Lecce, the cultural fulcrum of Salento (Apulia), is one of the most beautiful art cities in southern Italy, known as the "Florence of the South". It is both a city of history and art: its ancient Messapian origins and its archaeological ruins left behind after Roman domination, fuse with the richness and exuberance of the Baroque churches and buildings dated back to 1600. It also combines elements of Greek, Arab and Norman presence and culture. The original style of this city is enriched by the characteristic color - dazzling in the sunshine - of its buildings, made of a local chalky material called "Lecce stone".

Lecce is also a capital of Italian cooking built on a local tradition of simple ingredients and robust red wines. Century-old olive groves stretch over the countryside, whereas a short distance away are wild beaches with a clear azure sea famous for diving and picturesque rocky caves.

The conference will be held in the Castle of Charles V, a majestic fortification in the heart of Lecce. It was first built in the Middle Ages, the central structure dates to the 12th century, and was strengthened by Charles V in 1539. The structure has an original trapezoidal base with four massive arrowhead bastions on each corner and an internal courtyard.

Special evenings will take place, weather permitting, in the Roman Theatre, an ancient theater built by the Romans in the 2^nd century AD. It was forgotten for a long time, covered by gardens and palaces and accidentally the rediscovered in 1929. Embedded in baroque buildings, is one of the historical marvels of Lecce; it will be given as an exclusive location for the TERAMETANANO-4 by the city council of Lecce.

The closest airports to Lecce are Brindisi (45 km) and Bari (164 km) airports.

From Brindisi Airport to Lecce

• By Bus
    The cheapest way to get to Lecce is using the bus. Price is €6.50 (a fee of €1.50 will be applied if you buy the ticket directly on the bus) and it stops at Lecce City Terminal. Check out timetables here or get the pdf.
   
• Shuttle service
  Airshuttle provides a pool taxi service . The ride has to be booked at least one day in advance. Click here for more info.
   
• Private Shuttle
  The ride has to be booked calling +39 328 2893507
   
• Taxi
  Taxi service is available at the airport for about €80.

From Bari Airport to Lecce

A shuttle train service is provided from the airport to the Bari central train station (price is €5). Current timetable is available here. From there you can reach Lecce by train (it takes about 1:30 hours, and there are 33 trains per day). Bari-Lecce train connections can be searched here.