General Description Our two-bedroom apartment in the sixteenth century Palazzo Spada is situated in the very heart of the historical centre of Lecce, renowned as ‘The Florence of the South’ for its beautiful Baroque architecture. It overlooks Piazza Duomo and other key sights such as Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Amphitheatre are just a few minutes’ walk away, while the railway station is 10 minutes on foot. The apartment is situated on the second floor which affords it wonderful views of the Duomo and the old town at large. However, as there is no lift, please note it is not appropriate for guests with mobility issues (there are 62 steps). The apartment, which has been in our family for generations, is very light, airy and peaceful and tastefully furnished with both antique pieces and custom-built items. There is a stunning view of the Piazza Duomo from the large living room, which in addition to its comfortable lounge furniture, also contains a characteristic ‘Pietra Leccese’ fireplace.
The apartment can comfortably sleep up to 5 guests. There is a king-size double-bed in the main bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a large fitted wardrobe. In the other bedroom, there is a bed (which can be easily converted into a double) and a large chest of drawers. Guests staying in this room may use the second bathroom (on the raised level next to the fitted and fully furnished kitchen) and the large, fitted wardrobe/ cupboard in the hall. The day-bed in the living room can also be used as a fifth (single) bed for guests who are not too tall (bed-length 1’80 x 90cms width). Both of the bedrooms and the living room have air-conditioning. In addition, the windows in all the rooms are soundproof, allowing the guests to stay in a quiet home while being in the very heart of the historical centre.
The French doors of the kitchen extension open-out onto a large terrace (with bamboo awning, a large table and deck-chairs) where guests may enjoy relaxing and dining al-fresco while enjoying the beautiful roof-top view.
Your hosts, who live nearby, are always happy to help and to provide further informations about the many wonderful places to visit in and around Lecce.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number LE07503591000013683, IT075035C200049002
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Is The window on the Cathedral pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The window on the Cathedral?
As of 31 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The window on the Cathedral on 10 Apr, 2026 start from S$237, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at The window on the Cathedral?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The window on the Cathedral?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The window on the Cathedral located?
Located in Lecce Historic Center, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Paisiello Theatre, Porta Napoli and City Walls. Museo Diocesano Lecce and Church of Sant'Irene are also within 5 minutes. Lecce (LCZ-Lecce Rail Station) is 14 minutes by foot and Lecce Station is 14 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
An amazing apartment in an amazing city! Four of us spent 1 week enjoying this lovely 2 bedroom apartment in the very center of historic Lecce. The apartment is historic, filled with beautiful antique furnishings and interesting decor. Air offers two modern bathrooms and kitchen, great WiFi, an amazing huge terrace on the top of the building, and offers everything one needs to enjoy their stay: this is not a place stripped of the details, rather it is brimming with wonderful things! The owners are so very kind and were extremely helpful. Definitely HIGHLY recommend
Location very central and great views of cathedral. Double glazing very effective. Apartment great character but tired in places. Small kitchen. Private roof great. We knew about 62 steps but do not underestimate your fitness levels
Fantastic location to see all the sights. Apartment was beautifully appointed. Hosts were accommodating and wonderful to work with. We loved every moment of our month's stay. In Lecce,make this your stop!
We had a great stay in May at this wonderful residence in Lecce. Great location from which to explore the city and enjoy the nightlife.
Thank you for having us x
A beautiful apartment in a perfect location! We stayed for 18 days, and really felt like we had a home away from home. Everything that we needed was provided, along with unexpected extras that added to our comfort. The steps to the apartment were indeed a bit of a workout, but they helped to mitigate the potential weight gain from the great food in Lecce. Costanza, our hostess, was helpful, and kind. We would happily stay here again if we returned to 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
Helena H.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
Dear Helena, thank you. I hope to meet you again in Lecce
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.
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!
Jackie H.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
dear Jackie it was a pleasure ho host a couple so friendly and kind like you. I really hope to meet you again
Lovely apartment in a beautiful Lecce. It was beyond our expectations. We enjoyed the beautiful terrace and views of the city. Our host was always accommodating and helpful before and during our stay. I have been in the Travel business for over 30 years and would highly recommend this property. The 63 steps up are worth it👏👏👏
This apartment is ideally located in the historic center of Lecce, a stones throw from the Duomo and for exploring the beautiful city by walking. The apartment is in in a lovely old palazzo and is very attractively and tastefully furnished and very comfortable. Donatella and Francesco were great hosts and really helped us to get settled in and with our departure. They provided lots of local information. Staying here really enhanced our enjoyment of Lecce and we highly recommend it.
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.
