Basilica Santa Croce – Lecce

Considered the emblem of Lecce baroque, the Basilica of Santa Croce is in fact one of the most important and admired churches in Lecce.

For this reason, the restoration works, and the consequent safety measures, were necessary in order to bring back to life the splendor of the facade, unfortunately degraded over the years also by atmospheric agents.

Initially all the greatest architects of the sixteenth and seventeenth century Lecce participated in its construction; so that a unique program of beauty and variety of styles could be obtained.

The first phase of construction, which began in 1549, was completed by 1582 and saw the construction of the lower area of ​​the facade.
Subsequently the dome was completed in 1590. The upper part of the facade, together with the pediment at the top of the structure and the wonderful rose window, was probably completed in 1646. This last date can be obtained from the cartouche placed next to it.

In addition to this, the division with the second order is delimited by an extraordinary balustrade supported by thirteen telamons; each telamon depicts the different cultures and peoples, thus signifying the universal catholicity of the Church.

Moreover, above the balustrade appear, almost dancing, as many putti bearing the insignia of temporal and spiritual power.