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Coordinates: 40°21′N 18°10′E / 40.350°N 18.167°E / 40.350; 18.167
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| established_title = Founded
| established_title = Founded
| established_date = 200s BC<ref>The date given is for the [[Roman Republic]] named city Lupiae; dates for previous inhabitants such as the [[Messapians]] and [[Iapyges]] are lost to history.</ref>
| established_date = 200s BC<ref>The date given is for the [[Roman Republic]] named city Lupiae; dates for previous inhabitants such as the [[Messapians]] and [[Iapyges]] are lost to history.</ref>
| mayor_party = [[Democratic Party (Italy)|PD]]
| mayor_party =
| mayor = [[Carlo Salvemini]]
| mayor = [[Adriana Poli Bortone]]
| area_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 238
| area_total_km2 = 238
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| website = {{URL|https://www.comune.lecce.it/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.comune.lecce.it/}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}<!--LEAVE IMAGES HERE TO AVOID BLANK LINES-->
<!--LEAVE IMAGES HERE TO AVOID BLANK LINES-->
[[File:Puglia Lecce1 tango7174.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|''Piazza del Duomo'']]
[[File:Puglia Lecce1 tango7174.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|''Piazza del Duomo'']]
[[File:"Berühmt ist Lecce für seine Barockbauwerke". 19.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|The Roman amphitheatre]]
[[File:"Berühmt ist Lecce für seine Barockbauwerke". 19.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|The Roman amphitheatre]]
[[File:Colonna di Sant'Oronzo (Lecce) 01.jpg|thumb|upright|Column of St Oronzo]]
[[File:Colonna di Sant'Oronzo (Lecce) 01.jpg|thumb|upright|Column of St Oronzo]]
'''Lecce''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|tʃ|eɪ}}<ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Lecce|access-date=30 June 2019}}</ref> {{IPA-it|ˈlettʃe|lang|It-Lecce.ogg}}){{#tag:ref|{{lang-scn|label=[[Salentino]]|Lècce}}; {{lang-el|label=[[Griko]]|Luppìu|script=Latn}}; {{lang-la|Lupiae}}; {{lang-grc|Λουπίαι|translit=Loupíai}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Rohlfs |first=Gerhard |title=Toponomastica greca nel Salento |url=http://emeroteca.provincia.brindisi.it/Ricerche%20e%20Studi/1970/Articoli/Toponomastica%20Greca%20nel%20Salento.pdf |url-status=dead |quote=Ancient Greek name of Lecce according to [[Strabo]]. |date=1964 |page=13 |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801041216/http://emeroteca.provincia.brindisi.it/Ricerche%20e%20Studi/1970/Articoli/Toponomastica%20Greca%20nel%20Salento.pdf |archive-date=1 August 2017 |language=it}}</ref>|group=pron}} is a city in [[southern Italy]] and former [[Capital (political)|capital]] of the [[province of Lecce]], with the second-highest population in the [[Apulia]] region. It is on the [[Salento|Salentine Peninsula]], at the heel of the [[Italian Peninsula]], and is over two thousand years old.
'''Lecce''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|tʃ|eɪ}};<ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Lecce|access-date=30 June 2019}}</ref> {{IPA|it|ˈlettʃe|lang|It-Lecce.ogg}}){{#tag:ref|{{langx|scn|label=[[Salentino]]|Lècce}}; {{langx|el-Latn|label=[[Griko]]|Luppìu}}; {{langx|la|Lupiae}}; {{langx|grc|Λουπίαι|translit=Loupíai}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Rohlfs |first=Gerhard |title=Toponomastica greca nel Salento |url=http://emeroteca.provincia.brindisi.it/Ricerche%20e%20Studi/1970/Articoli/Toponomastica%20Greca%20nel%20Salento.pdf |url-status=dead |quote=Ancient Greek name of Lecce according to [[Strabo]]. |date=1964 |page=13 |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801041216/http://emeroteca.provincia.brindisi.it/Ricerche%20e%20Studi/1970/Articoli/Toponomastica%20Greca%20nel%20Salento.pdf |archive-date=1 August 2017 |language=it}}</ref>|group=Lang}} is a city in [[southern Italy]] and former [[Capital (political)|capital]] of the [[province of Lecce]], with the second-highest population in the [[Apulia]] region. It is on the [[Salento|Salentine Peninsula]], at the heel of the [[Italian Peninsula]], and is over two thousand years old.


