Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Lecce

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. Unfortunately, the former abbey, now a museum, was locked. On the left side of the former monastery church there is also a portico from the 13th century. It is decorated with columns with some interesting capitals. A centaur (man/horse hybrid) with bow and arrow pursues a mantacore (man/lion hybrid). An arrow is already stuck in the mantacore's foreleg.

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. Unfortunately, the former abbey, now a museum, was locked. On the left side of the former monastery church there is also a portico from the 13th century. It is decorated with columns with some interesting capitals.

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. Unfortunately, the former abbey, now a museum, was locked. On the left side of the former monastery church there is also a portico from the 13th century. It is decorated with columns with some interesting capitals.

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. The Archivolte contains this scene. Joseph is seen in his postpartum depression, while Mary gives little Jesus his first bath. This "First Bath" is usually done by the midwives. Here are several representations: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1286406

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. The fresco in the tympanum is largely weathered. It was clearly younger than the portal itself. Unfortunately, the door was locked.

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. The fresco in the tympanum is largely weathered. It was clearly younger than the portal itself. Unfortunately, the door was locked.

According to legend, the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Tancredi d'Altavilla, Count of Lecce, because here, during a hunting trip, the Madonna appeared in Tancredi in the antlers of a deer. Most scholars agree, that the abbey was founded in the 11th century by Boemondo d'Altavilla. It was inhabited by Byzantine monks who had fled the Turkish persecutions in Byzantium. In the 16th century, it passed to Florence Cardinal Niccolò Gaddi, who donated the complex to the "Ospedale degli Incurabili" in Naples (Hospital of the Incurable), which converted it into a farm. In 1711 the abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of neglect that lasted until the restoration in 1965. Recent archaeological excavations showed that activities had taken place on the site since the early Middle Ages. The discovery of numerous postholes and of tombs dated to the end of the 7th or 8th century, suggests that the monastic settlement may have been established well before the Norman period. The Romanesque church has a striking facade, enlivened by a series of arches that show us the internal division of the structure.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - Walter VI, Count of Brienne (and Lecce), founded a monastery here in 1352 for the Celestines, a kind of branch of the Benedictines. The monastery and the "Basilica di Santa Croce" were completely rebuilt in Baroque style from 1549 on. Where the church is now the Jewish community had lived until 1510, when the Jews got ousted. The construction of the church took about two centuries. In 1582 the lower part of the facade had been finished, the dome was completed in 1590. The portals were added from 1606 on. The church was completed by Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo. The church has a richly decorated façade, with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and has a large rose window. The main portal has a pair of Corinthian columns and the coats of arms of Philip III of Spain, Mary of Enghien and Walter VI of Brienne, while on the side portals are those of the Celestines. The atlantes may represent the Turk prisoners made at the Battle of Lepanto (1571).

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - Walter VI, Count of Brienne (and Lecce), founded a monastery here in 1352 for the Celestines, a kind of branch of the Benedictines. The monastery and the "Basilica di Santa Croce" were completely rebuilt in Baroque style from 1549 on. Where the church is now the Jewish community had lived until 1510, when the Jews got ousted. The construction of the church took about two centuries. In 1582 the lower part of the facade had been finished, the dome was completed in 1590. The portals were added from 1606 on. The church was completed by Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo. The church has a richly decorated façade, with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and has a large rose window. The main portal has a pair of Corinthian columns and the coats of arms of Philip III of Spain, Mary of Enghien and Walter VI of Brienne, while on the side portals are those of the Celestines. The atlantes may represent the Turk prisoners made at the Battle of Lepanto (1571).

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - Walter VI, Count of Brienne (and Lecce), founded a monastery here in 1352 for the Celestines, a kind of branch of the Benedictines. The monastery and the "Basilica di Santa Croce" were completely rebuilt in Baroque style from 1549 on. Where the church is now the Jewish community had lived until 1510, when the Jews got ousted. The construction of the church took about two centuries. In 1582 the lower part of the facade had been finished, the dome was completed in 1590. The portals were added from 1606 on. The church was completed by Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo. The church has a richly decorated façade, with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and has a large rose window. The main portal has a pair of Corinthian columns and the coats of arms of Philip III of Spain, Mary of Enghien and Walter VI of Brienne, while on the side portals are those of the Celestines. The atlantes may represent the Turk prisoners made at the Battle of Lepanto (1571).

