All that remains of the 16C ramparts that once encircled the historic centre of Lecce are the castle and a few vestiges of the city defences. A ring of avenues now delineates the centre of this Baroque town. It was during the Spanish domination of Lecce (1557-1707) that the Baroque style of architecture exploded, and the town still boasts many Renaissance, Rococo and Baroque buildings. The most remarkable and ornate of these, such as Santa Croce basilica and Piazza del Duomo, are the work of the architect Zimbalo.