Because of its rich [[Baroque architecture]], Lecce is nicknamed "The [[Florence]] of the South".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lecce: Italy |url=http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/puglia/lecce |publisher=Lifeinitaly.com |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> "Lecce stone"—a particular kind of [[limestone]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19055530 |title=Investigation on porosity change of Lecce stone |access-date=9 October 2008 |archive-date=23 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523230056/http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19055530 |url-status=dead }}</ref>—is one of the city's main exports, because it is very soft and workable, and thus suitable for sculptures. Lecce is also an important [[agricultural]] centre, chiefly for its [[olive oil]] and [[wine]] production, as well as an industrial centre specializing in [[ceramic]]s.
Because of its rich [[Baroque architecture]], Lecce is nicknamed "The [[Florence]] of the South".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lecce: Italy |url=http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/puglia/lecce |publisher=Lifeinitaly.com |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> "Lecce stone"—a particular kind of [[limestone]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19055530 |title=Investigation on porosity change of Lecce stone |access-date=9 October 2008 |archive-date=23 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523230056/http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19055530 |url-status=dead }}</ref>—is one of the city's main exports, because it is very soft and workable, and thus suitable for sculptures. Lecce is also an important [[agricultural]] centre, chiefly for its [[olive oil]] and [[wine]] production, as well as an industrial centre specializing in [[ceramic]]s.
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Lecce is home to the [[University of Salento]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ustat.miur.it/dati/didattica/italia/atenei-statali/salento | title=Università del Salento | website= Ministero dell'Istruzione dell'Università e della Ricerca | lang=it}}</ref>
Lecce is home to the [[University of Salento]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ustat.miur.it/dati/didattica/italia/atenei-statali/salento | title=Università del Salento | website= Ministero dell'Istruzione dell'Università e della Ricerca | lang=it}}</ref>


==History==
== History ==


According to legend, a city called ''Sybar'' existed at the time of the [[Trojan War]], founded by the [[Messapii]]. It was conquered by the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of ''Lupiae''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0006:entry=lupiae |title=LUPIAE (Lecce) Apulia, Italy |last=Stillwell |first=Richard |display-authors=etal |institution=The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites}}</ref>
According to legend, a city called ''Sybar'' existed at the time of the [[Trojan War]], founded by the [[Messapii]]. It was conquered by the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of ''Lupiae''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0006:entry=lupiae |title=LUPIAE (Lecce) Apulia, Italy |last=Stillwell |first=Richard |display-authors=etal |institution=The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites}}</ref>
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In 1943, [[fighter aircraft]] based in Lecce helped support isolated Italian [[garrisons]] in the [[Aegean Sea]] during [[World War II|World War 2]]. Because they were delayed by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]], they couldn't prevent a defeat. In 1944 and 1945, [[B-24 long-range bombers]] of the [[98th Heavy Bomber Group]] attached to the [[15th U.S. Army Air Force]] were based in Lecce, from where the crews flew missions over Italy, the Balkans, Austria, Germany and France.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.corrieresalentino.it/2018/03/le-incursioni-aeree-alleate-puglia-nellestate-1943/ |title=Le incursioni aeree alleate in Puglia nell’estate 1943 |language=IT |website = Il Corriere Salentino |date=25 March 2018}}</ref>
In 1943, [[fighter aircraft]] based in Lecce helped support isolated Italian [[garrisons]] in the [[Aegean Sea]] during [[World War II|World War 2]]. Because they were delayed by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]], they couldn't prevent a defeat. In 1944 and 1945, [[B-24 long-range bombers]] of the [[98th Heavy Bomber Group]] attached to the [[15th U.S. Army Air Force]] were based in Lecce, from where the crews flew missions over Italy, the Balkans, Austria, Germany and France.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.corrieresalentino.it/2018/03/le-incursioni-aeree-alleate-puglia-nellestate-1943/ |title=Le incursioni aeree alleate in Puglia nell’estate 1943 |language=IT |website = Il Corriere Salentino |date=25 March 2018}}</ref>


==Main sights==
== Main sights ==


===Churches and religious buildings===
=== Churches and religious buildings ===
* '''[[Basilica di Santa Croce (Lecce)|Church of the Holy Cross]]''': construction of the ''Chiesa di Santa Croce'') was begun in 1353, but work halted until 1549, and it was completed only by 1695. The church has a richly decorated façade with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and a large rose window. Next to the church is the Government Palace, a former convent.
* '''[[Basilica di Santa Croce (Lecce)|Church of the Holy Cross]]''': construction of the ''Chiesa di Santa Croce'') was begun in 1353, but work halted until 1549, and it was completed only by 1695. The church has a richly decorated façade with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and a large rose window. Next to the church is the Government Palace, a former convent.
* '''[[Lecce Cathedral]]''': the church was originally built in 1144, rebuilt in 1230, then totally restored in the 1659–70 by [[Giuseppe Zimbalo]], who also built the five storey {{convert|70|m|ft|adj=on}} high bell tower, with an octagonal [[loggia]].
* '''[[Lecce Cathedral]]''': the church was originally built in 1144, rebuilt in 1230, then totally restored in the 1659–70 by [[Giuseppe Zimbalo]], who also built the five storey {{convert|70|m|ft|adj=on}} high bell tower, with an octagonal [[loggia]].
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* '''San Francesco della Scarpa''': known as the "church without façade" as the latter has been demolished in the 19th century restorations. The most ancient section dates likely to the 13th-14th centuries; the interior is on the Greek Cross plan. Notable are several Baroque altars and a large statue of [[Saint Joseph]].
* '''San Francesco della Scarpa''': known as the "church without façade" as the latter has been demolished in the 19th century restorations. The most ancient section dates likely to the 13th-14th centuries; the interior is on the Greek Cross plan. Notable are several Baroque altars and a large statue of [[Saint Joseph]].


