Patron Saint Oronzo

It seems that the Satron Saint Oronzo of Lecce was involved in political issues of the cityas well. During the French revolution, in 1799, revolutionary ideas spread quickly in the city and the symbolic revolutionary tree was built in the main square, right next to the column where the statue of the Saint is placed.

The Saint was looking at these changes from the top of his column, in the main square, and he was very disappointed for the innovative and revolutionary trend in “his” city. In order to demonstrate to the citizens his disappointment, the bronze statue turned around and stretched its leg, as in a first step away from the city.

The news spread quickly in Lecce, and the citizens were strongly concerned. Thus, they decided to burn the revolutionary tree and to take in procession the statue of the Saint kept in the cathedral, as sign of devotion to him. Afterwards, the Protector Saint statue went back in its usual position and the citizens were finally relieved.