Porta San Biagio is one of the three gates providing access to the ancient center of Lecce, dedicated to the saint of the same name. Located near Piazza d'Italia, it serves as the southern entrance to the historic urban core, standing at a height of 17.3 metres.
The gate was rebuilt in 1774 by the governor of Terra d'Otranto, Tommaso Ruffo, replacing a much older gate. It is characterized by pairs of smooth columns resting on high bases and a crowning fastigio that holds a commemorative Latin inscription.
The artistic decoration of the gate includes the coat of arms of King Ferdinando IV, which is flanked by a duplicate coat of arms for the city of Lecce. Above the entablature, a sculpture of the saint in bishop's robes completes the ornamentation of the structure.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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