===Other buildings===
=== Other buildings ===
* '''Column of statue of St Oronzo''': (Lecce's patron) was given to Lecce by the city of [[Brindisi]], because Saint Oronzo was reputed to have cured the plague in Brindisi. The column was one of a pair that marked the end of the [[Appian Way]], the main road between [[Rome]] and southern Italy.
* '''Column of statue of St Oronzo''': (Lecce's patron) was given to Lecce by the city of [[Brindisi]], because Saint Oronzo was reputed to have cured the plague in Brindisi. The column was one of a pair that marked the end of the [[Appian Way]], the main road between [[Rome]] and southern Italy.
* '''Torre del Parco''' ("Park Tower"): is one of the medieval symbols of Lecce. It was erected in 1419 by the then-18 year old [[Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini]], prince of Lecce. The tower, standing at more than {{convert|23|m|ft}}, is surrounded by a ditch in which bears (the heraldic symbol of the Orsini del Balzo) were reared. The whole complex was the seat of Orsini's tribunal and of a mint, and after Giovanni Antonio's death, it became a residence for the Spanish viceroys.
* '''Torre del Parco''' ("Park Tower"): is one of the medieval symbols of Lecce. It was erected in 1419 by the then-18 year old [[Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini]], prince of Lecce. The tower, standing at more than {{convert|23|m|ft}}, is surrounded by a ditch in which bears (the heraldic symbol of the Orsini del Balzo) were reared. The whole complex was the seat of Orsini's tribunal and of a mint, and after Giovanni Antonio's death, it became a residence for the Spanish viceroys.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


===Gardens and parks===
=== Gardens and parks ===
* [[Orto Botanico di Lecce]], a [[botanical garden]].
* [[Orto Botanico di Lecce]], a [[botanical garden]].


===Archaeology===
=== Archaeology ===
* The Roman 2nd century [[amphitheatre]], situated near Sant'Oronzo Square, was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is now half-buried because other monuments were built above it over the centuries. The theatre is currently used for different religious and arts events.
* The Roman 2nd century [[amphitheatre]], situated near Sant'Oronzo Square, was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is now half-buried because other monuments were built above it over the centuries. The theatre is currently used for various religious and arts events.
* The archaeological museum ''Sigismondo Castromediano''.
* The archaeological museum ''Sigismondo Castromediano''.
* The archaeological museum ''Faggiano''.
* The archaeological museum ''Faggiano''.
* The archaeological park of [[Rudiae]], three kilometres south-west of the city but within its limits. The place was identified as the former home of the poet [[Ennius]] by [[Antonio de Ferraris]], a [[Renaissance Humanist]] who was from the region.<ref>Pietro Napoli Signorelli, Vicende della coltura nelle due Sicilie, Naples 1784, [https://books.google.com/books?id=2kKKhwIqvO8C&dq=%22Antonio+de+Ferraris+%22+Ennius&pg=PA246 Vol.1, p.246ff]</ref> This was once the more important city until Roman times and has an amphitheatre of its own, a [[necropolis]] and remains of substantial walls. The Porta Rudiae, built on the road leading from this site, is named after it.
* The archaeological park of [[Rudiae]], three kilometres south-west of the city but within its limits. The place was identified as the former home of the poet [[Ennius]] by [[Antonio de Ferraris]], a [[Renaissance Humanist]] who was from the region.<ref>Pietro Napoli Signorelli, Vicende della coltura nelle due Sicilie, Naples 1784, [https://books.google.com/books?id=2kKKhwIqvO8C&dq=%22Antonio+de+Ferraris+%22+Ennius&pg=PA246 Vol.1, p.246ff]</ref> This was once the more important city until Roman times and has an amphitheatre of its own, a [[necropolis]] and remains of substantial walls. The Porta Rudiae, built on the road leading from this site, is named after it.


==Geography==
== Geography ==


===Climate===
=== Climate ===
Lecce experiences a [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Csa'').
Lecce experiences a [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Csa'').


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|width = auto
|location = Lecce
|location = Lecce (1981–2010)
|metric first = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|single line = Yes
Line 136: Line 137:
|Dec record high C = 21.4
|Dec record high C = 21.4


|Jan high C = 13.0
|Jan high C = 13.1
|Feb high C = 13.5
|Feb high C = 13.4
|Mar high C = 15.7
|Mar high C = 15.9
|Apr high C = 18.9
|Apr high C = 19.3
|May high C = 24.4
|May high C = 24.9
|Jun high C = 29.0
|Jun high C = 29.5
|Jul high C = 31.7
|Jul high C = 32.3
|Aug high C = 31.5
|Aug high C = 32.2
|Sep high C = 27.5
|Sep high C = 27.7
|Oct high C = 22.3
|Oct high C = 22.8
|Nov high C = 17.3
|Nov high C = 17.8
|Dec high C = 14.0
|Dec high C = 14.1
| year high C =

|Jan mean C = 8.6
|Jan mean C = 8.4
|Feb mean C = 8.9
|Feb mean C = 8.5
|Mar mean C = 10.6
|Mar mean C = 10.6
|Apr mean C = 13.5
|Apr mean C = 13.7
|May mean C = 18.2
|May mean C = 18.5
|Jun mean C = 22.5
|Jun mean C = 22.7
|Jul mean C = 25.0
|Jul mean C = 25.5
|Aug mean C = 25.2
|Aug mean C = 25.6
|Sep mean C = 21.8
|Sep mean C = 21.8
|Oct mean C = 17.5
|Oct mean C = 17.7
|Nov mean C = 12.8
|Nov mean C = 13.1
|Dec mean C = 9.6
|Dec mean C = 9.7
| year mean C =

