5 things to visit in Ostuni

Old town, Ostuni.

Amidst the green hills and centuries-old olive trees of Salento lies Ostuni, a favourite destination for tourists from all over the world.

Also known as the White City, due to its characteristic historical centre, which was once entirely painted in white lime, the city of Ostuni offers a magical atmosphere in which you will love to lose yourself thanks to the evocative narrow streets and alleyways of the historical centre.

The town offers many cultural and recreational attractions: splendid churches, ancient museums, beaches with crystal-clear water and squares that come alive with nightlife in summer.

Let's discover together the main attractions offered by this magnificent city.

Pic by @Bogdan Dada

1. The Historic Centre
   Also called "La Terra" by the people of Ostuni, the historic centre of Ostuni is characterised by narrow streets and alleyways that intersect with characteristic small squares, you will immediately feel as if you have stepped back in time. The old town stands on the highest hill in the town and is what characterises the town with its whitewashed houses.
   
   

2. The Cathedral of Ostuni
   At the top of the old town is the beautiful Ostuni Cathedral, built by Ferdinand of Aragon and Alfonso II, rulers of the Kingdom of Naples.
   You will be immediately enchanted by the beautiful Gothic façade and the decorations on all sides of the cathedral and inside.
   
   

3. Liberty Square

   Another place not to be missed is Liberty Square (Piazza della Libertà), Ostuni's main square. Surrounded by wonderful places such as the Church of San Francesco in perfect Rococo style, the San Francesco Palace, the Church of the Holy Ghost and the famous Saint Orontius' column, a meeting point for tourists and locals alike, it is the real beating heart of the town, full of shops and cafés.
   
   

4. The Diocesan Museum

   The Diocesan Museum, inside the Episcopal Palace, is also well worth a visit. Inside you can see various works of art from the historical and artistic heritage of the Church of Ostuni and the Bishops' Garden, an oasis of peace and beauty.
   
   

5. The Beaches

   Ostuni is also famous for its beautiful crystal-clear sea, which made it earn the title of the town with the cleanest sea in Italy. The coastline stretches for 20 kilometres and offers various types of environment: from long beaches to small inlets between the rocks, through dune systems and Mediterranean scrub. The most famous is the beach of Costamerlata, with shallow waters, fine sand and a very clear sea, but there is also the beach of Diana Marina and Rosa Marina, or the beach of Montricelli, characterised by low rocky stretches and cliffs but with higher waters. Another famous and very popular beach is Pilone, which is completely immersed in the Mediterranean maquis.

These are just some of the places to visit in the beautiful town of Ostuni.

The opportunities for a unique and unforgettable experience surrounded by typical Apulian sights and flavours in the White City are numerous and all waiting to be discovered.

Beach of Costamerlata, Ostuni.