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Photo: Lupiae, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The southern entrance to the old town, dedicated to Saint Blaise. It is 17 m (55 ft) tall and it's topped by the coat of arms of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Faggiano Museum
Private residence converted into a museum after discovering ruins underneath the house during renovation in the year 2000.
Museo provinciale archeologico Sigismondo Castromediano
The oldest museum in Puglia, with an impressive collection of old Greek and Roman pottery and other artifacts. It exhibits artefacts excavated from the sea and has a small illuminated aquarium with fish and old vessels excavated from the bottom of the sea. You can also see two Venetian polyptychs of the 14th century. Hosts exhibitions of modern artists of Salento. The museum is on two floors, accessible to people with reduced mobility. Entry is free of charge (2024) because the museum is owned by the Province of Lecce.
Teatro romano
In the heart of the old town, it was built in the 1st century AD and it had a capacity of 5,000 people. It is now seat of events and performances.
Built in 1429 and renovated in 1691, its main features are the octagonal interior plan and the lavish altars.
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.
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.