|Jan low C = 4.2
|Jan low C = 3.8
|Feb low C = 4.2
|Feb low C = 3.6
|Mar low C = 5.6
|Mar low C = 5.3
|Apr low C = 8.0
|Apr low C = 8.0
|May low C = 12.1
|May low C = 12.0
|Jun low C = 15.9
|Jun low C = 16.0
|Jul low C = 18.4
|Jul low C = 18.7
|Aug low C = 18.9
|Aug low C = 19.0
|Sep low C = 16.0
|Sep low C = 15.9
|Oct low C = 12.7
|Oct low C = 12.6
|Nov low C = 8.3
|Nov low C = 8.3
|Dec low C = 5.3
|Dec low C = 5.2
| year low C =


|Jan record low C = -12.0
|Jan record low C = -12.0
Line 204: Line 206:
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| precip days colour =
| precip days colour =
| Jan precipitation days =7.87
| Jan precipitation days =7.9
| Feb precipitation days =6.9
| Feb precipitation days =6.9
| Mar precipitation days =6.87
| Mar precipitation days =6.9
| Apr precipitation days =6.2
| Apr precipitation days =6.2
| May precipitation days =4.37
| May precipitation days =4.4
| Jun precipitation days =3
| Jun precipitation days =3.0
| Jul precipitation days =1.9
| Jul precipitation days =1.9
| Aug precipitation days =2.24
| Aug precipitation days =2.2
| Sep precipitation days =4.77
| Sep precipitation days =4.8
| Oct precipitation days =6.33
| Oct precipitation days =6.3
| Nov precipitation days =7.77
| Nov precipitation days =7.8
| Dec precipitation days =7.8
| Dec precipitation days =7.8
| year precipitation days =
| year precipitation days =
| Jan humidity =78.29
| Jan humidity =78.3
| Feb humidity =75.61
| Feb humidity =75.6
| Mar humidity =73.85
| Mar humidity =73.9
| Apr humidity =72.68
| Apr humidity =72.7
| May humidity =69.21
| May humidity =69.2
| Jun humidity =66.29
| Jun humidity =66.3
| Jul humidity =65.24
| Jul humidity =65.2
| Aug humidity =66.72
| Aug humidity =66.7
| Sep humidity =72.37
| Sep humidity =72.4
| Oct humidity =77.08
| Oct humidity =77.1
| Nov humidity =80.02
| Nov humidity =80.0
| Dec humidity =79.51
| Dec humidity =79.5
| year humidity =
| year humidity =
| Jan dew point C =5.77
| Jan dew point C =5.8
| Feb dew point C =5.73
| Feb dew point C =5.7
| Mar dew point C =7.14
| Mar dew point C =7.1
| Apr dew point C =9.65
| Apr dew point C =9.7
| May dew point C =12.49
| May dew point C =12.5
| Jun dew point C =15.54
| Jun dew point C =15.5
| Jul dew point C =17.44
| Jul dew point C =17.4
| Aug dew point C =18.84
| Aug dew point C =18.8
| Sep dew point C =17.13
| Sep dew point C =17.1
| Oct dew point C =14.64
| Oct dew point C =14.6
| Nov dew point C =11.17
| Nov dew point C =11.2
| Dec dew point C =7.23
| Dec dew point C =7.2
|source 1 = Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale<ref name = ISPRA>{{cite web

| url = https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files/pubblicazioni/SA_55_14_Valori_climatici_normali.pdf
⚫
|source 1 = [[NCEI]](Precipitation days-Humidity-Dew Point),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Italy/CSV/Lecce_16332.csv |title=WMO Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Lecce-16332 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |access-date=27 February 2024|publisher=[[NOAA|National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration]] |no-pp=y |type=Excel |format=CSV |postscript=.}}</ref> [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=2073|title=World Weather Information Service|website=World Weather Information Service}}</ref>
| title = Valori climatici normali di temperatura e precipitazione in Italia
|source 2 = altervista<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://climaintoscana.altervista.org/italia/stazioni-wmo/lecce-galatina/|title = Lecce Galatina}}</ref>(extremes)
| publisher=Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale
|date=}}
| access-date = 26 November 2024}}</ref>
⚫
|source 2 = [[NCEI]](Precipitation days-Humidity-Dew Point 1991–2020),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Italy/CSV/Lecce_16332.csv |title=WMO Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Lecce-16332 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |access-date=27 February 2024|publisher=[[NOAA|National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration]] |no-pp=y |type=Excel |format=CSV |postscript=.}}</ref>[[World Meteorological Organization]] (precipitation)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=2073|title=World Weather Information Service|website=World Weather Information Service}}</ref>altervista (extremes)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://climaintoscana.altervista.org/italia/stazioni-wmo/lecce-galatina/|title = Lecce Galatina}}</ref>
}}


==Sport==
== Sport ==
[[File:Via del mare-curva nord.jpg|thumb|200px|[[US Lecce]] crowd at the [[Stadio Via del Mare]]]]
[[File:Via del mare-curva nord.jpg|thumb|200px|[[US Lecce]] crowd at the [[Stadio Via del Mare]]]]
Lecce is home to [[Serie A]] football club [[U.S. Lecce]]. Since 1966, they have played at the 33,786-seater [[Stadio Via del Mare]].
Lecce is home to [[Serie A]] football club [[U.S. Lecce]], founded in 1908. Since 1966, they have played at the 33,786-seater [[Stadio Via del Mare]].


