Puglia, Italy

Statue in Lecce, Italy, 2010

Puglia (the heel of Italy) is still an undiscovered region of Italy.  Most Americans go to the tourist hotspots of Rome, Florence and Venice, but each part of Italy has its own unique personality and charm.

Puglia is known for its fruity olive oils and rustic Primitivo wines.  The town of Alberbello has a number of amazing "trulli" (cone-shaped) houses that make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My favorite town in Puglia is Lecce.  It is known for its baroque architecture, leading to its nickname "The Florence of the south."  But, while Florence has buildings from several centuries, using many styles, Lecce is steadfastly baroque.  

That's because it was a backwater for centuries after its baroque masterpieces were constructed in the 17th century.  So, these buildings still stand.  They're also a lot more ornate in their carvings than those found in Florence because a particularly porous type of limestone is indigenous to the area and is easy to carve. 

The picture above was taken outside the window of our B&B in Lecce.  The statue isn't famous nor is it even visible from the street.  Time and weather has taken a toll on the stone and moss is slowly reclaiming the place where the statue stands.  

But, amazing art is everywhere is Lecce, even in unexpected and hidden places.