Hotels near Basilica di San Giovanni Battista

The Basilica di San Giovanni Battista, also called the Chiesa del Rosario, was the final work of Giuseppe Zimbalo, the architect behind much of Lecce's finest Baroque. He died before it was completed in 1728, and it stands as the culmination of the exuberant local style.

The facade drips with the most elaborate carving in the city - twisting columns, swirling foliage, and dense sculptural detail that pushes Lecce stone to its limit. Inside, dramatic altars continue the theme, and because it sits near Porta Rudiae it sees fewer visitors than Santa Croce.

Pro Tip: Combine it with a walk to the nearby Porta Rudiae gate at the western edge of the old town. Entry is usually free, with hours tied to services.