==Transportation==
== Transportation ==
Lecce is served by [[Lecce railway station]]. The local public transport includes [[Trolleybuses in Lecce|trolleybus service]], introduced in 2012.<ref name=trolleymotion>{{cite web|url=https://old.trolleymotion.eu/index.php?id=38&L=3&n_ID=1437 |title=Lecce (IT) - Finally opened! |last=Lehmann |first=Jürgen |date=16 January 2012|publisher=TrolleyMotion |accessdate=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123015303/https://old.trolleymotion.eu/index.php?id=38&L=3&n_ID=1437 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="tm302">''Trolleybus Magazine'' No. 302 (March–April 2012), p. 43. National Trolleybus Association (UK). {{ISSN|0266-7452}}.</ref>
Lecce is served by [[Lecce railway station]]. The local public transport includes [[Trolleybuses in Lecce|trolleybus service]], introduced in 2012.<ref name=trolleymotion>{{cite web|url=https://old.trolleymotion.eu/index.php?id=38&L=3&n_ID=1437 |title=Lecce (IT) - Finally opened! |last=Lehmann |first=Jürgen |date=16 January 2012|publisher=TrolleyMotion |accessdate=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123015303/https://old.trolleymotion.eu/index.php?id=38&L=3&n_ID=1437 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="tm302">''Trolleybus Magazine'' No. 302 (March–April 2012), p. 43. National Trolleybus Association (UK). {{ISSN|0266-7452}}.</ref>


==People==
== People ==
[[File:San Filippo Smaldone.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Lecce-born saint [[Filippo Smaldone]] in the city's cathedral]]
[[File:San Filippo Smaldone.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Lecce-born saint [[Filippo Smaldone]] in the city's cathedral]]


Line 262: Line 267:
* [[Abraham de Balmes]] (c. 1450–1523), [[Jewish]] [[physician]] and [[translator]]
* [[Abraham de Balmes]] (c. 1450–1523), [[Jewish]] [[physician]] and [[translator]]
* [[Carmelo Bene]] (1937–2002), actor, film director and screenwriter
* [[Carmelo Bene]] (1937–2002), actor, film director and screenwriter
* [[Vittorio Bodini]] (1914–1970), poet and translator
* {{ill|Vittorio Bodini|it}} (1914–1970), poet and translator
* [[Massimo Bray]] (born 1959), intellectual, academic publisher and politician, former director of the ''Italian Encyclopaedia of Science, Letters, and Arts'' ([[Enciclopedia Treccani]]), who served in the government of Italy as Minister of Culture
* [[Massimo Bray]] (born 1959), intellectual, academic publisher and politician, former director of the ''Italian Encyclopaedia of Science, Letters, and Arts'' ([[Enciclopedia Treccani]]), who served in the government of Italy as Minister of Culture
* [[Carlo Capasa]] (born 1958), president of [[Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana]]
* [[Carlo Capasa]] (born 1958), president of [[Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana]]
Line 277: Line 282:
* [[Marco Materazzi]] (born 1973), retired footballer, [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] winner
* [[Marco Materazzi]] (born 1973), retired footballer, [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] winner
* [[Gabriele Poso]] (born 1978), independent artist, musician and composer
* [[Gabriele Poso]] (born 1978), independent artist, musician and composer
* [[Michelangelo Schipa]] (1854–1939), writer, historian and scholar
* {{ill|Michelangelo Schipa|it}} (1854–1939), writer, historian and scholar
* [[Tito Schipa]] (1888–1965), tenor
* [[Tito Schipa]] (1888–1965), tenor
* [[Filippo Smaldone]] (1848–1923), Catholic priest and saint
* [[Filippo Smaldone]] (1848–1923), Catholic priest and saint
* [[Antonio Verrio]] (c. 1636–1707), painter in England
* [[Antonio Verrio]] (c. 1636–1707), painter in England


==Twin towns – sister cities==
== Twin towns – sister cities ==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy}}
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy}}
Lecce is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>Lecce: [http://www.comune.lecce.it/comune/gemellaggi "Gemellaggi"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085805/http://www.comune.lecce.it/comune/gemellaggi |date=19 August 2014}}, 3 November 2011, retrieved 16 August 2014</ref>
Lecce is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>Lecce: [http://www.comune.lecce.it/comune/gemellaggi "Gemellaggi"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085805/http://www.comune.lecce.it/comune/gemellaggi |date=19 August 2014}}, 3 November 2011, retrieved 16 August 2014</ref>
Line 291: Line 296:
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Amasya]], [[Turkey]]
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Amasya]], [[Turkey]]


==See also==
== See also ==
* [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lecce]]
* [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lecce]]
* [[Punta San Cataldo di Lecce Lighthouse]]
* [[Punta San Cataldo di Lecce Lighthouse]]
Line 297: Line 302:
* [[Port of Brindisi]]
* [[Port of Brindisi]]


==Notes==
== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=pron}}
{{reflist|group=Lang}}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


Latest revision as of 11:04, 26 November 2024

This article is about the city in Italy. For the football club, see U.S. Lecce. For people with the surname, see Lecce (surname).
Not to be confused with Leece or Lecco.

