Lecce is often called the Pearl of the Baroque or Florence of the South. All this because of the preserved wonderful architectural monuments. They include churches, palaces and squares with monumental buildings.
Lecce was founded in the 3rd century BC as a Roman colony. The period of its greatest splendor fell on the 16th-18th centuries. At that time, most of the Old Town buildings were built, which can be admired to this day.
The focal point of the city is Piazza Sant'Oronzo. The main patron of the city, Saint Oronzo looks at passing from a high column. At the beginning of the 20th century, the remains of a Roman amphitheater were discovered here, which could hold up to 14 thousand. viewers. Its fragments have been unveiled, and the rest is under the current buildings. The nearby Piazza Duomo is a place where you can see two Baroque palaces and the cathedral rebuilt several times. The dominant feature of this place is the 70-meter baroque belfry. In the streets around the squares you can find a dozen or so Baroque churches with richly decorated interiors.
A characteristic place in Lecce is also a medieval castle. It was significantly rebuilt in the 16th century. Today, behind the huge walls, there is a museum presenting contemporary art. In the city, you can also visit the Palazzo Taurino, which houses exhibitions dedicated to the history of Jews in Lecce and the private museum Faggiano, which shows the daily life of Lecce in different ages.
