Going for Baroque

The other possible title for this post was, 'If it ain't Baroque don't fix it.'

This was another day blighted by problems from home. Lyn is not well and I suspect that stress is largely the cause.

We finished the task of self guiding ourselves around Lecce's baroque churches. 

This a medieval fresco with a breastfeeding Mary.

This is remarkable because the ceiling is paper mache (carta pesto). So is this statue of Judith doing her thing. She looks a bit like she's on something.

Getting the Duomo into a single photo is a challenge. Also below is an Italian tour group in the crypt, with dogs.

The shrines epitomise Baroque. Incredibly skilful and completely over the top.

The grill above this one is significant.  The church was run by the Poor Clare's whose modesty required them to observe the services from high up and behind the screen.

After an afternoon rest we went to Carlo V's Castle. We passed a carto pesto workshop and a puppet shop on the way. We booked a castle tour for tomorrow and walked back to the Faggiano Archaeological Museum. This is a local house. Mr Faggiano wanted to improve the drainage under the ground floor of his family home so he could open a trattoria. His home renovations turned into an extraordinary archaeological adventure.  Supervised by professionals, the family uncovered a Renaissance convent, a Templar house, Roman storage, wells, tunnels, a Messapian house and tombs. They have kept this amazing place open and run it themselves. In the first photo below you can see one of the Faggiano lads telling the story. Mr Faggiano sold us our tickets.

The vaulted ceiling of this room was made up largely of clay jars.

From the roof you can see the historical/modern hodgepodge that is Lecce.

We ate out. The local food was delicious.