Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce
If you are planning a visit to Lecce, one of the unmissable stops is undoubtedly the Basilica of Santa Croce, the first Baroque masterpiece of the city. The Basilica is located in via Umberto I, right in the historic center and next to another important structure: the former Celestine convent or Palazzo dei Celestini.
Some historical notes
The construction of this church began in 1353, but the works were interrupted almost immediately due to the death of the first client, and then resumed only in 1549 at the request of the Celestine fathers.
The architects who took care of its rebirth were Cesare Penna, Gabriele Riccardi and Giuseppe Zimbalo, that is, the most important in the area with the help of master stonecutters and carvers from the Lecce area. It was finally completed in 1689, bringing with it passages from various eras such as the Renaissance and the Baroque.
A masterpiece of Lecce Baroque
The element that makes the Basilica of Santa Croce truly special is the use of Lecce stone, a local limestone that, with its softness, allows for the creation of incredibly detailed and scenographic decorations.
Just think of the façade, where there are caryatids, a series of thirteen embracing cherubs, two statues representing Charity and Faith and a very valuable baroque rose window.
But it is inside that the Basilica reveals all its splendor. The ceiling is richly decorated, and every corner tells a story, while the side chapels are adorned with stucco and frescoes that narrate biblical episodes. There is no shortage of works of the highest value such as the pulpit in Lecce stone, which fascinates with its elegance and fine details. The apse contains several scenes, including the Adoration of the Shepherds, the Annunciation of Mary, Mary and Elizabeth and an episode of the escape of the Jews from Egypt.
Basilica of Santa Croce’s role today
The Basilica of Santa Croce is not only a place of worship, but also an extraordinary testimony to the artistic tradition of Lecce. By visiting it, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in history and discover one of the most representative places of the Apulian Baroque.
Don’t forget to include it in your itinerary in Lecce: after walking through its historic squares and alleys, a visit to the Basilica will give you a complete experience, combining architectural beauty, spirituality and history in one place.