(the ancient Lupiae), a town of Naples, province of Terra di Otranto, on the road from Brindisi to Otranto, about 22 miles distant from each, and 8 miles from the Adriatic. It is fortified by walls, ditches, and towers, and is farther defended by a castle or citadel. The space occupied by the town, it is said, would accommodate double the present population, and hence it has a rather deserted appearance. It is, however, one of the best built towns in the kingdom, having wide and regular streets, and many handsome buildings. The cathedral of St. Oronzio has a wooden roof richly carved and gilt. Lecce is the see of a bishop, and contains a royal college. It has manufactures of woollen, cotton, and silk goods, lace, and snuff; and carries on an active trade in the products of the surrounding country,—silk, wool, flax, cotton, oil, wine, gum, &c. Lupiae was an ancient Salentine city, said to have been founded by Malennius, a Salentine king. It is seldom mentioned as a Roman town, though it seems to have been a municipal town of some importance. Augustus remained there for some days on his return to Italy, after hearing of the death of Caesar. No ancient remains are now visible, but they are said to have been numerous in the fifteenth century. Pop. about 16,000.