Abbey of San Leonardo: when architecture, astronomy and religion meet

Built in a Romanesque style, its exact date of foundation is unknown, although it is possible to associate it with the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th. In fact, the first to settle in the abbey and inaugurate it as a place of worship were the Regular Canons of St. Augustine in 1127. On the left side of the abbey there is a vertical inscription in Latin, which most likely indicates the name of the founder or inspiration of the complex, the priest William.

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Cartapesta: Lecce’s Artistic Legacy

A craft very unique to Lecce in the Salento region of Puglia is cartapesta, papier-mâché. No, not the papiermâché you did in elementary school… papier-mâché as an art form! In fact, especially here in Lecce you will find many spectacular statues and even a ceiling in one of the churches is actually papier-mâché e! And trust me, you would never suspect it unless it was pointed out to you!

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