Palazzo del Sedile di Lecce

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It was built as a place to hold public meetings and hearings at the end of the 16th century on the site of the previous town hall. The refined style of the building is accentuated by an impressive ogival arch topped with an elegant triple-arched loggia. It is two stories high and formerly contained a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Charles V, of which unfortunately no trace remains. The curious volumetric shape of the building is marked off by four imposing squared-off pillars. Shops rented out by the City Administration are located in back of the building.

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Address:	Piazza Sant'Oronzo - 73100
Municipality:	Lecce
Province:	Lecce
Phone:	(+39)0832682102

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A Brief History:

The Palazzo del Sedile was built between 1588 and 1592 under Alessandro Saponaro, when Pietro Mocenigo was mayor. During the centuries the building was used as the city’s armory and was the municpal administration offices until 1851. Later it housed the National Guard and subsequently the Civic Museum. Today it is home to cultural exhibitions and events.

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Notes:	Although the frescoes depicting the life of Charles V are no longer intact, on bust of Charles III of Spain, on the right, there is a Spanish inscription of the letter sent by the king in 1744 to the people of Lecce to thank them for the gift of two candles made from the miraculous oil from the lamp of S. Oronzo.
Entrance:	Free of charge

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A recurrent decorative theme is that of an egg shape sculpted on the faces of the four squared-off pillars, evidently a reference to the important Church of Santa Croce. This motif is frequently seen in noble residences Palazzo Saraceno, or in city gates such as Porta Rudiae; they are the ‘trophies’ of an ancient architectural tradition.

Sources: By the editorial staff
Updated on: 12/02/2010

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