Church of San Francesco of Scarpa, Catholic church in historic center of Lecce, Italy.
The Church of San Francesco della Scarpa is a Catholic building with a Greek cross floor plan and four preserved altars. Today it functions as an exhibition space and hosts public events and performances.
The building originated in the 12th century on land belonging to the Guarini family. Between 1699 and 1714 it underwent major renovations that gave it its current Baroque appearance.
The church name comes from a distinction between two Franciscan groups in the 16th century: one wore shoes and the other did not. This difference remains part of local memory and shapes how people understand the place today.
The location is situated at Piazzetta Carducci in the historic center and is easily accessible on foot. Since it now hosts exhibitions and public events, visitors can explore it during various cultural activities throughout the year.
The building is often called the 'church without a facade' because it was integrated into the colonnade of the former Palmieri boarding school. This unusual incorporation makes it almost invisible from outside and gives the structure a distinctive architectural character.
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