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The term "baroque" is commonly
used to describe that which is strange, exceptionally bizarre,
and designates the artistic sentiment predominant in Rome around
1630. |
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It's most prominent creative forces were Bernini, Borromini,
and Pietro della Cortona among others.
Both monarchy and church trusted to art to immortalize their glory,
wanting very much to leave an indelible mark on history.
Lecce has always been considered the most noble city in Puglia,
much admired (and perhaps a bit envied) for the fine cultural heritage
reflected in its churches and palazzi.
The period from the late 1500's to the mid-1600's marks Lecce's
finest hour and there are many fine palazzo's and religious buildings
remaining to testify to its rich past. Lecce's "barocco" is quite
singular, in that it developed outside the standard, historical
time-frame the artistic period.
