living room is very special as well but we were outside. In the winter it would be so nice near the fireplace sitting area. The bedroom was also very comfortable and from the entire apartment there is privacy because you are above and super quiet with double high quality windows. Thank you so much Francesco and Donatella!

Francesco was a wonderful host who helped us navigate parking, checking in, and getting around Lecce. The palazzo is beautifully decorated and is itself a valuable part of Lecce. It is a beautiful accommodation in a classic corner of Puglia.

Lovely, large beautifully appointed apartment in the very heart of “Lecce vecchia” (old Lecce). Really, you cannot do better. Lovely terrace on which to dine or simply watch the swallows every morning and evening. Everything you could ask for in a traditionally decorated (privileged) old aristocratic apartment. Owners Donatella and Francesco could not be more welcoming. This is the sort of place people dream of finding. Perfect.

Unique, comfortable and quiet, with a great location in the heart of the historic center and stunning views of the Duomo from its second floor perch (3rd floor to us Americans). Very close to almost everything you need (markets, shops, restaurants, cafes and gelaterias) within a 5-10 minute walk. The apartment is spacious with high ceilings and very charming, has antique (as well as comfortable modern furniture) and a marble fireplace, which made us feel like we were living in Lecce history! Francesco and Donatella are fabulous hosts, and were very responsive to our needs and questions throughout our month-long stay. The apartment is perfect for two for longer stays, and accommodates up to 4 comfortably for shorter (one week or less) stays. The rooftop deck is a real plus, and we would have used it more but for the weather in January, which was a little too cool and breezy for regular use of the deck. However, the heat and hot water were more than adequate for our needs! The kitchen was modern and well-stocked, and had most everything we needed to cook well—which we did quite frequently during our stay once we found the historic food and meat market at the Porta Rudiae! There is some noise that filters up from the street at certain times of the day and night, but the window doors are well-constructed and insulated, so the noise of the city is greatly reduced when the windows are closed. And hearing the bells of the Duomo regularly throughout the day and night only adds to the wonderfully historic atmosphere of the place! Highly recommended for those who are looking for a unique and comfortable stay in the heart of historic baroque Lecce!

Unique, comfortable and quiet, with a great location in the heart of the historic center and stunning views of the Duomo from its second floor perch (3rd floor to us Americans). Very close to almost everything you need (markets, shops, restaurants, cafes and gelaterias) within a 5-10 minute walk. The apartment is spacious with high ceilings and very charming, has antique (as well as comfortable modern furniture) and a marble fireplace, which made us feel like we were living in Lecce history! Francesco and Donatella are fabulous hosts, and were very responsive to our needs and questions throughout our month-long stay. The apartment is perfect for two for longer stays, and accommodates up to 4 comfortably for shorter (one week or less) stays. The rooftop deck is a real plus, and we would have used it more but for the weather in January, which was a little too cool and breezy for regular use of the deck. However, the heat and hot water were more than adequate for our needs! The kitchen was modern and well-stocked, and had most everything we needed to cook well—which we did quite frequently during our stay once we found the historic food and meat market at the Porta Rudiae! There is some noise that filters up from the street at certain times of the day and night, but the window doors are well-constructed and insulated, so the noise of the city is greatly reduced when the windows are closed. And hearing the bells of the Duomo regularly throughout the day and night only adds to the wonderfully historic atmosphere of the place! Highly recommended for those who are looking for a unique and comfortable stay in the heart of historic baroque Lecce!

We spent 4 nights in Lecce at this amazing apartment. The owners were so helpful and gracious; their apartment in a palazzo which has been in the family for many years shows great taste and love. It's like staying in a home not a rental apartment, with many lovely details, especially the gorgeous lounge. The terrace was amazing but there were views from many rooms. It was well kitted out and lacked for nothing. This is the best apartment we have stayed in; sadly, we only stayed 4 nights, whereas, you could spend a lot longer here, giving you time to really explore Lecce. I think even in winter it would be lovely. Thank you so much, Francesco and family. Teresa and Chris