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.
We stayed for 11 days in this spacious apartment and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Lecce. Located just a few steps from the Duomo, it has everything you need. I would highly recommend it. We were surprised however about the 65 steps up to the front door. We are reasonably fit retirees but I think guests need to be warned about the staircase, especially with luggage. However we didn’t let this spoil our holiday.
Pat N.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr, 2024
Thanks for your rewiew. I'm sorry you were surprised by the presence of the 62 steps. Actually in the description of the ad it is clearly indicated that the apartment is on the second floor with no elevator and that there are 62 steps.
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.
A Spectacular Apartment at the Center of the Historic Town
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.
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!
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.
matthew k.
Stayed 31 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May, 2022
Thanks dear Matt & Karen. It was a great pleasure to host you
I had an extended (8 week) winter stay in this beautiful apartment. It was like living in a fairy tale; imagine having the chance to borrow an historic family palazzo. The furnishings are classic yet comfortable, the kitchen and baths updated, and the deck breathtaking. The hosts are very accommodating and available. The location is ideal for local sites and for visiting other Puglia sites: info center is across the strada, van tours leave from 5 minutes away and the train is a 10 minutes walk. Highly recommend this unit, especially for an extended stay as I cooked nearly every day taking advantage of local markets.
Bridget B.
Stayed 56 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar, 2023
Many thanks for everything, dear Bridget
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tom A.
8 Jun, 2018
The perfect spot in Lecce
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.
Tom A.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
dear Tom and family, it was a pleasure to host you. Thanks for your kindness.
This is an amazing property. It’s right in the heart of old town. Near everything. But with the windows closed, perfectly quiet (except for occasional church bells that just add to the ambiance). We loved sitting on the patio or staring out the windows to watch people go by and enjoy the change in lighting and rhythms of the day and night. It’s a spacious old world home with modern amenities. Perfect for accessing all parts of Lecce or enjoying a quiet meal at home. The owners went out of their way to answer questions and provide assistance. The much discussed stairs were quite manageable. We are a couple around 70 and had no issues. We stayed for 10 days so even had time to use the washing machine. This was the perfect place to feel like we were a part of something, not just passing through. Would love to come back.
We spent a week in this cozy apartment in the center of Lecce and we loved our accommodation! It’s tastefully decorated, cozy, spacious, clean, and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are stairs to the 2nd floor (3rd floor to Americans) so it may not be suitable for everyone. The terrace was our favorite feature for morning coffee and evening aperitivi. Spectacular sunsets and the view of the duomo. All of Lecce is at your doorstep. Francesco arranged for our car parking just a 5 minute walk away. Lovely and communicative hosts. We highly recommend a stay at this gem!
Wow the property was amazing location is perfect. The terrace is the icing on the cake. I cannot believe we were able to stay in such a stunning property. On the terrace on Saturday morning we could hear the accordion player from the square it was beautiful. The terrace is so private and not overlooked we spent lovely afternoons relaxing with a bottle and snacks. I believe someone had commented on it looking tired. Sorry but I do not understand that comment at all. This home has so much character the decor inside is beautiful and fits perfectly with the surroundings. The apartment was spotless and there was everything you could need for a wonderful stay. Plenty of information on Lecce and beaches in the vicinity take note of the comments on wind direction. Lecce itself was the perfect town so many great places to eat and gorgeous shops and buildings to explore. At the top of our list of favourite places in Italy. Streets are so quiet in the morning I even went for a jog it was so peaceful. We will definitely be back and would happily recommend to friends and family. We slept so well in the master bedroom such a lovely big comfortable bed. Can't wait to return.
darren p.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marie-Louise S.
1 Jul, 2018
Beautifully presented and furnished property right in the very heart of lovely Lecce
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!
Marie-Louise S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
It was a pleasure to host guests so kind and friendly. I hope to meet you again in a sunny week.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Alison B.
6 Nov, 2017
Perfect palazzo!
We rated this property as our best ever holiday let! The furnishings, spaciousness and overall comfort of the property were second to none. We enjoyed eating outdoors on the roof terrace at all times of the day, found all that we needed for cooking meals in the apartment, and slept well in the comfortable bed. Being located right in the middle of the old town, next to the duomo, was perfect for exploring this beautiful city, and meant we were close to shops and restaurants too. The duomo bell chimes regularly through the day but with the impressive sound proofed windows in the apartment you can choose if and when you want to hear it. The owners of the property were very hospitable and helpful in making sure we had everything we needed for our stay. We were delighted to find this gem and will be back!
Alison B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
Thanks for your kindness.
I hope to meet you again.