Lecce Stone

Lecce stone

Lecce stone is the typical material used in many Salento buildings as it is softer and easier to work with than the classic hard rock stone found in nature. The main peculiarity of this stone is that it is soft and docile to processing when extracted from the quarries. But then, once exposed to air and atmospheric agents, it becomes hard and resistant. And it is precisely thanks to this acquired resistance that many baroque constructions with this stone have managed to remain practically intact to this day.
In any case, its softness makes it very suitable for the creation of sophisticated designs, intricate decorations and lace, typical of the Lecce baroque. Another quality of Lecce stone is the ability to take on a typical warm shade over time. Its amber color made this stone an ideal material for the construction of important noble palaces and sacred buildings. But also of “rusticly” elegant homes, as evidenced by its presence in many valuable structures in the historic centers of numerous municipalities in Salento. For all these reasons, we understand how Lecce stone is an essential element in the history of this land. For this reason it is universally recognized as a heritage of Salento and the object of admiration and attention by millions of visitors.
As with many other ancient houses in Salento, extensive use of Lecce stone was also made for the construction of Corte Manfredi, starting from the creation of the barrel or corner vaults. Furthermore, it is also present in some accessory and decorative elements. For example: the frames of some fireplaces (6A, 7B), the ancient pile and some friezes on the external walls.