In this blog post, we will give you useful ideas on what to see in Ostuni. But let's start with why you should visit Ostuni.
Ostuni is among the most well-known and frequented towns, as well as being loved by tourists in the Salento peninsula, in Puglia, the white city par excellence.
It is famous worldwide for the white of its houses, nestled like a pearl between the blue of the sky and the sea. A spectacle to behold with your own eyes.
Why visit Ostuni?
Ostuni is spectacular and is called the "white city" because it is entirely covered in white. The plaster on the walls amplifies the splendid southern light, so much so that it won't even feel like you're in Italy, but rather on a Greek island.
The blue of the sky and the sea, glistening a few kilometers away, create an unreal atmosphere. If I were to paint a portrait of my idea of a Mediterranean summer, Ostuni would be the perfect subject.
Want another reason to visit Ostuni?
In addition to being renowned for its characteristic city center, Ostuni has received several awards for the beauty of its sea. It has collected no less than 5 sails and a special recognition from Legambiente for both the cleanliness of its coast and the services offered.
What to see in and around Ostuni
We are in the province of Brindisi, where, on a hill of the Murge, this wonderful village stands out, famous for its white-painted houses dominated by the Cathedral. The city is located 8 km from the Adriatic coast and is dotted with rows of ancient olive trees that make the landscape truly breathtaking.
1. What to see in Ostuni: the historic center
Start your visit to Ostuni from the Historic Center of Ostuni, also known as the "old city," famous for its completely white houses thanks to the lime coating. It is characterized by numerous narrow streets that wind their way through the houses, many of which end in dead-end alleys.
2. What to see in Ostuni: the Aragonese walls
Absolutely a must-see in Ostuni are the Aragonese walls. Built in the late Middle Ages by the Angevins to repel Saracen invasions, then expanded in the late fifteenth century by the Aragonese to counter Turkish invasions pushing from the Adriatic. The walls remain a beautiful testimony to the city's ancient history, as well as an interesting collection of anecdotes and important moments of the territory.
3. What to see in Ostuni: the Cathedral of Ostuni
Since the world began, when you visit a city, you visit its churches! So you certainly cannot miss the beautiful Cathedral of Ostuni, in the upper part of the town, built thanks to Ferdinand of Aragon and Alfonso II, sovereigns of the Kingdom of Naples. The flamboyant Gothic style of the fifteenth century and the rose window, among the largest in the world, will capture your attention. The façade has three elegant pointed arch portals, and the interior has three naves, with a precious painted ceiling and splendid Baroque chapels.
4. What to see in Ostuni: the Obelisk of Saint Oronzo
Standing almost 21 meters tall, you cannot forget to visit the Obelisk of Saint Oronzo; it is a tribute to the city's patron saint, Saint Oronzo himself. Carved in baroque style from local stone, the obelisk features Latin inscriptions and at its summit is the statue of the Saint, depicted in the act of blessing the people. The cult of Saint Oronzo is strong in the city, and many places are dedicated to him.
5. What to see in Ostuni: the Civic Museum
For museum lovers, a visit to the Civic Museum of Ostuni is a must, as it is one of the city's most important museums. Opened in 1989 within the former monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, it contains artifacts from the Messapian, medieval, and modern ages, found in the areas adjacent to Ostuni. Inside, you can also see original artifacts directly from the Grotto of Agnano, which is part of the same circuit.
6. What to see in Ostuni: the Natural Archaeological Park
About 2 km from the historic center of Ostuni is the Santa Maria di Agnano Natural Archaeological Park. Connected to the civic museum, this park focuses on the grotto of the same name, a site of ancient cults and rituals from 3,000 years ago, dedicated to a female figure. In this grotto, which was once a true sanctuary, research has unearthed two burials called "Ostuni 1" and "Ostuni 2", complete with grave goods.
How to visit Ostuni?
To visit Ostuni in the best way, you need to use your feet, leave your car in the parking lots at the beginning of the town (near Piazza della Libertà) and venture into the narrow alleys of the village.
If you want to get around in an original way, you can be escorted by an "ape calessino", which is very characteristic and comfortable for tackling Ostuni's uphill streets.
Curiosity: do you know why it's called the "white city"?
This name comes from the custom of whitewashing houses with lime, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Thanks to this practice, Ostuni was never hit by the plague, as lime is a natural disinfectant. Infections were stopped at the outset, and the white city continued to prosper.
The beauty of Ostuni lies not so much in its churches or museums, but in its delightful alleyways.