Colonna di Sant'Oronzo (Saint Orontius Column), Lecce

The Saint Orontius’ Column is a prominent monument standing about 29 meters tall. It honors the city’s patron saint, Saint Orontius, who is credited with protecting the citizens from the devastating plague of 1656.

The monument was constructed between 1666 and 1686 using marble fragments salvaged from one of two ancient Roman columns that once marked the end of the Appia Way in Brindisi, linking Lecce’s history to its classical roots. Designed by architect Giuseppe Zimbalo, the monument features a stone base decorated with balustrades and statues. The column is topped by a statue of Saint Orontius dressed in bishop’s robes.

This statue, originally crafted in Venice in 1739, was damaged by fire during festivities and later affected by wartime events. It was restored and, in 2024, replaced with a durable bronze replica to ensure its preservation.