Hotels near Church of San Matteo

The Church of San Matteo stands out among Lecce's Baroque churches for its unusual curved facade, convex on the lower level and concave above, inspired by Borromini's work in Rome. Built in the 1660s, it brings a touch of Roman high Baroque to the Salento.

The lower facade is studded with rows of stone bosses that were left partly unfinished, giving it a distinctive rough-and-smooth texture. Inside, an oval plan is ringed by statues of the apostles set in niches between richly decorated side altars, a satisfying stop away from the busiest lanes.

Pro Tip: It sits in a quieter part of the old town south of the main square, so pair it with the nearby Museo Faggiano. Opening hours revolve around Mass, so late morning is your safest bet.