Towards the end of the 16thcentury, a number of religious orders arrived in Lecce, amongst them Jesuitsand Franciscans; their arrival inspired wealthy patrons who poured money into thebuilding of elaborate palaces and churches, for this was the beginning of theBaroque period. The result is a perfect little gem of a Baroque city, itscrowning glory being the Church of the Holy Cross, completed in 1695. Next tothe church is the Government Palace, a former convent and the cathedral is oneof the most important in Italy, with an enormous five-story campanile thattowers 70m above the square. From here, a scenic drive will bring you to thetiny harbour town of Otranto with its stunning Romanesque cathedral. It has anextraordinary mosaic floor and an incredible carved stone ‘Tree of Life’, withhistorical and animal figures demonstrating a cross section of myth andreality. Finally, drive round to the Cape of Otranto, representing the spur ofthe Italian ‘boot’ with a pure white octagonal lighthouse. Continue round thiswild and rugged stretch of coast, to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca,also known as De Fimbus Terrae and built on the site of an ancient temple,dedicated to Minerva.
