Hidden in the ancient streets of Lecce is a unique treasure: its Churches. These buildings are not only pieces of history, but living testimonies to the devotion and art that characterize the city. Lecce's seven most beautiful churches represent a true journey through time, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's culture and spirituality. Let's find out together what they are and how to visit them.
Among the seven most beautiful churches in Lecce, the majestic presence of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in Piazza del Duomo, stands out. Founded in 1114 during the Norman period, this magnificent structure was completely rebuilt starting in 1659 by architect Giuseppe Zimbalo at the behest of Bishop Luigi Pappacoda. Made of the typical Lecce limestone, the cathedral has an imposing three-aisle layout and a panoramic bell tower that was also used for geodetic measurements in the 19th century.
The crypt is the hidden jewel of Lecce Cathedral. It spans almost the entire surface of the church, although much of the rooms have not yet been brought to light.
Of particular value are the paintings on the two altars of the left transept, Our Lady of Shame and St. Irene, the ancient patron saint of Lecce, and those on the two altars of the right transept, the Visitation of Mary to St. Elizabeth and the fresco with Mary and St. John under the Cross .
The most evocative environment brought to light is the gallery that, starting from the entrance to the crypt, extends for a few tens of meters running in parallel throughout the central nave of the upper cathedral.
The Church of St. Matthew, on the other hand, amazes with its curvilinear forms and the sumptuousness of its architectural lines. Built in 1667 by architect Achille Larducci, it is said to have been inspired by the Borrominian church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome. Inside, a vast elliptical nave houses the statues of the Apostles, while the nuns attended liturgical services from the mullioned windows of the nave.
The Church of St. Clare, founded in 1429 and renovated between 1687 and 1691, is a jewel of Baroque architecture kept by the Poor Clares, a monastic order founded by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. Inside, the octagonal layout and opulent altars testify to the order's contemplative and cloistered spirit.
The Basilica of Santa Croce represents the quintessence of Lecce Baroque, with its richly decorated facade and three-aisled interior. Built between 1549 and 1646, this basilica is considered a meeting point between Renaissance and Baroque, testifying to Lecce's artistic and architectural richness.
St. Mark's Church, founded in 1543 by a Venetian colony and named after the historic patron saint of the lagoon city, is a small late Renaissance jewel with a square facade and a portal decorated with a statue of a lion, symbol of the evangelist Mark.
TheChurch of St. Irene, commissioned by the order of Theatine Fathers, is dedicated to St. Irene of Thessalonica and is an example of 16th-century Baroque architecture. Built between 1591 and 1639, this church was the site of the plebiscite for the Unification of Italy in 1860, testifying to its central role in local history.
Finally, the Church of San Francesco della Scarpa, built in the 12th century and renovated between 1699 and 1714, is known for its understated beauty and nickname of "church without a facade." Currently used as an exhibition space and auditorium, this church holds a fascinating history mixed with Lecce's rich religious tradition.
The seven most beautiful churches in Lecce not only represent architectural masterpieces, but are also living testimonies to the rich history and fervent devotion of the city of Salento.
Some of these splendid churches, along with other ecclesiastical monuments such as the Palace of the Ancient Seminary or the Museum of Sacred Art, are accessible through the LeccEcclesiae project, a route created by ArtWork in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Lecce and the Splendor Fidei ETS Foundation .
This project aims to safeguard, enhance and make usable the main ecclesiastical properties of Lecce, guaranteeing their prolonged opening, welcoming services and offering the best possible visiting experience. For more information and to participate in the project, visit the official ArtWork website .
