Luxury dog-friendly hotels in Lecce, Italy

Sat on Italy’s jutting southern heel, Baroque-bolthole Lecce stuns with signature 17th-century cathedrals and lively piazzas all hewn from the local ivory-hued limestone. But beyond its rising reputation – courtesy of the abundant ornate architecture – this small town enjoys a slow pace of life where family-run restaurants serve up seasonal cucina povera and locals lounge in the Garibaldi gardens. It may be steeped in antiquity, but come evening, the student populations bring plenty of bustle to the bars.