Lecce
Lècce (Salentino dialect)
Luppìu (Griko) [1]
Comune
Comune di Lecce
Clockwise from top left: Church of Santa Croce; Roman Theatre; the cathedral's bell tower; Lecce Cathedral ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta"); and Porta Napoli, in Viale Università
Clockwise from top left: Church of Santa Croce; Roman Theatre; the cathedral's bell tower; Lecce Cathedral ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta"); and Porta Napoli, in Viale Università
Flag of Lecce
Flag
Coat of arms of Lecce
Coat of arms
Location of Lecce
Map
Lecce is located in Italy
Lecce
Lecce
Location of Lecce in Italy
Lecce is located in Apulia
Lecce
Lecce
Lecce (Apulia)
Coordinates: 40°21′N 18°10′E / 40.350°N 18.167°E / 40.350; 18.167
CountryItaly
RegionApulia
ProvinceLecce (LE)
Founded200s BC[2]
Government
 • MayorAdriana Poli Bortone
Area
[3]
 • Total
238 km2 (92 sq mi)
Elevation
49 m (161 ft)
Population
 (01-1-2023)[4]
 • Total
94,783
 • Density400/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
DemonymLeccese
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
73100
Dialing code0832
Patron saintOrontius
Websitewww.comune.lecce.it
Piazza del Duomo
The Roman amphitheatre
Column of St Oronzo

Lecce (/ˈlɛtʃeɪ/;[5] Italian: [ˈlettʃe] ⓘ)[Lang 1] is a city in southern Italy and former capital of the province of Lecce, with the second-highest population in the Apulia region. It is on the Salentine Peninsula, at the heel of the Italian Peninsula, and is over two thousand years old.

Because of its rich Baroque architecture, Lecce is nicknamed "The Florence of the South".[7] "Lecce stone"—a particular kind of limestone[8]—is one of the city's main exports, because it is very soft and workable, and thus suitable for sculptures. Lecce is also an important agricultural centre, chiefly for its olive oil and wine production, as well as an industrial centre specializing in ceramics.

Lecce is home to the University of Salento.[9]

History

[edit]

According to legend, a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War, founded by the Messapii. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae.[10]

Under the emperor Hadrian (2nd century AD) the city was moved 3 kilometres (2 miles) to the northeast, taking the name of Licea or Litium. Lecce had a theater and an amphitheater and was connected to the Hadrian Port (the current San Cataldo). Orontius of Lecce, locally called Sant'Oronzo, is considered to have served as the city's first Christian bishop and is Lecce's patron saint.[11]

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth king Totila in the Gothic Wars. It was restored to Roman rule in 549, and remained part of the Eastern Empire for five centuries, with brief conquests by Saracens and Lombards.

After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance (count Tancred of Lecce was the last Norman King of Sicily), flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. The County of Lecce was one of the largest and most important fiefs in the Kingdom of Sicily from 1053 to 1463, when it was annexed directly to the crown. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it was enriched with precious Baroque monuments. To avert invasion by the Ottomans, a new line of walls and a castle were built by Charles V (who was also Holy Roman Emperor), in the first part of the 16th century.

In 1656, a plague broke out in the city, killing a thousand inhabitants.

In 1943, fighter aircraft based in Lecce helped support isolated Italian garrisons in the Aegean Sea during World War 2. Because they were delayed by the Allies, they couldn't prevent a defeat. In 1944 and 1945, B-24 long-range bombers of the 98th Heavy Bomber Group attached to the 15th U.S. Army Air Force were based in Lecce, from where the crews flew missions over Italy, the Balkans, Austria, Germany and France.[12]

Main sights

[edit]

Churches and religious buildings

[edit]
  • Church of the Holy Cross: construction of the Chiesa di Santa Croce) was begun in 1353, but work halted until 1549, and it was completed only by 1695. The church has a richly decorated façade with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and a large rose window. Next to the church is the Government Palace, a former convent.
  • Lecce Cathedral: the church was originally built in 1144, rebuilt in 1230, then totally restored in the 1659–70 by Giuseppe Zimbalo, who also built the five storey 70-metre (230 ft) high bell tower, with an octagonal loggia.
  • San Niccolò and Cataldo: the church is an example of Italo-Norman architecture. It was founded by Tancred of Sicily in 1180. In 1716 the façade was rebuilt, with the addition of numerous statues, but maintaining the original Romanesque portal. The walls were frescoed during the 15th-17th centuries.
  • Celestine Convent: built (1549–1695) in Baroque-style by Giuseppe Zimbalo. The courtyard was designed by Gabriele Riccardi.
  • Santa Irene: this church was commissioned in 1591 by the Theatines and dedicated to Saint Irene. The architect was Francesco Grimaldi). It has a large façade showing different styles in the upper and lower parts. Above the portal stands a statue of Ste Irene (1717) by Mauro Manieri. The interior is on the Latin cross plan and is rather sober. The main altarpiece is a copy of the St Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni. The high altar has a Transport of the Holy Ark by Oronzo Tiso. In the right transept is one of the largest altars in Lecce, dedicated to Saint Cajetan (1651). Nearby is the Rococo altar of Saint Andrew Avellino. Also from the mid-17th century is the Altar of St Orontius by Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, followed by the altar of Saint Irene with a canvas by Giuseppe Verrio (1639), nine busts of saints housing relics and a large statue of the saint. The altar of Saint Stephen has the Stoning of St. Stephen by Verrio.[13]
  • San Matteo: this church was built in 1667. It has a typical central Italy Baroque style. It has two columns on the façade, only one of which is decorated, though only partially. According to a local legend, the jealous devil killed the sculptor before he could finish the work.
  • Santa Maria degli Angeli
  • Santa Chiara: this church was built in 1429–1438, rebuilt in 1687.
  • San Francesco della Scarpa: known as the "church without façade" as the latter has been demolished in the 19th century restorations. The most ancient section dates likely to the 13th-14th centuries; the interior is on the Greek Cross plan. Notable are several Baroque altars and a large statue of Saint Joseph.

