Visiting Lecce: A family photoshoot in Puglia’s most beautiful city
Imagine strolling through a sun-soaked city where every corner feels like it belongs in a postcard—welcome to Lecce, the sparkling jewel of Puglia. Known as the "Florence of the South," this enchanting city offers more than just baroque beauty; it’s a playground for history buffs, foodies, and families alike. It’s no surprise you’re planning a visit—or maybe even dreaming of a move here, just like this adventurous young family!
Every corner makes for a perfect backdrop in Lecce, Puglia
But let’s talk go back to that baroque beauty for a second. Those ornate facades and golden stone streets aren’t just fit for coffee table books—they’re the perfect backdrop for Puglia family vacation photos.
Like many of Italy’s important cities, Lecce was fortified to protect the city from invasions and to mark its growing importance as a regional centre. Though most of the 16th-century walls have faded into history, four of the original gates—Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae, Porta San Biagio, and Porta San Martino—remain standing today. These gates not only served as the primary entry points into the city but also as symbols of Lecce’s strength and resilience.
For this family’s photoshoot, we chose Porta San Biagio as our meeting point. Nestled on the quieter side of the city (at least until dark), it makes for the perfect spot to meet in the soft afternoon light.
Beginning at one of the historic gates wasn’t just practical—it was the perfect way to weave a little piece of the city’s history into their story, without fighting the crowds!
Must Visit: You can now enter the city’s past by touring the walls! Find out more here
One of Lecce’s most enchanting features—and the secret behind its golden glow—is the famous Lecce stone (pietra leccese). This soft, porous limestone has been quarried locally for centuries and is the foundation of the city’s baroque beauty.
The stone is a photographer’s dream background. Its porous texture gives it a natural warmth and softness that absorbs light beautifully, creating a subtle glow in photos. It’s understated enough not to distract from the love we’re capturing, yet distinctive enough to always remind you of exactly where you were in the world. Add a scoop (or three) of gelato into the mix, and you’ve got memories as sweet as the city itself!
Souvenir tip: Although I believe that photos are the best souvenir of all, Lecce’s stonemasons craft gorgeous Pietra Leccese items you can take home too! I’ve gifted my mum a tealight holder, and there’s even a Lecce stone lamp lighting up my own home. It’s the perfect way to carry a little piece of this magical city with you.
Lounging by the pool at Masseria Potenti
Lecce has many more photo backdrops and sites to visit. I love including the amphitheatre, some of my favourite cathedrals, and of course, over-indulging in pizza or other Italian food is always an option too! We can also include your Puglian hotel or villa, and if you’re doing another activity like sailing or a cooking class, I can join you to photograph those too!
If you’re coming to Puglia for vacation, or perhaps you live here too, I’d love to chat about capturing moments like these for you!
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Puglia with your spouse or family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!
Vacations gift us the rare space to spend quality time together.
Hold onto these moments through quality photographs on your walls.
