The Baroque Visionary of Lecce: Francesco Antonio Zimbalo Francesco Antonio Zimbalo, born in the vibrant city of Lecce around 1567 and passing away there in 1631, stands as a pivotal figure in the development of Baroque architecture in southern Italy. While not widely known outside specialist circles, within the Salento peninsula – the heel of Italy’s boot – his influence is monumental. Zimbalo wasn't merely an architect; he was a sculptor of stone, a master craftsman who helped define the exuberant and uniquely ornate style that came to be synonymous with Lecce. His life coincided with a pe…