I am wearing a floral Max Mara dress and Moschino cross body bag. Sandals from Attilio Giusti Leombruni
The opulent artistic style of the Baroque is my favourite architecture: Romantic cherubs, minutely detailed facades and domes that create emotion and drama. For my wedding, I chose a 1700s baroque Roccoco venue in Berlin and it was only natural to book our honeymoon to Rome, where the baroque architecture started, follwed by a lazy beach holiday in Puglia and a day trip to nearby Lecce.
Lecce is the only city tourist destination south of Naples. Known as the “Florence of the South” or “Little Rome”, the historic town is a feast for the eyes, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Floral pattern and mythological figures adorn the ornate buildings. Our Italian landlord recommended we visit at night when the town is lit up. A magical time to go there and stroll in the picturesque alleyways and marvel at the wonderfully over-the-top-facades of the Santa de Croce Church.
As if this is not enough, Lecce also boasts a Roman amphitheatre and theatre in the middle of the centro storico.
Basiliica of St Giovanni Battista in Lecce
Mr Romantique strolling along the alleyways
Lecce’s ruins of a Roman amphitheatre
Entrance to Lecce’s centro storico
Remember Dolce and Gabbana’s wonderfully baroque AW 2012 collection? Inspired by the opulent churches and the baroque if Italy
