LECCE INTRODUCTION, Introduction

Hi, my name’s Rick, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Lecce, the Queen of Baroque.

Lecce is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in southern Italy. Founded before Rome, it was already inhabited as far back as 3000 BC by the Messapians, a people who had arrived here from the Balkans.

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 Lecce limestone, which allowed the local artists to give free rein to their creativity, crafting matchless decorations and sculptures and giving rise to a unique style. 

You’ll be awestruck by the fabulous facades of the huge number of churches in the city, such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Cathedral or the Church of San Matteo, as well as buildings such as the Seminary or Palazzo Celestini....