LA STORIA DI LECCE con tutte le sue bellezze

Summary

Lecce, a city in the heart of Salento, is renowned for its Baroque architecture and millennia-old history. It has been a crossroads of cultures and peoples, a commercial hub and a bulwark against Turkish invasions. The city's origins are shrouded in legends, with one suggesting it was founded by the ancient Messapi king Malegno. Over time, Lecce has been contested, destroyed, and rebuilt, preserving and creatively adapting its spaces. Its identity was shaped by various rulers, from the Normans to the Swabians, and its architecture reflects a unique blend of styles. The 16th century saw a significant fortification of the city, and the Baroque period brought unparalleled artistic flourish, with the city's stonework, known as 'pietra leccese', enabling intricate and expressive designs. Lecce's Baroque is characterized by its rich decorations and rational patterns, symbolizing the glory of God and the prestige of its patrons. The city's identity was further solidified in the 17th century with the establishment of its patron saint, St. Oronzo, and the construction of its iconic Duomo and Column of St. Oronzo.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Lecce, a city in the Salento region, is known as one of the European capitals of Baroque architecture, with a rich history dating back millennia.
• 🌐 The city has been a crossroads of cultures and peoples, and a strategic commercial hub and defensive barrier against Turkish invasions throughout history.
• 🏙️ Lecce's urban development has been marked by periods of contention, destruction, and creative reconstruction, preserving and adapting its historic spaces.
• 🏛️ The city's most significant Roman remains include the amphitheater and theater, which date back to the 2nd century AD and were uncovered in the 20th century.
• 📜 Historical records indicate that Lecce was an important city during the Middle Ages, changing rulers multiple times and showing loyalty to various authorities.
• 🏰 The Normans conquered Lecce and brought innovations and prosperity, with Tancredi being a notable figure who inspired Rossini's famous opera.
• 🏰 The Swabian and Angevin periods marked significant changes in Lecce's governance, with the city eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Naples.
• 🛡️ During the 16th century, under the rule of Charles V, Lecce was fortified to protect against Ottoman expansion, with the city's architecture reflecting a blend of military and religious influences.
• 🎨 The Baroque period in Lecce, known as the Leccese Baroque, was characterized by an explosion of artistic and architectural creativity, with the city becoming known as the 'Florence of Baroque'.
• 🗿 The unique 'pietra leccese' or 'gentile stone' was crucial to the city's Baroque architecture, allowing for intricate and detailed carvings that showcased the artisans' skills.
• 💒 The Basilica of Santa Croce, with its magnificent rose window, is a symbol of Lecce's Baroque heritage and was significantly rebuilt during the 17th century.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Lecce in the context of the Baroque period?

Lecce is known as one of the European capitals of Baroque architecture. It experienced an extraordinary artistic and architectural flourishing during the Baroque period, which was characterized by an abundance of decorative elements and a unique style that differed from the Roman Baroque. The city's identity was shaped during this time, with significant contributions from local patrons and the Church.

How did the city of Lecce contribute to the defense against Turkish invasions?

Lecce played a crucial role as a commercial hub and a bulwark against Turkish invasions. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a key point of interest for various populations and cultures, including the defensive needs against the Ottoman expansion into Southern Italy.

What is the origin of the name 'Lecce' and what does it suggest about the city's foundation?

The name 'Lecce' is thought to have originated from the ancient Messapi word 'Lupi,' which implies that the city may have been founded as a confederation of different parts. This is supported by the presence of a port in the city, which was unusual for an inland city at the time.

How did the city of Lecce evolve from its Messapic origins to a Roman city?

Lecce began as a Messapic settlement that gradually expanded and became significant by the 4th century BC with the presence of a city wall. The city further grew in importance after the Romans conquered it, with significant Roman architectural remains, such as the amphitheater and the Roman theater, marking its transformation into a Roman city.

What is the significance of the stone used in Lecce's Baroque architecture?

The 'pietra leccese,' or Lecce stone, is a soft, easily workable limestone that allowed for intricate and detailed carvings. This material played a fundamental role in the Baroque architecture of Lecce, enabling the creation of elaborate and richly decorated buildings that are characteristic of the city's architectural style.

How did the Normans influence the development of Lecce?

The Normans, under the rule of Tancred, brought significant innovations and improvements to Lecce, enhancing technologies, commerce, and labor. They also contributed to the city's wealth and power, with notable architectural contributions such as the church of San Nicolò and the castle.

What is the significance of the Battle of Lepanto in the history of Lecce?

The Battle of Lepanto, a significant victory against the Turks, had a profound impact on Lecce. It renewed the city's sense of resilience and was perceived as a miraculous intervention by the Madonna del Rosario, leading to a surge in religious fervor and the construction of Baroque churches and monuments.

What was the role of the architect Giuseppe Zimbalo in Lecce's architectural history?

Giuseppe Zimbalo was a key figure in Lecce's Baroque architectural history. He was responsible for the construction of the new cathedral, the Duomo di Lecce, and the high marble column in Piazza Sant'Oronzo. His work significantly contributed to the city's distinctive Baroque identity.

How did the discovery of the Roman amphitheater contribute to the understanding of Lecce's past?

The discovery of the Roman amphitheater in the early 20th century during the construction of the Bank of Italy building provided tangible evidence of Lecce's Roman past, confirming its historical significance and the progressive development of the settlement over time.

What is the significance of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce's religious and architectural history?

The Basilica of Santa Croce is a symbol of Lecce's Baroque period. It is a complex structure built over a century, with the upper part completed by architects like Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo. The basilica represents the city's religious fervor and architectural creativity, showcasing the unique Baroque style of Lecce.

How did the city of Lecce integrate the presence of different religious orders during the 16th century?

During the 16th century, Lecce saw the strengthening of its religious identity with the presence of powerful monastic orders such as the Celestines, Veridines, and Jesuits. These orders established convents, houses, and factories, contributing to the city's wealth and monumental architecture, and reflecting the city's commitment to religious and cultural development.