Month: April 2026

If you want to experience the Italian charm, cuisine and history without facing major crowds, swap Rome for a hidden gem on the southeastern heel of the country.

Rome is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth, thanks to its history, architecture, weather and style.

But for those of us who are tired of navigating hordes of tourists to catch a glimpse of the Fontana di Trevi or queuing up for the best restaurants, there is an alternative.

The southeastern tip of Italy is home to the comune of Lecce, rich in baroque architecture and with the same historical charm that draws millions to the Capital.

Nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its characteristic style, Lecce has a rich history that is still tangible today in the form of places such as the Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di Santa Croce), built in 1353 and completed in 1695, and the Church of Saints Niccolo’ and Cataldo, initially built in 1180.

You’ll also find convents, the Column of St. Oronzo – built to mark the end of the plague – a major Roman-era amphitheatre, three archaeological museums, and Lecce’s own Arc de Triomphe (Arco di Trionfo), said to stand over St. Giusto’s tomb.

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You’ll also find an imposing castle – Il Castello di Carlo V – in which tourists can enjoy cultural tours and seasonal events, originally built by Charles V in the 1500s.

If you like to experience a city by strolling around it, you’re spoiled for choice of where to go in Lecce. The city centre is full of sandstone-coloured grand piazzas, – the biggest one is Piazza del Duomo – ruins and ornate baroque buildings that sit in preserved Roman roads.

Visitors also enjoy the southern Italian tradition of the evening passeggiata, when families stroll at dusk to mark the end of the workday.

It is a city rooted in its artisanal culture, with olive oil and wine being Lecce’s main exports. That reflects in the local food and produce, making local eats accessible and fresh. For a truly authentic taste of Lecce, visit Mercato di Piazza Libertini, the lively central market.

You can also enjoy wine tours, cooking classes, and sample peppery olive oil, known for converting doubters into enthusiasts.

Other delicacies include pasticciotto – pastries filled with custard, ricotta, or, in Lecce, vanilla. You’ll easily find them at the multiple bakeries spread across the centre, with reviewers highlighting Pasticceria Natale and Caffè Alvino.

And if you manage to explore the entire place and still have time to spare, guides recommend taking a bus to the nearby beaches of San Cataldo, Porto Cesareo or Punta Prosciutto, reachable in as little as 40 minutes.

To enjoy optimal weather in Lecce, avoid June, July and August – as temperatures can easily go above 40C – but don’t worry about any other month, as temperatures range from 14C to 28C year-round. Avoiding grey skies is easy, as it doesn’t usually rain more than a week per month, but you’ll have the best luck in May, September, and October.

When looking for a place to stay, many like to enjoy Lecce while dwelling in scenic villas that offer a luxurious experience for a slightly higher price – from around £415 a night. If you’re budgeting, you can still have a great experience at local hotels for around £60 per night.

Overall, Lecce is more affordable than Italy’s major destinations but offers the same rich atmosphere, culture, and cuisine.

To reach Lecce, fly from London to Brindisi Airport, a journey of about three hours. From Brindisi, Lecce is approximately 30 minutes away by straightforward bus or car rides that can be booked in advance.

Once you get to the city, you’ll be able to comfortably reach most sites on foot, but public buses are available to help tourists navigate as well as reach neighbouring towns.

Return flights between London Stansted and Brindisi can cost as little as £30 per person during the milder seasons. If flying from London City Airport or Gatwick, fares typically start at £200.

If you’re already planning a trip to Italy, Lecce is a good day-trip option, as frequent trains connect Lecce with major Italian cities, making access easy.

March 31 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties agreed Tuesday to pass a package of economic measures, including a currency stabilization bill, as the won weakened sharply amid prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

The legislation was approved during a plenary session alongside more than 60 bills aimed at stabilizing the economy and supporting livelihoods.

The currency measure includes tax incentives designed to encourage domestic investment by individuals who have invested in overseas markets, often referred to in South Korea as retail investors in foreign stocks. Officials said the goal is to increase demand for the Korean won and reduce volatility in foreign exchange markets.

The won traded at 1,530.1 per U.S. dollar on Tuesday, well above the psychologically significant 1,500 level, adding to inflationary pressure.

Floor leader Han Byung-do said the worsening Middle East crisis had begun to affect everyday life, emphasizing the need to contain exchange rate volatility and shield the economy from external shocks.

Lawmakers also approved additional economic legislation tied to the crisis. These include a measure to support corporate restructuring, allowing companies to streamline mergers and spin-offs and receive tax benefits as they respond to industrial challenges and shift into new sectors.

Other bills passed include revisions to trade-related laws aimed at helping businesses adapt to changes in the global trade environment.

Separately, lawmakers voted to fill several vacant leadership posts in National Assembly committees. The Democratic Party nominated Rep. Seo Young-kyo as chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, along with Rep. Kwon Chil-seung and Rep. So Byung-hoon for other committee leadership roles. Their terms will run through May.

The votes were conducted by secret ballot and passed with support from the Democratic Party, while the People Power Party is believed to have opposed the selections.

The People Power Party had argued that the judiciary committee chair should be held by the opposition to ensure checks and balances, noting that the Democratic Party already holds the position of National Assembly speaker.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260401010009707

In her small shop on Merritt Island, racks of orange, blue and black T-shirts depict hand drawn rockets, mission patches and moonscapes, ready for the crowds who arrive on regular launch days. But this launch is different, she tells us. “We’ve wanted to go back to the Moon since the ’70s. People are excited. People are beyond excited,” she said.

Long Covid is when the symptoms of Covid-19 – extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, aching muscles and brain fog – last longer than 12 weeks

Hermione Norris has revealed she has suffered from long Covid, which left her concerned about her ability to take on physical challenges. The Cold Feet star, 59, said she is now much better but the change to her body has been a “shock”.

Norris is one of seven celebrities who embarked on a pilgrimage through north-east England to one of Britain’s most important pilgrimage sites, Lindisfarne, for new BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island.

She was joined by stars including Ashley Banjo, Patsy Kensit and Tasha Ghouri for the programme but said she had concerns about her health before setting off.

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She told Prima magazine : “I’m not great at extreme discomfort. I had long Covid a few years ago, so I was worried about my physical fitness and the demands of walking so much every day, plus carrying the backpack. But we did a couple of massive walks and I was fine. I was pleasantly surprised.”

She added: “Having been ill [with long Covid], my focus is on being well and healthy. It’s about exercising, not to make me look good but to keep me strong. I stretch a lot, and I’ve really got to start lifting weights.

“I also use an infrared sauna for my autoimmune condition. I get really stiff joints. I’m so much better after the long Covid, but I feel different, physiologically. It gave me a shock, as I’ve always been quite fit and strong.”

Long Covid is when the symptoms of Covid-19 last longer than 12 weeks, according to the NHS website. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, aching muscles and brain fog.

Norris, best known for her role as Karen Marsden in cult 90s drama Cold Feet, said she has also noticed significant changes since going through the menopause, telling the magazine: “Menopause talk is everywhere now. But the alchemy that happens is unquestionable. The masks drop.

“I feel like a different person from who I was in my 40s – mentally and physically – in a good way. Now I enjoy simple things. My morning coffee, a walk, my doggies, beautiful skies. The joy is in the day-to-day of living, not the big things.”

Read the full interview in the May issue of Prima , on sale now