Lecce: carved stone and stratifications of Salento
Lecce is the main historic center of internal Salento. The local limestone, easy to work and capable of taking on warm tones, characterizes Baroque churches and palaces. Below and next to this seventeenth-century face, Roman, medieval and modern remains remain.
History and identity
The Roman city, Lupiae, is visible in the amphitheater of Piazza Sant'Oronzo and in the theatre. Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, local workers developed a rich decorative language, evident in Santa Croce and in the palaces. Piazza del Duomo constitutes a monumental enclosure with cathedral, bell tower and bishop's palace.
What to see
Santa Croce, the Celestine convent and Piazza Sant'Oronzo form a first axis. The Napoli, Rudiae and San Biagio gates mark different accesses. The Faggiano Museum and other excavations show the stratification under ordinary buildings. Lecce papier-mâché is an artisan tradition distinct from stone sculpture.
Understand the place
The center is wide but flat; sun and summer heat require breaks. Churches and archaeological sites have different opening hours and sometimes combined tickets. The beaches of Salento are not in the city and require transportation. Parking lots and restricted traffic areas must be checked.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.