Basilica di Santa Croce, Minor basilica and parish church in Lecce, Italy.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a parish church and minor basilica in Lecce with a striking facade made from local limestone. The front displays a large rose window, six columns with an entablature, animal figures, and three decorated portals with coats of arms, while the interior holds seventeen altars arranged in a Latin cross layout with four side sections flanking the central nave.
Construction began in 1549 on the site of former Jewish houses with multiple architects overseeing different sections until completion in 1695. This extended building period shows how artistic styles and requirements evolved over more than a century.
The facade sculptures show figures representing Turkish prisoners from the Battle of Lepanto, alongside symbols of Christian powers such as dragons and griffins. These works reflect the religious and political beliefs that shaped the city during that time.
The interior space is large and requires time to explore all the details across the walls and altars. It helps to arrive early in the day when fewer people are present and the natural light streaming through the geometric windows is most effective.
The wooden ceiling inside displays intricate caisson work with geometric patterns, which together with the dome from 1590 form a thoughtfully designed lighting system. This interplay between the roof and dome shows how architects carefully shaped the brightness and atmosphere of the space.
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