Winged horses, angelic figures, putti, climbing vegetal motifs, and even a mysterious two-tailed mermaid. It’s an enchanted universe that unfolds step by step as you ascend the restoration site of the façade of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, known as the Church of the Rosary, on via Libertini. Thanks to the initiative of the Superintendent of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto, in collaboration with Marullo Costruzioni and guided by 34° Fuso, you can experience something rare.
Climb up to the three levels of the site, 40 meters high, and discover details invisible to passersby. It’s a captivating vertical journey: step by step, the city recedes and Lecce stone becomes a story. From up here, the masterpiece of maestro Giuseppe Zimbalo reveals all its boldness: richly decorated capitals, spiraled fluted columns, solemn statues like those of Saint Dominic of Guzman and Saint Louis Bertran, intricate carvings, and vases full of symbols.
Then comes the most thrilling invitation: “And now, look down.” Lecce opens beneath your feet, while the Baroque can be admired from a new, powerful, intimate perspective.
Visits take place on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every 40 minutes in groups of four. Reservation required at 327 8773894 or on cantiereapertomarullo.it.
