Piazza del Duomo is a spacious and stately square home to some of Lecce’s most impressive works of architecture. Unusual for a central square, it is completely enclosed by buildings and accessed via a gateway on its north side. In previous times the city’s residents would take refuge from invaders at the square. Today, Piazza del Duomo resembles an open-air museum lined with Baroque masterpieces that range from a cathedral to palaces.
As you enter the square, the Cathedral of Lecce creates a magnificent first impression. Built in 1659 on the site of a 12th-century church, it is considered by many to be the finest work of Giuseppe Zimbalo. The cathedral has two ornate façades, both adorned with sculptures of cherubs, grotesques and saints. Step inside to find a series of richly decorated altars and paintings of biblical scenes.
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Il Campanile (bell tower), also designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo. This 230-feet (70-meter) tall tower is characterized by its five tiers, each encircled by balustrades. Look to the right of the cathedral’s north façade to see the 15th-century Palazzo Vescovile, home to the archbishop of Lecce. One of its most impressive features is the second-floor arcaded loggia with Doric columns.
Looming over the square’s northwest corner is Giuseppe Cino’s beautiful Baroque palace, the Seminario. Admire the elegant windows and the small loggia, set above the main entrance. The building houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, which has exhibitions of antique paintings, silverware and wooden sculptures.
Piazza del Duomo marks the center of Lecce’s historic old town. Find the entrance on Via Giuseppe Libertini, a main thoroughfare that begins at Porta Rudiae, one of the ancient city gateways. Major city attractions, including Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Roman Amphitheater, are less than 10 minutes away by foot.
The Cathedral of Lecce is open daily and admission is free. It closes for a few hours at midday. The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is open from Tuesday to Saturday and there’s an admission fee.
