Date post: | 11-Jul-2015 |
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Introduction to Lecce
Lecce: “The Florence of the South”
According to legend, the city was founded during the time of the Trojan
War. It was founded by the
Messapii, who are believed to actually be
Cretans. Lecce was originally known as “Sybar”
It was conquered by the Romans in 3BC and
its name was changed to “Lupiae”
It was later changed to “Licea” or “Litium” in the 2 AD, when the
ruler at the time, Emperor Hadrian,
decided to move the city two miles to the
northeast
Lecce would experience many more changes in
rulers and governments as it got invaded by various
groups.
Lecce began to truly
flourish in the 11th century after it was
conquered by the Normans.
Despite the many conquerors that have passed through their
lands, however, Lecce’s Greek roots remain
strong. In fact, to this day, there is a group of towns near the city that is collectively known as Grecìa Salentina, where
people still speak a dialect known as “griko.”
These days, Lecce remains as busy as ever and enjoys much tourist traffic thanks to its
comparison to Florence.
Lecce’s main products are:
“pietra leccese” (“lecce stone”)
for sculptors
Olive Oil
Red Wines like Primitivo,
Negroamaro and Salice Salentino.
Lecce Attractions
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Construction of this church
began in 1353 but was only
completed a few centuries later in
1695.
Its most unique feature is its facade which has motifs such as fantastic beasts and grotesque figures, which was unusual for
the time.
It is the burial place of Saint
Francis of Paola
Church of San Niccolo and Cataldo
• It is considered as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture.
• It was founded in the 11th century,
• Its façade is from the original medieval structure.
It is known for its beautiful frescoes from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Church of the Theatines (Church of
Saint Irene)
Numerous relics of saints are housed here.
Though the interior itself may seem rather modest, it has ornate
altars that are decorated in the
Rococo style.
Colonna di Sant'Oronzo (Column of St. Orontius)
• It is a column topped by a statue of Lecce’s patron saint.
• The column was originally erected in the town of Brindisi and was used to mark the end of the Via Appia
• In the 1600s, Brindisi sent it to Lecce in gratitude as they believed that it was a miracle by St. Orontius that stopped the plague in their city.
Arco di Trionfo (Triumphal Arch) aka, Porta Napoli
It was built in 1548 to welcome the ruler of the
Holy Roman Empire and King
of Italy and Germany at the time, Charles V.
Other Points of Interest
2nd century Roman
Ampitheater
Sigismondo Castromediano
Museum
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