Basilica of Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce
The peak of Lecce Baroque, with a facade of honey-coloured stone carved with flowers, fruit, monsters and angels, and a huge rose window in the centre that takes your breath away.
Basilica of Santa Croce was begun in 1549 and completed in 1695, designed by several generations of architects, including Riccardi, Penna and Zimbalo. The whole facade is carved from soft Lecce stone with intricate garlands, fruit, animals, statues of Turkish captives and monsters supporting the brackets. The central rose window, with its layered petals, is especially fine and is considered the emblem of Lecce Baroque. Inside, you will find a bright Corinthian colonnade and a carved wooden ceiling. The neighbouring Celestine Palace now houses the provincial government. You can buy the 'LeccEcclesiae' combined ticket, which costs around 10 euros, to visit the cathedral and several other churches.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–21:00 (shorter in winter; may close at midday)
Nearby sights
- Lecce Old Town
- Roman Amphitheatre & Piazza Sant'Oronzo
- Castle of Charles V
- Lecce Cathedral & Piazza del Duomo
- Museo Faggiano
- Porta Napoli
- Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, Galatina
- Nardò