Italy Lecce - Duomo

Lecce’s Duomo, know also as Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta e S.Oronz, was built in the mid-1600s, soon after Saint Oronzo, was credited with saving locals from the plague. The façade is in keeping with the baroque style that is so dominant in the town.

The carved walnut false ceiling includes paintings depicting key moments in the life of the saint, with the final one showing him being beheaded as part of Emperor Nero’s purge of Christians. There is plenty of Pierta dura to be found around the inner walls.

The crypt has 92 columns, each featuring an ornate capital, was originally built in the second half of the 16th century and partially restored in the 20th. Through grates in the floor, it is possible to see the bones of long-gone humans.

The bell tower includes a lift to the viewing area from where spectacular sunsets can be shot – sometimes. Views of the other parts of town show mainly old rooftops, which have their own appeal.

Tripod and ultra-wide-angle lens, if you have both with you, for the interior, telephoto for the bell tower.

Officially, you only get 20 minutes at the bell tower viewing area, so check what time the sub sets and act accordingly. If there isn’t a large crowd up there, the official crowd manager show some lenience.

Take what parking you can find and just explore the old city.