Sant’Irene, Baroque church in historic center of Lecce, Italy.
Sant'Irene is a Baroque church in the historic center of Lecce with a two-story facade marked by stacked pilasters, cartouches, and niches arranged in a symmetrical order. Inside, the structure follows a Latin cross plan with a single nave and three deep side chapels, each topped with elliptical domes.
Construction of Sant'Irene started in 1591 under architect Francesco Grimaldi and finished in 1639 when the Bishop of Brindisi consecrated the building. The church arose during a period when Lecce was transforming its appearance through ambitious Baroque architecture.
The church bears the name of Saint Irene and served as a gathering place for the community during celebrations and religious observances. It remains a focal point for local traditions and spiritual gatherings in the city.
The church is located in the heart of Lecce and remains open for religious services, with special celebrations honoring Saint Irene taking place on May 5th. Keep in mind that access may be limited during active worship.
The central portal displays a statue of Saint Irene created by sculptor Mauro Manieri in 1717, flanked by Lecce's civic coat of arms. This sculptural work represents a rare example of early 18th-century craftsmanship in the region.
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