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Church · Lecce, Apúlia
Basilica di Santa Croce
16th–17th century basilica considered the masterpiece of the barroco leccese, with a façade full of grotesque figures, animals and a large rose window. Beside it is the former convent of the Celestines.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is located on Via Umberto I, in the historic center of Lecce. Construction took about a century: it began in 1549 and the upper part of the façade, with the rose window, bears the date 1646. The city's leading architects at the time worked on it, such as Gabriele Riccardi, Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo.
The façade is the main spectacle. On the lower part, a balustrade is supported by telamons shaped as grotesque figures and fantastic animals, and above it thirteen little angels hold symbols of power. Above lies the rose window, surrounded by laurel leaves and fruit, with statues of Saint Benedict and Pope Celestine V on the sides. It's worth looking for Antonio Zimbalo's self-portrait carved next to the rose window.
The interior, more restrained, has three naves and Baroque altars in pietra leccese. The church houses a fragment of the Holy Cross, which gives it its name. The basilica is part of the Baroque churches circuit of Lecce, with a single ticket.
Attached to the church is the Palazzo dei Celestini, the former convent of the Celestine monks and today the seat of the provincial administration. The long façade, by Giuseppe Zimbalo and Giuseppe Cino, follows the same Baroque language, and the inner courtyard is usually accessible during office hours.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the façade, the interior and the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Celestini.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the low light highlights the façade's reliefs. Avoid mass times, when tourist visits are suspended; the schedule is published by the churches' circuit.
How to get there
It is on Via Umberto I, about 200 meters from Piazza Sant'Oronzo on foot. From the train station it's about a 20-minute walk.
Tip
Allow time to look at the façade from afar and up close: many details only appear with a calm inspection. To enter, shoulders and knees must be covered. The circuit's single ticket also covers the cathedral and other Baroque churches.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica di Santa Croce
Do you have to pay to enter?
Yes, the tourist visit is part of Lecce's baroque churches circuit, with a single ticket. Confirm before you go.
Who built the basilica?
Several architects from Lecce over a century, including Gabriele Riccardi, Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo.
Can you visit the Palazzo dei Celestini?
The courtyard is usually accessible during office hours, because the building houses the provincial administration.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.