Sanctuary of Sant'Oronzo fuori le mura, Religious shrine in Lecce, Italy.
The Sanctuary of Sant'Oronzo fuori le mura is a shrine with neoclassical architecture characterized by a dome that rises above the limestone facade and ordered classical proportions. The building follows a Greek cross floor plan with supporting columns that give it a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
The current structure was built in 1912 by architect Gaetano Capozza, replacing an earlier chapel that had stood at the site since 1655. The location was chosen to commemorate the early Christian martyr whose death occurred during the 1st century.
The site holds deep meaning for locals as the burial place of their patron saint and serves as a focus for religious devotion during the city's annual celebrations in August. Pilgrims come here to pay respects to the martyr and participate in the commemorative ceremonies that bring together the community.
The site is reached by walking a path marked by nine small chapels that serve as stations leading to the main sanctuary. Visitors should allow time to walk the full route and observe the chapels along the way.
The shrine houses a papier-mâché statue of the saint crafted in local artistic style and a glass-encased sculpture depicting the martyr's severed head. These distinctive religious artworks reflect how the local community has historically represented and honored this figure.
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