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - Walter VI, Count of Brienne (and Lecce), founded a monastery here in 1352 for the Celestines, a kind of branch of the Benedictines. The erection of the large Baroque complex consisting out of the "Palazzo dei Celestini" and the annexed "Basilica di Santa Croce" started in 1549. The long facade carried 1659-1695 was the work of the architects Giuseppe Zimbalo (aka "Zingarello") and Giuseppe Cino. After the suppression of the order in 1807, the monastery became a government palace. It currently houses the offices of the Prefecture and the Province.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The cathedral is located on the southeast corner of the "Piazza del Duomo" in the centre of the city. It first built in 1144, it underwent modifications later and was rebuilt in 1659 by the architect Giuseppe Zimbalo (aka "Zingarello") by order of bishop Luigi Pappacoda, in thy Baroque style typical for Lecce. The architect did not change the general layout but added an enormous, Baroque portal. This portal is considered to be a masterpiece of Baroque art. The campanile was built between 1661 and 1682. It was built to replace the Romanesque one, which had collapsed at the beginning of the 17th century. At a height of about 70 m the bell tower offers views of the Adriatic Sea and was used as a watchtower in former times.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The cathedral is located on the southeast corner of the "Piazza del Duomo" in the centre of the city. It first built in 1144, it underwent modifications later and was rebuilt in 1659 by the architect Giuseppe Zimbalo (aka "Zingarello") by order of bishop Luigi Pappacoda, in thy Baroque style typical for Lecce. The architect did not change the general layout but added an enormous, Baroque portal. This portal is considered to be a masterpiece of Baroque art.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - Santa Maria della Grazia, located at the Piazza Sant'Oronzo in (in front of the Roman Amphitheater) was built within 5 years from 1585 on. It was erected following a blueprint by Theatine monk Michele Coluccio, following the taste of the Counter-Revolution. Statues of St. Peter and St. Paul flank the portal.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The Theatines (aka " Congregation of Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence"), an order founded in 1524, commissioned this church. The building started in 1591 and followed a blueprint done by Theatine monk Francesco Grimaldi, who had worked before at the church "Sant’Andrea della Valle", in Rome, the "mother church" of the Theatines. The church played an important role in local history: in October 1860 the plebiscite operations to decide Lecce's "yes" to join the Kingdom of Italy took place here.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The Theatines (aka " Congregation of Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence"), an order founded in 1524, commissioned this church. The building started in 1591 and followed a blueprint done by Theatine monk Francesco Grimaldi, who had worked before at the church "Sant’Andrea della Valle", in Rome, the "mother church" of the Theatines. The church played an important role in local history: in October 1860 the plebiscite operations to decide Lecce's "yes" to join the Kingdom of Italy took place here.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The Chiesa del Gesù (aka "Madonna del Buon Consiglio") was built for the Jesuit order, who settled in Lecce in 1574. A year later the construction started following a design of the Jesuit Giovanni De Rosis, who came from Como. The entire building is inspired by the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, considered the Mother of the churches of the Jesuit order. Somehow the interior of Baroque churches always seems a bit dusted.

A legend tells, that a city called Sybar existed at the time of the Trojan War. It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, receiving the new name of Lupiae. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Lecce was sacked by the Ostrogoth troops of king Totila. In 549 it was taken by Byzantium and remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for five centuries, interrupted by brief invasions by the Saracens, Longobards, Hungarians and Slavs. After the Norman conquest in the 11th century, Lecce regained commercial and political importance, flourishing in the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevine rule. From the 15th century, Lecce was one of the most important cities of southern Italy, and, starting in 1630, it developed into a centre of Baroque architecture. This was made possible by the soft tuff stone found in the area, perfect for that architecture. - The Chiesa del Gesù (aka "Madonna del Buon Consiglio") was built for the Jesuit order, who settled in Lecce in 1574. A year later the construction started following a design of the Jesuit Giovanni De Rosis, who came from Como. The entire building is inspired by the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, considered the Mother of the churches of the Jesuit order. Seen above the portal is the emblem of the Society of Jesus adored by two angels. On top of the gable is the sculpture of the Pelican who is breaking his chest to feed his offsprings.