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Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
It represents the main example of Lecce baroque style. It was built between 1549 and 1695, thanks to three well-known architects: Gabriele Riccardi, who devoted himself to the general plan and the lower part of the façade; Francesco Antonio Zimbalo who made the twin column porch and the portal aside; Cesare Penna who conceived the high level of the façade. The big Romanesque central rose window, the rich frame, the four columns, and the niches as well as the telamons, the imaginary creatures, the animals, the mythological and historical characters of the façade are all what makes this church unique and renowned over the world.
The Basilica of the Holy Cross is a Baroque-style church completed in 1695 in Lecce, Apulia, Italy.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The seat of Province of Lecce in an impressive baroque building completed in 1695
il Sedile
Ancient city hall, it represents an interesting mixture of gothic and renaissance architecture. It is in the middle of the vibrant Piazza S.Oronzo, contiguous with the small Church of San Marco.
La chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia a Lecce
Built in 1580s, this baroque-style church is in the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, overlooking the Roman Amphitheatre, and houses a 14th-century fresco of the Holy Virgin and Child. According to a legend, a young goldsmith was prompted in his dream by the Holy Virgin to find a lit lamp and the painting of the Virgin, following which the chapel became a destination of pilgrimage and a place of miraculous healing. The sumptuous walnut ceiling is carved by Vespasiano Genuino: the original ceiling centrepieces (The Virgin of Grace and the Trinity Crowning the Virgin) are removed from the ceiling, replaced by replicas, and exhibited in the church. This is a beautiful church with a charming atmosphere thanks to its acoustics. If you are lucky, you can also listen to rehearsals or concerts. The church has a nice souvenir shop that sells hand-made soap, jams and other souvenirs. A Lampedusa Cross (made with the wood of boats that carried migrants) is exhibited in the church.
Anfiteatro romano
The structure was built during the 2nd century AD and it was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is used for various religious, music and art events.
Sant'Irene dei Teatini
A majestic baroque church with an elegant and quite sober exterior that hides a richly decorated interior.
Castello Asburgico
A majestic medieval castle rebuilt during the first half of 16th century. It is seat of several exhibitions, events and conferences.