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Baroque cathedral of Lecce, one of the most important in southern Italy
Founded in the 12th century, the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption was completely demolished in 1658 on the initiative of Bishop Luigi Pappacoda, who commissioned the architect Giuseppe Zimbalo to rebuild it. A masterpiece of the Baroque style of Lecce, it is one of the most important cathedrals in southern Italy.
Its peculiarity lies in its double facade: the sober main facade, facing the Episcopal Palace (visible from the square only), and the secondary facade on the left side of the building, facing the square and surmounted by a triumphal arch with the statue of Sant'Oronzo enthroned. With its exuberant decoration, it forms a highly scenographic backdrop to the square. The interior is in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves. Note, in the second chapel on the left, the sculpted group by Gabriele Riccardi representing the crib, with the Holy Family on the altar and, above the canopy, the Magi and the shepherds. Finally, do not miss the crypt, which reopened in 2017 after long restoration work: rebuilt in the 16th century, it is supported by 92 columns with capitals displaying zoomorphic decoration. In an adjacent space is the ossuary where human remains are still present.
The bell tower, one of the highest in Europe at 70 metres, is slender and grandiose and was added in 1682 by the architect Zimbalo. It has five floors and is surmounted by a statue of Sant'Oronzo, the patron saint of the city. The Cathedral Square, at night, is an unforgettable sight.
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