 Most
of the famous Italian cities have a Cathedral Square or Piazza Duomo
characterizing the very essence of the city. These are generally
visited by both the tourists and the locals. One such prominent
square in Italy is the Cathedral Square in Lecce.
The cathedral or Duomo, the Bell Tower, the Bishops Palace and
the Seminary enclose the piazza. Each one of these edifices is a
monumental attraction by itself and adds to the elegance of the
square.
 The
cathedral was built in 1114. Guiseppe Zimbalo restored it as per
the order of Bishop Pappacoda. Inside the cathedral there are beautiful
and imposing paintings by Orzano Tiso in the main altar apse. The
famous “Presepe” painting by the sixteenth century artist
Gabriel Ricardo gives an enchanting appearance to the altar of the
Annunziata.
 At
nightfall when it is illuminated the cathedral looks very breathtakingly
beautiful. It has a picture perfect entrance which is a classic
gateway designed by Emmanuelle Manieri.
With its sheer elegance the Bishop’s Palace (Palazzo Vescovile)
adds to the backdrop of the square. Manieri has restored it. The
archbishop of Lecce still lives at the palace.
 The
seminary lies on the right side of the square. It has been built
between 1694 and 1709 as per the design of the architect Guiseppe
Cino, who was a student of Zimbalo. The bishops Michel and Fabrizio
Pignatelli commissioned it. It has a lovely façade covered
by smooth ashlars. There is a beautiful loggia with three arches
on top of the portal. In the courtyard there is a beautiful baroque
well with its two angelic guardians.
The Campanile or Bell Tower stands at a height of two hundred and
ten feet above the piazza. It has five stories diminishing in size
crowned by a large dome.
This beautiful and elegant piazza with its monumental buildings
is worth of attention both by night as by day.
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