Santa Chiara, Lecce

The church displays an elongated octagonal layout with a deep presbytery, featuring decorated altars adorned with twisted columns and elaborate sculptures throughout its space.

Initially constructed in 1429 under Bishop Tommaso Ammirato's commission, the church underwent substantial reconstruction between 1687 and 1691 under architect Giuseppe Cino's direction.

The church interior contains numerous wooden statues from the late 17th century, representing saints and religious figures within carefully crafted architectural niches.

Located in Piazzetta Vittorio Emanuele II, the church stands near the Roman amphitheater and provides access to the adjacent monastery, now functioning as a civic museum.

The church ceiling spans 300 square meters and consists of over 300 papier-mâché modules, created in 1738 by local craftsmen to replicate the appearance of wood.

Location: Lecce

Inception: 1429

Architects: Giuseppe Cino

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: P.za Vittorio Emanuele II, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-21:00

Website: https://diocesilecce.org

GPS coordinates: 40.35180,18.17120

Latest update: August 31, 2025 09:30