Baroque Splendor in Southern Italy's "Florence"

The Chiesa di San Matteo is a Roman Catholic Baroque masterpiece nestled in Lecce's historic center on Via Federico d'Aragona. Built between 1667-1700 and dedicated to Apostle Matthew, this Franciscan treasure was designed by Achille Larducci di Salò (nephew of famed architect Francesco Borromini), replacing a 15th-century chapel. ✨ Architectural Marvels: Dramatic facade contrasting convex lower tier with concave upper tier Oval nave flanked by ornate side altars Twelve apostle statues on sculpted columns A 19th-century redone roof (replacing the original wooden ceiling still visible in other Lecce Baroque churches) Gilded 18th-century pipe organ from Santa Croce above the entrance Lecce earned its nickname "La Firenze del Sud" (Southern Florence) precisely for such breathtaking Baroque wonders - where every curve, column, and carving whispers centuries of artistry. #ArchitecturePhotography #TiltShift #ItalyTravel #WorldHeritage #CulturalGems