Porta San Biagio, Baroque city gate in Lecce, Italy.
Porta San Biagio is a Baroque city gate in Lecce featuring smooth columns on tall bases, crowned with the coat of arms of King Ferdinand IV and Lecce city emblems. The gate stands at the southern entrance of the old center and defines this historic passage with its refined structure.
The gate was built in 1774 under governor Tommaso Ruffo of Terra d'Otranto, replacing an earlier structure from the time of Charles V. This reconstruction was part of Lecce's urban transformation during the 1700s.
The statue of Saint Biagio in episcopal attire marks the religious importance of this passage for the city. His image shapes the gate's appearance and connects it to local devotion to the saint.
The gate is located at the southern edge of the old center near Piazza d'Italia and serves as a natural landmark while exploring this area. The surroundings are easily accessible and offer several cafes where you can take time to rest.
Several traditional cafes have established themselves next to the gate, serving regional specialties like pasticciotto and rustico. These establishments have become a daily gathering place for residents and visitors, bringing activity to the space around the historic structure.
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