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Housed on the ground floor of the Palazzo Palladiano within the University complex Studium 2000, the Papyrological Museum of the Papyrological Studies Center of the University of Salentois one of the best in Europe and exhibits Greek papyrus, hieroglyphics, hieratic, demotic, Coptic and ancient objects related to writing in antiquity. An explanatory panel depicts the Charta Borgiana (the first Greek papyrus to reach the West from Egypt in 1778 and is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples) and there is a reproduction of the Rosetta Stone (the original is in the British Museum in London). The Papyrological Museum is part of the Museum Network of the Puglia Region. The Historical-archaeological museum of the University of Salento (MUSA) is in the next building.
Basilica di Santa Croce
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.
Duomo di Lecce
On the South side of Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral (Duomo) is a wonderful example of baroque style. Most of the cathedral was designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo and it was completed in 1689. Separate from the cathedral on the east side of the piazza is the duomo bell tower. Ride the lift up 43 metres for spectacular 360° views.
Sant'Irene dei Teatini
A majestic baroque church with an elegant and quite sober exterior that hides a richly decorated interior.
Basilica di San Giovanni Battista
A magnificent façade characterised by two grooved columns, completed in 1728. It is just few steps away from Porta Rudiae.
Built in 1429 and renovated in 1691, its main features are the octagonal interior plan and the lavish altars.
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.