The Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta forms Lecce's beautiful baroque heart, dominating Piazza Duomo at the point where the historic centre’s main arteries cross. Its bell tower is one of the highest in Europe and is topped by a flag of the city's Patron Saint, Sant'Oronzo.
Anyone stepping onto the square will be bowled over by the sight of what is actually the side of the Cathedral, lavishly decorated with a series of masterfully chiselled statues.
The main, more sober, façade boasts a massive bronze portal made by Arnaldo Marrocco for the Jubilee of 2000. Inside, a soft light envelops the aisles and the nave between the altars, while exquisite marble and gold-plated touches frame the gorgeous Pala dell’Assunta (Altarpiece of the Assumption) over the main altar.
Built in 1571, the square-shaped crypt has four rows of columns decorated with Romanesque capitals. Also worth visiting is Palazzo del Seminario, home of the Diocesan Museum next to the Cathedral.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Farmers' Social Market
Zero-kilometer vegetables, legumes and natural products every Thursday
Multifaceted Art
An international collective exhibition on contemporary identity
The Red Thread - Solo Exhibition by Valentina Toscano
Solo exhibition by Valentina Toscano from October 17 to 25
Between Visible and Imagined
Paintings and graffiti exploring memory, identity and vision
The Pumpkin Village
Workshops, markets, and street food among decorated pumpkins
Hòlos. The Art of Care and Well-being
Holistic care event exploring interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health.
More places nearby
Museums and theatresMust - Historical Museum of the City of LecceSet against the backdrop of the 15th-century monastery of Santa Chiara di
Lecce, the Must opens up its collections between temporary exhibitions and
educational workshops. Lecce very close
Nature and gardensPiazza DuomoA treasure trove of Baroque art, it represents the heart of religious life
in Lecce. Lecce very close
Museums and theatresMuseo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di LecceThe Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is a collection of the great treasures of
sacred art from the Diocese. Lecce very close
FunVittorio Emanuele II StreetThe central Corso is one of the most characteristic streets of the Baroque
city, for a stroll among the wonders of Lecce stone, small stores and
beautiful churches. Lecce very close
ArchaeologyRoman TheatreThe Roman Theatre of Lecce, as a hidden treasure amid the alleys of the
historic centre, opens up amid the roof gardens of 18th- century palaces. Lecce very close
Churches and cryptsChiesa di Santa ChiaraA superb Baroque facade captivates the viewer in front of the architectural
masterpiece of Santa Chiara, in the heart of the historic center of Lecce. Lecce very close