Basilica di Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce is regarded as the masterpiece of Baroque architecture in Lecce. Building began in 1549 and was completed in 1695, with several master builders working on it over those two centuries. The portals were added from 1606 under Francesco Antonio Zimbalo; Cesare Penna created the upper façade with its rose window, and Giuseppe Zimbalo its decoration. The façade is densely covered in sculpture: animals, fantastical creatures and plants. Some of the figures represent Turkish prisoners, a reference to the Battle of Lepanto. The main portal bears the coats of arms of Philip III of Spain, Mary of Enghien and Walter VI of Brienne.

Inside, the church has the plan of a Latin cross, seventeen altars and a richly worked wooden ceiling. Half an hour to an hour is usually enough for the façade and interior. Park outside the historic centre and continue on foot; the cathedral square is close by.