CHURCH OF SANT ANGELO, Presentation - Ai Voice

The Church of Sant’Angelo — dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means “Saint Angel” — is one of the oldest sacred buildings in the city, dating back to 1061. Originally, the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Constantinople, but in the 14th century it was renovated and rededicated to St. Michael, hence the popular name Sant’Angelo.
After major reconstruction work that began in 1663, the church became a splendid example of Lecce Baroque and was consecrated again under the double title of Sant’Angelo and Santa Maria di Costantinopoli.

Its façade is striking for both its Baroque richness and its unfinished structure: the upper section was never completed due to lack of funds and ends abruptly on either side of a large central window.
The main portal, topped by a lunette depicting the Madonna and Child with two angels, is flanked by carved cherubs, eagles, and lions holding a Latin inscription dedicated to the Mother of God of Constantinople and dated 1663.
A particularly fine feature is the wood and bronze door, cast in 1750 from a design by Emanuele Manieri. The panels display a double-headed eagle, symbol of the Augustinian monks, while the portal itself is framed by Baroque decorations in Lecce stone, attributed to the school of Giuseppe Zimbalo.

 ...