Carved and polychrome stone decorations

The main altar dominates the entire central nave and the presbytery and is characterized by decorations in carved and polychrome stone. In the central part stands the frontal with the coat of arms of the Carmelite Fathers and the crumpled corner shelves that support the table.

 

At the center of the altar setting is the Tabernacle supported by four twisted columns crowned with entablatures with the upper part expressing the Eternal through a relief between two Angels. This last representation is probably the work of the school of Stefano da Putignano. On the sides of the Tabernacle we find the two Saints of the Carmelite order Sant’Alberto and Sant’Angelo. In the middle of the altar you can see the picture of the venerated Virgin of Carmel.

 

Note in this altar the distinctive character of the Lecce Baroque which treated stone like wood. This structural identity is also found in Conversano in the church of Santa Maria dell’Isola and in other churches of Polignano a Mare and Noci.