The window on the Cathedral provides laundry facilities and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5100 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Barbecue
Add dates for prices
About this property
The window on the Cathedral
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.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bidet
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Shower/bathtub combination
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: possibile fumare sul terrazzo
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a hospital
Near the sea
Things to do
Golfing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Water skiing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: SCALA INTERNA PRIVA DI CANCELLO DI SICUREZZA
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Possibile fumare sul terrazzo
Important information
You need to know
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number IT075035C200124487, LE07503591000076397
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
About the area
Located by the sea, this apartment is in Lecce Historic Center, a neighbourhood in Lecce. Paisiello Theatre and Faggiano Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include City Walls and Church of Sant'Anna. Railway Museum of Puglia and Azienda Olearia Schirinzi are also worth visiting. With scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Lecce travel guide
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.
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The window on the Cathedral Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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
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!
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!
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👏👏👏
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!
We had the most incredible stay at this stunning apartment in the heart of Lecce, Italy! The location couldn't be more perfect - literally next door to the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo.
The apartment itself was spacious and beautifully decorated. The hosts included details to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. From the plush furnishings to the well-equipped kitchen, we wanted for nothing. The views were amazing and the sound proof windows allowed us to shut out the street noise while still enjoying the nighttime views.
But what truly sets this apartment apart is its convenient location. We could easily explore Lecce's historic center, indulge in delicious food and wine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere - all just steps from the apartment.
The hosts were so kind and accommodating. We would love to return to this amazing apartment the next time we visit.
I saw the reviews and could not believe there were so many positive ones. Now I know they are all true!! The location can’t be any better for exploring the historic portion of Lecce. The apartment is large and feels like you are in a museum. Everything is provided. I wanted to hire the cleaning lady because everything (kitchen, bathrooms, refrigerator, furniture) are spectacularly clean. Although you are adjacent to the Piazza del Duomo and on a major tourist street….open the windows at night and you can here singers and musicians outside…close the soundproof windows and the only thing you hear are the church bells. It is amazing how effective they are. The owners are sweet and responsive people. All questions are answered in minutes! They are very fair in mentioning in the listing that, as in all antique buildings in Italy, there are 60 steps to the apartment. No issue for us but for someone with physical limitations this would certainly be a problem. Maybe the best property we have stayed at and extremely pleased with our stay. A definite 10/10
“Window on the Cathedral” says it all. This is a fantastic Apartment, complete with rooftop terrace and fantastic location. It is very spacious and furnished beautifully, including a washing machine and ironing board and plentiful reading material in multiple languages. The best part was communication with our host, Francesco. He responded immediately to any question I had, and he was particularly helpful in arranging to reserve parking in an attended lot for us. We then walked our bags to the apartment where his son met us to help carry them up the stairs. And speaking of stairs, there are a lot of them, but they are easy to manage because they are wide and have handrails, especially for seniors like us .Timing for check-in and ease of check-in went like clockwork.. Lecce is a great city to explore and we did two side trips to Gallipoli and also Otranto with easy in and out of the parking lot. Window on the Cathedral is a terrific place to stay, convenient to all areas of historic Lecce with an incredibly communicative host,and easy parking situation. It was a nice touch to have pastries on the kitchen table welcoming us.Grazie Mille ,Francesco!
My husband and I stayed for two months, October and November 2023. We have visited Italy often, and of the 16 apartments we've rented, this is probably the best. Donatella and Francesco are very attentive hosts, always responding immediately to any question we had. Their beautiful apartment is extremely comfortable and well equipped. There were no problems with plumbing, air conditioning, heating, etc., and the internet connection was very fast and reliable. My husband is 74 and managed the 62 steps with our heavy suitcases and groceries without too much trouble, but you do need a certain level of fitness.
When closed, the French windows shut out almost all noise from outside. The security gate at the top of the steps opens to a space shared by the apartment's front door, and, almost adjacent to it, the front door of another apartment. This could be a problem with the wrong neighbor, but during our stay that person was considerate. Overall, it was one of the quietest apartments I've rented in Italy.
The apartment was serviced every week. The small bedroom is comfortable for a single guest. We had a married couple our age visiting us in Lecce, but they stayed elsewhere, because we all felt the second bedroom was too small. It might be okay for younger, more easy-going couples, or for family members.
We left Lecce with a great affection for the city, and to enjoy it from the comfort of Donatella and Francesco's splendid apartment was a treat we won't forget.
Living the relaxing life in the middle of historic Lecce
Before our trip Francesco was in communication with us. He was very helpful in securing a parking space quite close to the apartment for our entire stay since one cannot drive in the city. Even when we arrived at the parking, he helped us via telephone since our Italian was next to nothing. His walking directions were perfect and we arrived to the apartment with Costanza (his wife) greeting us. It was so lovely to have her show us around and explain things to us. For whatever reason, maybe new place or brain fog, we had trouble the next day with one of the keys. In less than 5 minutes Francesco came over with another set and verified how to use the lock. We never had a problem again. Since we were there for 10 days, the cleaning person stopped by and changed the sheets, towels, cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen for us. Now to the apartment...it was beautiful! It was comfortable! It was in a fabulous location! There were dishes, pots, outdoor clothes hanger and clothes pins, everything you needed. There was soap for the dishwasher, your hands, your shower, etc. We did purchase some toilet paper and another papertowel, but we were there for 10 days. You could tell the place was decorated for them to live in. It wasn't an ikea rental. The location was close to 2-grocery stores, the fresh market at Porta Rudiae and restaurants. We LOVED the rooftop terrace. The downside is the 3 sets of stairs with luggage. But you can get used to steps, we did and it was worth it.
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
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
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
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.