Italian Culture Capital 2015: Lecce

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And now we present another Italian Culture Capital 2015: LECCE!

Art city, provincial capital and major cultural centre of the Salento peninsula, Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” or the “Florence of Baroque”:  its ancient Messapian origins and Roman archeological remains blend with the richness and exuberance of the typically 17th century Baroque style of the churches and buildings in the city centre, built in Lecce stone, a malleable limestone  very suitable for working with the chisel.   The architectural development and  decorative embellishment of the façades was particularly rich during the Kingdom of Naples period and has  characterized the town in such an original way as to give rise to the definition of Lecce Baroque.

Building relationships by cultivating the knowledge of the bordering lands.  It is in this spirit that the territory of Lecce and Brindisi has presented its candidacy, thanks to its thousand-year old history of bridge over the Mediteranean.  A rich cultural melting pot, the result of trade, meetings and dialogue with the Balkans and with the East and South of the world, has projected Lecce towards its candidacy for 2019  European Cultural Capital, the dream of a new Europe nourished by contacts, plurality, horizons and new prospectives.  From the 40th parallel it is possible to reinvent the future and to design a new centre of gravity, to transform  “mare nostrum” into the guiding light and pulsing heart of the Union, laying the foundations for a new idea of development  which holds great opportunities for innovation.  Here, just a short distance away from Greece, from Africa and from the countries along the shore of the Adriatic, bridges are being built to look further and go further afield, working on the potential of an area of  extraordinary wealth, nurturing talent and knowledge to sustain a real change.  For Lecce2019, reinventing itself has meant not resting on the laurels of its architectural and artistic heritage but rather recognizing and grasping its potential, connecting and overcoming the barrier of isolation to activate  a continuous cycle of knowledge, ability and innovative growth models amongst its citizens.

For Lecce2019 this candidacy has represented the choice of getting involved, starting with the organizing committee.  Breaking the mould, the administrators, together with a staff of professionals and volunteers, have taken to the streets to close the gap with the citizens, creating opportunities for dialogue and confrontation, highlighting strong and weak points and unexpressed needs.

Despite the failure to win the title, the possibilty of a re-match was immediately served. Lecce is one of the 2015 Italian Culture Capitals, together with Perugia, Ravenna, Siena and Cagliari.  It is truly a beautiful and elegant city, waiting to be discovered, near an enchanting coastline and other places that amaze every visiting tourist.

The Salento is a magnificent land and Emma Villas offers you the chance of a dream holiday right here!

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Michelle House (Apulia – Torre Suda – Lecce)

Michelle House is an elegant, classical-style villa in Torre Suda (in Racale district) on the Ionian coast road that leads to Gallipoli, just 300 m from the sea.

Michelle HouseSleeps:  8

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Villa Pajare Francesi (Apulia – Santa Maria di Leuca/Castrignano del Capo – Lecce)

Vlla Pajare Francesi is an elegant, exclusive structure consisting of two separate units surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation.  It is characterized by façades in local stone that blend in with the outdoor area though the white porticoes decorated in minimalist style.

Sleeps: 6

Sleeps: 8+2

Villa Pajare Francesi

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Villa Sanssouci (Apulia – Santa Maria di Leuca/Castrignano del Capo – Lecce/Salento)

Villa Sanssouci is a new 2-storey villa of about 140 sq m with swimming pool.  It is located in the Regional Natural Park and, more precisely, in the scenic area close to the Ionian coast road connecting  Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca, two of the most important and exclusive towns of Puglia.

Sleeps: 8

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