Lecce, often known as the “Florence of the South”, is a stunning Baroque city with an incredibly preserved and lovely historic centre that is located in Apulia, in the south of Italy. It is a cultural and artistic gem that has to be seen to be believed. Just find a luxury villa in Apulia and visit it for yourself.
In the previous article, we noted some of the wonderful religious Baroque buildings that can be admired in the city and while there are dozens more that one could mention, there are also many other types of structures and works to be seen, beyond those used for worship.
However, in saying that, it would be remiss of us not to, at least, mention the church of Santa Croce Church; one of the most famous and extraordinary buildings in the entire city, with its iconic Hellenistic façade and rose window.
In the previous article, we noted some of the wonderful religious Baroque buildings that can be admired in the city and while there are dozens more that one could mention, there are also many other types of structures and works to be seen, beyond those used for worship.
However, in saying that, it would be remiss of us not to, at least, mention the church of Santa Croce Church; one of the most famous and extraordinary buildings in the entire city, with its iconic Hellenistic façade and rose window.
The imposing 17th-century Palazzo Governo, by the iconic architect of Leccese Baroque, Giuseppe Zimbalo, meanwhile, is an example of one of the city's secular gems. Originally built as a convent for the Celestine Order, and containing a wonderful cloister designed by Gabriele Riccardi, it is incredibly intricate, with a facade covered in sculptural details carved from the local limestone.
To the left of the Cathedral of Lecce, in the Piazza del Duomo, there is another beautiful palazzo, the graceful 17th century Palazzo Vescovile, or Bishop‘s Palace.
Nearby, in the tiny Piazza Salconieri (careful or you'll miss it!), you will find the 16th-century Palazzo Balsamo with a wonderful balcony supported by four sculpted figures on either side.
To the left of the Cathedral of Lecce, in the Piazza del Duomo, there is another beautiful palazzo, the graceful 17th century Palazzo Vescovile, or Bishop‘s Palace.
Nearby, in the tiny Piazza Salconieri (careful or you'll miss it!), you will find the 16th-century Palazzo Balsamo with a wonderful balcony supported by four sculpted figures on either side.
You don't have to go out looking for examples of the Baroque, either. Just by wandering around the city you’ll see incredible examples lining streets all over the historic centre of Lecce, particularly in the less famous palaces and lavish houses that, no doubt, house ritzy homes and offices today. There is a reason this city is considered an architecture and art lover's paradise; everywhere you turn, there the Baroque is, just waiting to take your breath away once more. If you get a case of sensory overload, find the nearest cafe, grab a coffee and just relax in this stunning corner of Italy.
Photo credits
Picture 1: MatthiasKabel / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Lupiae / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: MatthiasKabel / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Lupiae / CC BY-SA 3.0