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LECCE
THE FLORENCE OF THE SOUTH
The baroque engulfs all Salento
and not a single urban area exists which does not
have any traces of it. Due to its architecture, Lecce
has been denominated the "Florence of the South".
Here, amongst churches and palaces, there are examples
of both a light baroque and baroque in its most majestic
style.
In the centre of the town is the Santa Croce basilica,
an expression of leccese baroque. Its grand facade
is enriched with inlays; internally there are precious
altars making it a unique patrimony. Slightly further
away is the governments palace, commonly referred
to as Celestini Palace with its lovely windows, lodges
and its facades.
A few metres away is situated the town cathedral,
located in the square bearing its name, deemed to
be one of the most beautiful found in Italy (a night
visit is suggested, very pleasant), with its five
storey bell tower characterised by arches and columns.
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