Itinerary 1: Lecce
Starting from Porta Rudiæ one will see churches of the unmistakable Baroque style, unique to Lecce, rich in ornamental decorations that can be seen all along Via Libertini, followed by Piazza Duomo with its cathedral, the seminary, the bell tower, and the bishop’s palace.
Visiting local craftsmen working in papier maché, an art form which has three century long history, making religious statues or local churches or even private houses more precious.
Then there is Piazza S. Oronzo with its amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century AD, the Sedile ( a local treasure) the small church of S.Marco, the church of S. Matteo, the Roman theatre (1st century AD), the splendid church of Santa Croce, Palazzo Celestini, Palazzo Adorno, Porta Napoli and the Obelisk.
Lunch will be at a selected local restaurant.
Itinerary 2: Otranto
Otranto (city of the 800 martyrs), the walls, the bastions, the castle, the cathedral with its mosaic, one of the largest of its kind in the world (800mq), the crypt, the martyrs’ chapel, the Byzantine chapel of St Peter.
Between architectures of light and sparkling embroideries, Scorrano, surrounded by majestic centuries-old olive trees, is the capital of illuminations. Located in the hinterland of the Salento peninsula 35 kilometers from Lecce, Scorrano is known for the spectacular illuminations that light up the patronal feast of Santa Domenica.
Lunch will be at a selected local restaurant during the trip.