| The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Canneto was built in 1696 on the existing sacred building dedicated to St. John (dating to 1504) which belonged to the Teutonic Knights. In fact, it is believed that in the same place where the shrine was built, it stood a church which belonged to the order of the Teutonic Knights, which was demolished in order to built the current church. The only evidence is currently represented by a statue of St. Nicholas dating back to the XVI century, still preserved in the church. The shrine was built during the great period of the Baroque of Lecce, and represents one of the most influential and important structures, thanks to artists that took as a reference the sumptuous decor of contemporary Cathedral of Sant'Agata. The main entrance is represented by a portico with three frontal arches and two side arches, surmounted by a pediment on top which is positioned the effigy of the Virgin Mary. Inside, the church has three naves and preserves some precious paintings dating back to the XVII and XVIII centuries including the painting "Saint Lucia" by the painter Catalano and the "Martyrdom of St. Cristina "by Giordano. On both sides of the aisles there are of two canvases, portraying Sant'Omobono , Saint Lucia, St. Nicholas and St. Vitus. Once the sides’ aisles were adorned with two altars on each side, now unfortunately disappeared. Remarkable is the dropped ceiling of the early ‘700, with the image of Madonna del Canneto painted on wood. |