Puglia: Lecce

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Lecce is a small Baroque town. It is called the "pink city". At night it is a truly magnificent sight as they light up the monuments and the town looks just splendid. For a small town, there are a lot of churches, restaurants and pretty piazzas. I think the only word I’ve heard that can correctly describe the Basilica della Santa Croce (16^th century) is opulent. It’s unbelievably ornate, delicate — beautiful. Inside the style is Renaissance — simple. Right next door is the Palazzo del Governo (Governor’s Palace) which was once a Celestine Monastery. The façade is particularly lovely. The Piazza del Duomo is a beautiful square with a Baroque duomo and campanile (great paintings on the interior), the 15^th century Palazzo Vescovile and the Palazzo del Seminario (18^th century). The Museo Provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano has some terrific Roman artifacts, paintings and a good collection of vases. There of several other churches to visit such as: the Chiesa di Sant’Irene/Chiesa dei Teatini (17^th century) with some fine altarpieces; the Chiesa del Rosario has a beautiful façade; the Chiesa di Santi Nicolo e Cataldo (12^th century) has a pretty rose window and an interesting façade (Islamic in style); the Chiesa di San Matteo has the "Lecce Baroque" style; and the Chiesa del Gesu totally departs from the local style — it’s a rather cold looking building. In the Piazza Sant’Oronzo Roman ruins have been unearthed. A Roman amphitheater, some tombs and city walls are visible and can be toured. Monday and Friday are market days in Lecce.