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The historic Piazza del Duomo in Lecce, Italy is the most beautiful square in the city! Acting as the religious center of town, the Lecce Piazza Duomo is home to some of the most ornately decorated Baroque buildings in Puglia.
Unlike many European city squares, the Lecce Piazza del Duomo is enclosed on three sides. The grandiose space is accessed from the north through a narrow entrance from the main Old Town street, Libertini.
Exploring Piazza Duomo Lecce, Italy
The somewhat hidden square features sensational architecture and some of the most iconic buildings in Lecce. The four main structures are the Lecce Duomo Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, the Seminary and the soaring Lecce bell tower.
Top Tip: While the incredible details of the opulent architecture are best seen in daylight, the square is equally impressive at night!
Duomo di Lecce
The Lecce Duomo is the main attraction and an absolute must-see for Lecce visitors. The first church to occupy the site was built in the year 1114. The structure underwent renovations and additions in 1230, but was not fully embellished in the Baroque style (which remains today), until the mid-1600s.
Unlike most churches, the Lecce Cathedral has two extensively decorated facades. The main entrance, which fronts the square and is the more grand of the two, features columns, sculptures and floral carvings. The second façade, which faces west, honors Oronzo, the Patron Saint of Lecce. Both feature the quintessential Leccese style of architecture.
Top Tip: The Lecce Duomo Cathedral can be visited for a small fee – and we highly recommend going inside!
Piazza del Duomo Lecce Episcopio
The Bishop’s Palace (or Episcopio) in Lecce was designed as a background to the square. First built in the 15th century, the palace endured a 50-year reconstruction that was completed in 1639. However, it was in 1758 that the ornamental façade and clock were added.
Piazza del Duomo di Lecce Seminario
The seminary (or seminario) is considered by many to be the finest Baroque architecture in all of Lecce. Designed by Giuseppe Cino and completed in 1729, the enormous building takes up the entire western length of Piazza del Duomo. The windows and columns provide balance, enhanced by fine sculpting.
Lecce Piazza del Duomo Campanile
The 230-foot-tall Lecce bell tower was built by Giuseppe Zimbalo (who also built the cathedral) and was completed in 1682. It soars five stories into the sky, adding dimension and an air of dominance to the square. It has been used as a watchtower, but is also representative of the Bishop’s power in Lecce.
Travel Guides for Italy
Spending more time in Lecce? Visiting other regions of Italy? Fantastic. Get honest advice in our free travel articles to plan your amazing vacation to Italy!
- Top Things To Do in Lecce
- Explore More Beautiful Churches in Lecce
- Read our suggestions for What To Eat and Where to Drink in Lecce
- Visit the Best Lecce Museums
- Ultimate Rome Itinerary
- 1 Amazing Week in Tuscany
- 3 Days in Florence, Italy
Start planning your trip to Italy! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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