Visit to Lecce (province of Corigliano)

All partners visited Lecce with a guide.

Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed  "The Florence of the South". The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture

One of the most famous monuments we saw :

The Triumphal Arch (Arco di Trionfo, commonly called Porta Napoli, "Neapolitan Gate"), erected in 1548 in honor of Charles V. It replaced an older gate, Porta S. Giusto, which, according the tradition, lay over the tomb of the namesake saint. Also built over pre-existing medieval gates are the current Porta San Biagio ("St. Blaise Gate") and the Porta Rudiae. Both are in Baroque style, the latter having the statue of St. Oronzo on the top and mythological figures on the sides.

The Duomo (cathedral) is also one of the most significant in Italy. It was originally built in 1144, and rebuilt in 1230.

The Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di Santa Croce). The church has a richly decorated façade with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and a large rose window. Next to the church is the Government Palace, a former convent.

The Roman Amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century and situated near Sant'Oronzo Square, was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is now half-buried because other monuments were built above it over the centuries.