The historic center and the Cathedral of Ostuni

The city of Ostuni is also known as the white city of Salento, and you will notice it as soon as you set foot in the historic center. Here the sun reverberates on the facades of the white houses and expands its glow all around, creating an enchanted atmosphere. The dazzling glow of the whitewashed houses further brings out the colors of the goods displayed by the small shops along the center.

Ostuni is a small town that should be visited only on foot to fully enjoy the atmosphere inside the historic center and to have a more authentic memory of one of the pearls of Puglia. What you will do in Ostuni is a bath of light in what the inhabitants call the earth to distinguish it from the marina. The reason for so much light is that in the Middle Ages Ostuni was painted with white lime for health reasons: this material is very easy to find, cheap, and avoids the risk of plague.

The Cathedral of Ostuni

We are located in the heart of the Itria Valley, in the province of Brindisi. The historical center of Ostuni is a very popular destination in the Puglia region and many tourists from all over the world come here also for the crystal clear sea that is just a short distance away. The medieval village, with its whitewashed houses and winding streets, offers an unforgettable experience. Among them, the most interesting building is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Ostuni: dedicated to Santa Maria of the Assumption, the church stands on the highest part of the town and was built by Ferdinand of Aragon and Alfonso II, rulers of the Kingdom of Naples.

The absolute protagonist of the façade is the rose window, one of the largest in the world, richly decorated with three concentric circles and figures from the Christian tradition. The external structure is very particular because the frame of the pediment is rich in friezes and ornamental motifs. The portals of the church are introduced by three lunettes decorated with truly unique details. Inside the church, you can enjoy a good dose of light thanks to the large rose window. The three naves are separated by three orders of columns. In the central nave, it is possible to admire a frescoed and richly decorated ceiling.

Outside the church, you can enjoy the most authentic life of Ostuni in the square dedicated to Blessed John Paul II, a meeting place for the citizens, together with Piazza Della Libertà. Let yourself be enchanted by the Aragonese walls that you will encounter along the way in the historic center, built to face the arrival of the Turks.