In 2019, I visited Italy once again. This time, the ancient city of Lecce was the highlight.
Lecce is a city in Italy’s southern Apulia region, It lies on the Salentina peninsula. The city is 2000 years old, and it has been under the control of several armies since its foundation. After the fall of the Roman Empire, It was conquered by Byzantines, Saracens, and the Normans in the mid-11th century. The city was fortified in 1463 by the kings of Naples.
Because of the rich Baroque architecture, Lecce has commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South".
Many of its buildings are built of the characteristic Lecce stone "Pietra Leccese", a light yellow easily worked limestone.
Lecce is also famous for its olive oil and wine production, as well as an industrial center specializing in ceramic production.
Roman Amphitheatre and Sant'Oronzo statue under reconstruction
Duomo bell tower
Roman Theatre
Porta San Biaggio
Chiesa di San Matteo - Church of Saint Matthew
Palazzo dei Celestini - Governmental building
Museo Faggiano - Archeological museum