San Giovanni Evangelista

San Giovanni Evangelista is a Romanesque church located in Lecce's historic center with a single nave and Latin cross floor plan. The interior contains multiple altars adorned with carved wooden decorations, gilded details, and stone lattice screens characteristic of medieval religious architecture in the region.

The church was founded in 1133 by Count Accardo II and later underwent substantial renovation work. Extensive changes took place between the 16th and 18th centuries as architectural styles evolved and reshaped the original structure.

The church served as a monastery where religious communities lived and maintained daily routines of prayer and contemplation. You can sense this monastic way of life today through the quiet courtyards and simple spaces arranged around the main sanctuary.

The church sits within Corte Accardo, a quiet courtyard in the historic center that is easy to access on foot. It offers a peaceful spot to rest while exploring the narrow streets of the old town, particularly pleasant during cooler morning or evening hours.

The bell tower dates to the early 1500s and displays distinctive three-lobed arches that are uncommon in regional architecture of that period. The original stone elements have surprisingly endured through the centuries and reveal much about the craftsmanship and building techniques of the era.