We can’t say enough good things about our stay in Lecce and this apartment - so glad we found both! The apartment location was perfect! We loved sitting in front of the beautiful windows with our coffee watching the duomo visitors and the bustling streets, and often listening to the musicians playing outside. When the sun was shining, the quiet rooftop patio was perfect for sitting with a glass of wine and marveling at the lovely city surroundings. The kitchen is well-appointed, and markets are a short walk away. The home is furnished with beautiful antiques and warm furniture & rugs that make you feel like you are visiting someone’s home. Secure parking is close by and reasonably priced. There are quite a few stairs, but they helped us to not feel so bad about all the gelato, cheese and bread we were consuming during our stay! Lecce was just the right size town for us – small enough to walk the entire historic area, but large enough to have great restaurants, shops, and experiences to discover – and bonus – there is interesting history and architecture to be found around every corner! It was the perfect home base for us to explore the many intriguing towns in Puglia and Salento just a short drive away. Donatella and Francesco were thoughtful and attentive hosts. Would not hesitate to stay here again if we return to Lecce!

Located on the second floor of a palace with a view of the duomo and its plaza, this may be the best place we have rented ever. The location is great, The apartment is beautifully furnished in family heirlooms. Lecce is magical, and Franceso and Donatella are delightful hosts. We can’t weait to return next Christmas!

My wife and i just stayed a week at Francesco's wonderful apartment in Lecce. The location is perfect for the exploration of Centro Storico. The apartment is well laid out, comfortable and beautifully decorated with antique furniture. There were a day or two when it was hard to leave to go exploring - the apartment was just that relaxing. We were made to feel very welcomed by Francesco. I would wholeheartedly recommend Francesco's VRBO when staying in Lecce.

A tastefully decorated apt., very spacious and comfortable. We didn’t want leave it each day, a very romantic setting . The location was fabulous too! When we come back to Lecce we will certainly stay there again

Our hosts Francesco and Donatella were most welcoming and always available with help and guidance. The apartment is light, spacious, well-equipped, beautifully furnished and overlooks Piazza Duomo - illuminated by night. Che bello! It is in the perfect location to explore the exquisite architecture of Lecce. Would love to return again.

This is a beautiful apartment, right in the heart of Lecce. It has lots of character, it’s clean, the hosts were very helpful booking taxis and sending us information on how to get to places, the roof top garden was a haven. You have all the top sights and lovely restaurants within minutes walk of the property. I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone wanting to visit Lecce.

Franscesco's apartment, right on the edge of Plaza Duomo, is truly lovely. The location is perfect; he apartment beautiful and comfortable. The kitchen is modern and completely functional, and the rooftop terrace is a dream. The aC in the 2 bedrooms worked well, but it was hard to fully appreciate the apartment in mid-August heat. Be aware that the apartment is up two long flights of stares, but if you can't find a nicer place, at a reasonable price in Lecce.

At the heart of everything Lecce has to offer is Francesco and Donatella's property which is simply stunning. Beautifully decorated and furnished, everything that has been reviewed before is true, a wonderful find. There's no greater praise than saying, we want to live there. Andy Adcroft

What an impressive apartment! The space was wonderful, the decor beautiful. It felt like we were in a family home that was perfectly cared for and comfortable. The location was great. We could easily walk to everything Lecce had to offer. Even though we were very central, once the windows were closed, it was quiet. We used the terrace many times a day to enjoy the outside.

A return trip to Lecce would definitely involve staying here!!!

Where to start...? The location is perfect. It is in the center of the center, but also private and of itself. The owners, Donatella and Francesco, are wonderful. They are available when needed, but not intrusive in any way. The apartment is fantastic. It is the apartment from Donatella's family. It is real, authentic, perfect... not another Ikea speculative investment for rent... it is a home. And then there is Lecce; it is simply beautiful. After 8 nights, it was sad to leave, but we know we will be back... and we hope that we will stay in this apartment, this home, again. Thank you Donatella and Francesco... alla prossima!

