Santi Niccolò e Cataldo church

Santi Niccolò e Cataldo is a Romanesque church in Lecce featuring a light-colored stone facade with a prominent rose window and an ornate portal. Ten statues of religious figures line the entrance area, each carved with attention to detail and positioned to guide visitors into the sacred space.

The church was founded in 1180 by Count Tancred of Altavilla as a religious structure under Norman rule. Benedictine monks took control and maintained the building for more than 300 years until the late 1400s, when control passed to other hands.

The church is named after two saints, Nicholas and Catherine, depicted in sculptural form on the facade for visitors to recognize. The structure blends regional building traditions with religious symbolism, making it a focal point for understanding how medieval communities expressed faith through architecture.

The church has limited opening hours and is only accessible on certain weekday mornings. Guided tours are available from volunteers who can explain the building's features and help you navigate the interior.

The church sits within Lecce's monumental cemetery, where it holds a 16th-century statue of Saint Nicholas carved by sculptor Gabriele Riccardi. This artwork remains on display and offers visitors a glimpse into the sculptural mastery of that era.