Other buildings

[edit]
  • Column of statue of St Oronzo: (Lecce's patron) was given to Lecce by the city of Brindisi, because Saint Oronzo was reputed to have cured the plague in Brindisi. The column was one of a pair that marked the end of the Appian Way, the main road between Rome and southern Italy.
  • Torre del Parco ("Park Tower"): is one of the medieval symbols of Lecce. It was erected in 1419 by the then-18 year old Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini, prince of Lecce. The tower, standing at more than 23 metres (75 ft), is surrounded by a ditch in which bears (the heraldic symbol of the Orsini del Balzo) were reared. The whole complex was the seat of Orsini's tribunal and of a mint, and after Giovanni Antonio's death, it became a residence for the Spanish viceroys.
  • Palazzo Sedile: was built in 1592 and was used by the local council until 1852.
  • Castle of Charles V: built in 1539–49 by Gian Giacomo dell'Acaja. It has a trapezoidal plan with angular bastions. It is attached to the Politeama Greco Opera House, inaugurated on 15 November 1884.
  • Triumphal Arch (Arco di Trionfo, commonly called Porta Napoli, "Neapolitan Gate"), which is one of the three gates to enter Lecce's historical city centre, erected in 1548 in honor of Charles V. It replaced an older gate, Porta S. Giusto, which, according to tradition, lay over the tomb of the namesake saint. Also built over pre-existing medieval gates are the current Porta San Biagio ("St. Blaise Gate") and the Porta Rudiae which are the other two gates to Lecce's Historical city centre. Both are in Baroque style, the latter having the statue of St. Oronzo on the top and mythological figures on the sides.
  • Palazzo dei Celestini: now seat of the Province of Lecce. It was built in 1659–95 and designed by Giuseppe Zimbalo.
  • The city's obelisk: erected in 1822 in honour of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.


  • Piazza Sant'Oronzo
    Piazza Sant'Oronzo
  • Piazza del Duomo
    Piazza del Duomo
  • Basilica di Santa Croce
    Basilica di Santa Croce
  • Church of San Giovanni Battista
    Church of San Giovanni Battista
  • Palazzo dei Celestini
    Palazzo dei Celestini
  • Roman Theatre (2nd century AD)
    Roman Theatre (2nd century AD)
  • Torre del Parco
    Torre del Parco
  • Arco di Prato
    Arco di Prato
  • Triumphal Arch
    Triumphal Arch
  • Porta Rudiae
    Porta Rudiae

Gardens and parks

[edit]

Archaeology

[edit]
  • The Roman 2nd century amphitheatre, situated near Sant'Oronzo Square, was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is now half-buried because other monuments were built above it over the centuries. The theatre is currently used for various religious and arts events.
  • The archaeological museum Sigismondo Castromediano.
  • The archaeological museum Faggiano.
  • The archaeological park of Rudiae, three kilometres south-west of the city but within its limits. The place was identified as the former home of the poet Ennius by Antonio de Ferraris, a Renaissance Humanist who was from the region.[14] This was once the more important city until Roman times and has an amphitheatre of its own, a necropolis and remains of substantial walls. The Porta Rudiae, built on the road leading from this site, is named after it.

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

Lecce experiences a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa).

