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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