Lecce

Lecce is called the Florence of the south, treasure of culture, history and architecture. Lecce is also Capital of the baroque with its churches, palaces and monuments.

In the historical centre, Piazza S.Oronzo, you can admire the old amphitheatre (of the II century A.D) and the Column of S. Oronzo, given by Brindisi to thank the saint that saved the town from the plague.

Near the column we find the Sedile Palace here a long time ago there were meetings of the civic administration.

Few kilometres far from the piazza S.Oronzo there is a castle where today there are important shows and cultural events. It was built by Gian Giacomo of the Acaya (between 1539 and 1549).

In the historical centre there are palaces like Palazzo Adorno, Palazzo Spada, Palazzo Vernezz-Castromediano and others.

The baroque expansion happened in 600 A.D. When the middle class and the church start to build churches, statues and decorations in Spanish style.

Each palace and monuments is made with a particular white/yellow stone, called the stone of Lecce, that assumes in the years the colour of gold.

Very famous is the Basilica of Santa Croce, a triumph of the baroque; it was built between 1549 and 1965 by Gabriele Riccardi, Cesare Penna, Franceco Antonio Zimbalo, here you can be impressive by the façade.

Lecce is not only Baroque: you can find the love for the culture also in handy-craft shops in Via Palmieri, Via Libertini and Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
You can find modern shops, bar restaurants which offer the best local food.

Finally you have to visit Piazza Duomo, one of the best squares in Italy, with its Dome, the belfry (68 metres high) and the Palace of the Seminary. The monuments are particular in the night when the lights gave them an extraordinary atmosphere.