We could not have a more perfect experience while staying in Lecce. Our owner was so gracious, kind and helpful; offering suggestions of where to go, restaurants and much more. The apartment is perched above an active street but the windows when closed, eliminate all sounds from below. The view from the living room takes you back hundreds of years as you gaze at the Church and the huge courtyard across the way. The apartment has all the conveniences of modern living but in an ancient Palazzo. An added bonus is the rooftop patio with table, chairs and lounges to relax after a day of touring or to drink your morning coffee. The location is perfect in the historic mostly pedestrian center of Lecce. It was wonderful in every way!!

Fantastic apartment in the centre of Lecce that provides an excellent base with everything you need. We really enjoyed having breakfast and evening meals outside on the terrace, especially when the weather was too hot to be indoors! The apartment is well equipped with a very comfortable super king sized bed and much welcomed air con in the bedroom. Francesco and Donatella were great hosts, responded quickly to messages and were very helpful. A very memorable holiday and would definitely love to go back!!

Stunning apartment fully equipped with everything that you need. Parking convenient. We have had a great week in Lecce and will definitely come back. Thank you Francesco and Donnatella

A really special place to stay right in the pedestrian centre of Lecce. The owners were welcoming and helpful. We enjoyed entering their courtyard from the busy street. 65 steps to the top floor of the palazzo but the staircase is generous, and well lit at night. There is a really good terrace with nice table and chairs where you can watch swifts as the dusk falls. The living room is charming, comfortable and elegant with windows onto two streets.View to the Duomo's piazza unbeatable. The bedroom is large with lots of storage. Bed very comfortable with up-market linen. You may find it hard to leave this beautiful place. Everything you need is in walking distance. We also spent time at the beach which can be reached by bus. Excellent in every way.

As all the other reviews have stated, this is a wonderful apartment in Lecce. Francesco and Donatella were very responsive and helped us with getting our luggage to and from the apartment. Parking was very convenient in a very nearby lot. We enjoyed the spacious living areas and the airconditioned bedrooms. The views are beautiful, especially in the living area. The apartment is quaint and cozy! The beds in both bedrooms were very comfortable and 2 bathrooms were very modern. We loved Lecce and all the wonderful restaurants and shopping. We stayed for 5 days and wish we had a few more. The outside Terrace was a wonderful place to sit and enjoy wine and cheese in the evening and coffee in the morning. Francesco has many suggestions for restaurants and places to go that he will share with you. Communication with Francesco was excellent and he always returned emails promptly. The stairs to the apartment are many but very nice exercise each day. The location is very central to everything in Lecce. We visited Otronto, Alberobello with the Trulli houses and a wonderful beach club in Otranto. We took a cooking class in Lecce that I highly recommend. It was conveniently located very near the apartment. I know we will be back to the Puglia area again. Thank you, Francesco and Donatello

Francesco, Donatello and family went out of their way to help us find our way, and get our luggage to, their lovely apartment. The apartment itself was beautifully decorated with a mix of old and new furniture and made a delightful haven in the heart of the city - particularly as we experienced an unusually rainy June! There was everything we needed in the kitchen and a delightful terrace from where we loved to enjoy our glasses of wine looking out over the rooftops and watching the sun going down. Francesco and Donatello provided us with lots of information about where to eat or what to see and do We loved our stay! Thank you!

We had a wonderful 9 nights stay in Donatella & Francesco’s beautiful apartment. It is completely as the photos suggest. It was like walking into the well furnished home of a friend - very comfortable, quiet, light and elegant. It is an excellent location in Lecce and a total pleasure to stay in. Donatella and Francesco were very welcoming and helpful - even carrying our heavier luggage up and down the stairs which we very much appreciated. We found the 62 even and low rise steps quite manageable and we are in our sixties. We don’t think you could do better.

We cannot speak enough how much we enjoyed the property and especially Francesco the owner. He was very accommodating and provided us with very helpful information regarding the area - beaches, markets, cafes, etc. He was very responsive and easy to get a hold of if you had any questions regarding the apartment or the area. The views from the rooftop and windows were beautiful. The apartment had all the amenities that you could ask for and was in a perfect location in regards to shopping, the local sites, the city center which were only minutes away. If or I should say when we return to the area we will definitely look up Francesco and stay at his property.