Baroque to the extreme - Lecce, Italy

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Italy

Baroque architecture took root in Rome during the Renaissance and reflects the over-the-top detail and ornamentation of that epoch. So, if you want to see Baroque architecture it is only natural that you'd want to go to Rome. And you should. St. Peter's is an incredible example of the style. Florence, of course, also has its share of examples. I've also posted about Mdina in Malta, Ortigia in Sicily and Modica in Sicily, where you can see lots of baroque buildings.

But, may I suggest another place to see baroque architecture.

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Italy

Lecce, Italy is in Puglia, the heel of the boot of the peninsula. It is one of the regions of Italy that is mostly undiscovered by American tourists, although it has become more popular recently.

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Italy

What makes the baroque buildings of Lecce so stunning is the intricacy of the carvings on the facades. Dozens and dozens of statutes, carvings, and architectural ornaments decorate the churches of the city. 

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Italy

 You could literally spend hours looking at the facade of a single church and still want to spend more time. While most of the pictures I've posted are from the Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce), there are twenty others in the small historic section of Lecce.

Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Italy

One of the reasons the carvings in the buildings in Lecce are so intricate (besides the talent of the artists who created them) is because of the stone used. So-called Lecce limestone is more malleable, and therefore, better for carving than harder stones.

Chiesa del Carmine, Lecce, Italy

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of other things to do in Lecce and Puglia rather than gaze at churches all day. There's great food, wine, and olive for foodies. Beaches for sun worshippers. And Roman ruins for history buffs. Maybe I'll post more about those aspects of one of my favorite regions later.

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