The Buona Nuova Church is a small rock-carved chapel in which there are frescoes. We are given access to the chapel after two volunteers postpone their departure for lunch. They then kindly save us having to climb up the many stairs to where we have parked the car by letting us share their lift. Although they do not speak English we are able to joke with them that the huge bunch of keys they carry are the keys to Paradise

Our accommodation for three nights in Lecce is at the Risorgimento Resort Hotel which is located near the city centre. We attempt to drive to the hotel, passing some wonderful buildings, but despite driving down pedestrian only streets, we are defeated by the one-way system. Eventually, we park the car, walk to the hotel and a member of staff drives us to the hotel and then parks the car in their underground garage.

 

Our suite in this upmarket hotel consists of a large lounge area that contains a TV that can be swivelled so as to be also viewed in the bedroom. The bathroom is spilt into several parts accommodating a large shower, a large whirlpool bath, twin basins, etc. Doors from both the bathroom and the lounge open onto a private, well-equipped balcony.

 

After settling in to our comfortable room, we explore the nearby area with a view to discovering what restaurants there are in the vicinity. The Volo Restaurant are prepared to serve us a meal although it is not yet there opening time of 7pm. Here we have a very pleasant meal served by a nice young girl who persuades us to have starters based on aubergines and potato with onions. Prior to this we have two tasters, one with a thin meat with mint, the other three hot balls probably containing potato. We both have a main course of orecchietta pasta with tomato and cheese, followed by a plate of beef pieces. For dessert Jeanette has some fresh fruit and David has a chocolate mousse. With a half carafe of Chardonnay this make a very enjoyable meal.

 

May 29th is spent exploring Lecce in the morning, and in the afternoon when it rains, Jeanette visits a hairdresser

Close to our hotel in the Piazza Sant'Oronzo are the remains of the Anfiteatro Romano

(above and below)

Colonna di Sant'Oranto and the Obelisk of Lecce

Examples of the exuberant carving on the Basilica di Santa Croce

The interior of the Basilica is on the Latin cross plan and the nave has a rich wooden caisson ceiling