Climate data for Lecce (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 21.2
(70.2) 		22.4
(72.3) 		28.6
(83.5) 		30.4
(86.7) 		35.6
(96.1) 		44.0
(111.2) 		44.4
(111.9) 		42.6
(108.7) 		40.6
(105.1) 		34.2
(93.6) 		26.8
(80.2) 		21.4
(70.5) 		44.4
(111.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 13.1
(55.6) 		13.4
(56.1) 		15.9
(60.6) 		19.3
(66.7) 		24.9
(76.8) 		29.5
(85.1) 		32.3
(90.1) 		32.2
(90.0) 		27.7
(81.9) 		22.8
(73.0) 		17.8
(64.0) 		14.1
(57.4) 		21.9
(71.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 8.4
(47.1) 		8.5
(47.3) 		10.6
(51.1) 		13.7
(56.7) 		18.5
(65.3) 		22.7
(72.9) 		25.5
(77.9) 		25.6
(78.1) 		21.8
(71.2) 		17.7
(63.9) 		13.1
(55.6) 		9.7
(49.5) 		16.3
(61.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3.8
(38.8) 		3.6
(38.5) 		5.3
(41.5) 		8.0
(46.4) 		12.0
(53.6) 		16.0
(60.8) 		18.7
(65.7) 		19.0
(66.2) 		15.9
(60.6) 		12.6
(54.7) 		8.3
(46.9) 		5.2
(41.4) 		10.7
(51.3)
Record low °C (°F) −12.0
(10.4) 		−5.6
(21.9) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		3.2
(37.8) 		7.4
(45.3) 		10.4
(50.7) 		10.8
(51.4) 		6.0
(42.8) 		1.1
(34.0) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		−5.4
(22.3) 		−12.0
(10.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 60.3
(2.37) 		61.3
(2.41) 		62.4
(2.46) 		45.5
(1.79) 		27.6
(1.09) 		20.4
(0.80) 		16.2
(0.64) 		36.0
(1.42) 		54.3
(2.14) 		91.0
(3.58) 		95.1
(3.74) 		68.9
(2.71) 		639
(25.15)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 7.9 6.9 6.9 6.2 4.4 3.0 1.9 2.2 4.8 6.3 7.8 7.8 66.1
Average relative humidity (%) 78.3 75.6 73.9 72.7 69.2 66.3 65.2 66.7 72.4 77.1 80.0 79.5 73.1
Average dew point °C (°F) 5.8
(42.4) 		5.7
(42.3) 		7.1
(44.8) 		9.7
(49.5) 		12.5
(54.5) 		15.5
(59.9) 		17.4
(63.3) 		18.8
(65.8) 		17.1
(62.8) 		14.6
(58.3) 		11.2
(52.2) 		7.2
(45.0) 		11.9
(53.4)
Source 1: Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale[15]
Source 2: NCEI(Precipitation days-Humidity-Dew Point 1991–2020),[16]World Meteorological Organization (precipitation)[17]altervista (extremes)[18]

Sport

[edit]
US Lecce crowd at the Stadio Via del Mare

Lecce is home to Serie A football club U.S. Lecce, founded in 1908. Since 1966, they have played at the 33,786-seater Stadio Via del Mare.

Transportation

[edit]

Lecce is served by Lecce railway station. The local public transport includes trolleybus service, introduced in 2012.[19][20]

People

[edit]
Statue of Lecce-born saint Filippo Smaldone in the city's cathedral

Twin towns – sister cities

[edit]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Lecce is twinned with:[21]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Salentino: Lècce; Griko: Luppìu; Latin: Lupiae; Ancient Greek: Λουπίαι, romanized: Loupíai[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ L'Italia dialettale (1976). L'Italia dialettale, Volume 39. Arti Grafiche Pacini Mariotti. p. 250. Dialetto romanzi, in centric he circondano, senza allontanarsene troppo, l'area ellenofona, cioè Melpignano (dove il dialetto griko non è ancor del tutto morto), Vernole, Lecce, S. Cesario di Lecce, Squinzano, San Pietro vernotico, Cellino S. Marco, Manduria, Francavilla Fontana, Maruggio: può essere perciò legittimo pensare ad un'origine grika del verbo in questione, con estensione successiva al dialetti romani. Il neogreco presenta una serie di voci che si prestano semanticamente e foneticamente
  2. ^ The date given is for the Roman Republic named city Lupiae; dates for previous inhabitants such as the Messapians and Iapyges are lost to history.
  3. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  4. ^ "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  5. ^ "Lecce". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 30 June 2019.
  6. ^ Rohlfs, Gerhard (1964). "Toponomastica greca nel Salento" (PDF) (in Italian). p. 13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017. Ancient Greek name of Lecce according to Strabo.
  7. ^ "Lecce: Italy". Lifeinitaly.com. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  8. ^ "Investigation on porosity change of Lecce stone". Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2008.
  9. ^ "Università del Salento". Ministero dell'Istruzione dell'Università e della Ricerca (in Italian).
  10. ^ Stillwell, Richard; et al. "LUPIAE (Lecce) Apulia, Italy". The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites.
  11. ^ Rita Parisi (14 February 2022). "Sant'Oronzo, la storia del patrono di Lecce" (in Italian).
  12. ^ "Le incursioni aeree alleate in Puglia nell'estate 1943". Il Corriere Salentino (in Italian). 25 March 2018.
  13. ^ Luigi Bove (15 February 2019). "La chiesa di Sant'Irene dei Teatini a Lecce" (in Italian).
  14. ^ Pietro Napoli Signorelli, Vicende della coltura nelle due Sicilie, Naples 1784, Vol.1, p.246ff
  15. ^ "Valori climatici normali di temperatura e precipitazione in Italia" (PDF). Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  16. ^ "WMO Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Lecce-16332" (CSV). ncei.noaa.gov (Excel). National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration. Retrieved 27 February 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  17. ^ "World Weather Information Service". World Weather Information Service.
  18. ^ "Lecce Galatina".
  19. ^ Lehmann, Jürgen (16 January 2012). "Lecce (IT) - Finally opened!". TrolleyMotion. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  20. ^ Trolleybus Magazine No. 302 (March–April 2012), p. 43. National Trolleybus Association (UK). ISSN 0266-7452.
  21. ^ Lecce: "Gemellaggi" Archived 19 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine, 3 November 2011, retrieved 16 August 2014
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Lecce.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lecce.
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