Lecce
LECCE INTRODUCTION
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The city owes much of its fame to the period between the 16th and 17th centuries, in which, under the Spanish, it became the capital of Baroque.
The buildings were constructed in soft, golden-colored...
THE WONDERS OF LOCAL CUISINE
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If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll enjoy the cozze arraganate, Mediterranean mussels baked with breadcrumbs, capers and parsley.
The most typical first courses feature hand-made pasta,...
BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE
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Among the most famous architects and sculptors who adopted this distinctive Baroque style were Gabriele Riccardi, Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, Giuseppe Zimbalo and Cesare Penna, who all worked one...
PALAZZO CELESTINI
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This building is part of a single complex along with the Basilica of Santa Croce, and was built at the same time, starting from 1549, based on a project by the same architect, Gabriele Riccardi, who...
PIAZZA SANT'ORONZO
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Work on the square began in 1660 and lasted until 1686. The column was built to give thanks for a miracle by Saint Orontius who, legend has it, brought a sudden end to the plague that had wiped out...
PIAZZA DUOMO
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As well as the Cathedral, you’ll find the Bell Tower on the left. On the right is the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary, with each building conceived as a whole. The warm hue of the local...
CASTLE OF CHARLES V
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The castle was surrounded by a moat, which was filled in the 19th century; entrance was through two gates with drawbridges. There are embrasures on the walls for the artillery, reinforced with four...
FAGGIANO MUSEUM
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The Museum has a particularly interesting history, and the most exciting part of it is almost entirely underground. In 2001, the owner, Luciano Faggiano, embarked on a renovation of the...
CHURCH OF SAN MATTEO
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The convex bottom part of the facade appears to swell outwards, while the upper part recedes from the lower part and appears to cave inwards.
The more traditional churches in Lecce owe their beauty...
CHURCH OF SANTA CHIARA
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It was rebuilt between 1687 and 1691 by the Lecce architect, Giuseppe Cino, who designed many of the most interesting edifices in the city, including the Seminary in Piazza del Duomo.
On this...
CASTROMEDIANO MUSEUM
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A member of the enlightened local aristocracy, Castromediano was a cultured archeologist and scholar, with a passion for art and history that prompted him to found this fascinating museum, with...
CHURCH OF SAN NICCOLO'
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Changes were made to the facade by Giuseppe Cino in the early 18th century. The upper rose window and the magnificent, exquisitely decorated portal, in characteristic Romanesque style, were the work...
