Piazza Sant'Oronzo

Welcome to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the vibrant and historical center of Lecce. This square is a unique 'urban palimpsest,' where layers of history from the Roman era to the 20th century are visible in a single glance. …

Let us look down into the sunken ruins of the Roman Amphitheater. This structure dates back to the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, when Lecce—then known as Lupiae—was a thriving Roman colony. …

Now, turn your gaze upward to the tall column that stands at the edge of the amphitheater. This is the Column of Saint Oronzo, a monument of profound civic and religious importance. …

Looking toward the side of the square near the column, you will see a unique, cube-shaped building with large pointed arches. This is the Sedile, also known as the Palazzo del Seggio. …

As you walk across the center of the square, be sure to look down at your feet. In the center of the paving, you will find a large, circular mosaic depicting a she-wolf beneath a holm oak tree. …

If you look at the buildings lining the northern and eastern sides of the square, you will notice a significant change in style. These are examples of the rationalist and neoclassical architecture of the 1920s and 30s, built…

To truly experience Piazza Sant'Oronzo, you must be here during the late afternoon and early evening. This is when the ritual of the pah-se-jah-tah takes place. …

As we conclude our tour of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, take one last look at the layers of time that surround you. From the deep, silent arches of the Roman Amphitheater to the soaring column of the saint, and from the medieval Sedile to…