Lecce

November 23, 2024

Today was our last day in Lecce and tomorrow we start the trip home. True to form there is a train strike tomorrow but we have confirmed that ours is one of the few still going. The risk of train travel in Italy.

Today was much cooler than yesterday and the wind was brisk and from the north. I wandered about in the morning while Tim went shopping. After a pizza lunch we relaxed at the hotel with a nap and then a massage.

We had an amazing dinner as part of our tour package at the Santavoglia restaurant.

One of several gates into the old city this one is called the Naples Gate,

An obelisk just outside of the Naples Gate. It is decorated on 4 sides with the bottom showing dolphins biting a crescent symbolizing a victory over the Turks.

Santa Maria della Porta near the Naples Gate.

Busts of 2 popes. They are made of paper maché which is a tradition here. This way the various statues can be easily carried in various ceremonial processions.

Judith a Jewish woman who befriended a Syrian general and then cut off his head when he got drunk, it followed with a victory by the opposing army. It also represents victory over tyranny and has been painted by the famous Italian painter Caravaggio.

One of several altars in Duomo again in the baroque style.

The crypt under the church with 92 different columns.

The painting of the martyrdom of St Ursula also originally painted by Caravaggio in 1610. Ursula apparently refused to marry a Hun king so he killed her and all of he hand maidens.

The courtyard of the seminar that now houses the museum where I saw the artwork.

The tradition of making paper maché figures continues and not all are religious.

Some of the work is very detailed and very expensive.

Christmas decorations are beginning to appear

Focaccia bread with whipped olive oil and milk, something new for the both of us.

Our Arancini different from what have had before.

Duck with a carrot and marscapone purée, and a blueberry chutney.

Fig leaf ice cream, with roasted almonds and crushed roasted black olives.

The restaurant is just outside of the Porta San Biagio.

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Karen PoretI needed pasta for my dinner dish tonight and was so excited to read the choice was from Puglia! Kind of like I had a part of your delicious dishes without traveling ;)
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4 weeks ago

Pat HeydonGreat photos Marg. The architecture and art is fabulous and the food and wine looks amazing. Thanks for sharing. Have a safe trip home.
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4 weeks ago