Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli

Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli is a Renaissance church in Lecce with a simple exterior that gives little hint of what lies inside. The interior features decorative columns and numerous fine paintings from various historical periods.

Construction began in the middle of the 16th century and the church underwent changes in later periods. These alterations show how different generations left their artistic mark on the building.

The interior paintings show different periods of Italian religious art and how faith was expressed in visual form. Visitors can see how artistic styles evolved across centuries of spiritual devotion.

This is an active place of worship, so visitors should dress respectfully and follow standard rules for entering Italian churches. Being a functioning religious space, it is best to visit outside of service times when possible.

This church stands out from the predominantly Baroque buildings in Lecce's historic center because of its Renaissance style. This architectural difference makes it a notable example when exploring how the city's design evolved over time.