Chiesa di San Matteo (Church of St. Mathew), Lecce

On Perroni Street (Via dei Perroni) in Lecce is the Church of Saint Mathew (Chiesa di San Matteo). It was built in the latter half of the 17th century, following the designs of architect Achille Larducci di Salo. Achille was the nephew of Francesco Borromini, master of the International Baroque style seen in several Roman churches of the period.

The Church of Saint Mathew replaced a 15th-century chapel also dedicated to Saint Mathew and annexed to a Franciscan convent. Construction started in 1667 when Bishop Luigi Pappacoda laid the first stone. The project was completed in 1700.

The exterior is in two orders. The higher-order surface is convex and the surface of the lower order is concave. The lower order is in three parts sectioned off by two massive columns. The main portal is elaborate. The aedicule is crowned by the Franciscan Order coat of arms. There are two niches on the sides.

The upper order has a serliana (central opening with a semicircular arch) with columns. The serliana is capped with molding and two niches, lushly decorated. The mixtilinear molded cornice is topped by a high gable.

The inside has one nave on an elliptical plan. The chapels are set apart with pilasters having plinths for the twelve apostles. The five rich Baroque altars on the left side of the nave are dedicated to Saints Agatha, Francis, Rita, the Virgin, and the Pieta. The apse has a star vault roof and a decorated altar.

On the right side of the nave are four altars. The first is for the Madonna de la Luce, followed by altars of Sant'Anna, the Holy Family, and Sant'Oronzo.