A holiday in Ostuni is a must to discover the beauty of Salento, its territory and the natural and cultural treasures of the white city. Blinding white is the colour of the houses of this picturesque country hamlet near Brindisi. A labyrinth of lanes reminiscent of a kasbah, it is a cluster on the side of a softly sloping hill, with its original nucleus surrounded by characteristic Aragonese towered ramparts. The typical cuisine, surrounding Mediterranean panoramas, customs, and local traditions have recreated a context that is unique in the whole world—one that is absolutely worth discovering. What are you waiting for? Organise your holiday in Ostuni now!
A beautiful fifteenth-century cathedral lies at the historic centre of Ostuni, Santa Maria dell'Assunzione, a national monument since 1902, that stands atop the white city's highest hill. Renovated in the late 1400s after a big earthquake, the cathedral has a majestic façade with three doors topped by the same number of rose windows. The middle one is an authentic triumph of medieval symbolism, with 24 rays formed by columns and arches and the figure of Christ in the centre surrounded by the apostles and seven cherub heads, with the Earth in his hand as a sign of protection. In the form of a Latin cross, the church's interior has three naves separated by 5-column arches. The central nave has three absolutely beautiful eighteenth-century tapestries with scenes from the life of Christ set in the ceiling and fascinating frescoes dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Orontius, and the martyrdom of Saint Blaise. Don't miss the door of the Church of Spirito Santo, either. Dating back to 1450, today it is recognised as a national monument.
The Cavalcade of Saint Orontius is a can't-miss event where horses and horsemen decked out in costumes parade through the historic centre. For the most awaited and important festival in Ostuni, for two days the city hosts a procession, a historic parade, music in the square and fireworks to celebrate the patron saint. In particular, on August 26th, a parade of horses and horsemen festively decked out inaugurate the cavalcade by going down the city streets carrying a papier-mâché statue of Saint Orontius.
Another attraction in Ostuni are its 17 kilometres of coast where sandy coves, rocks, pebble beaches, and dunes covered with Mediterranean maquis trade off. The coast also boasts a nature reserve in the area of Lido Morelli (a long beach with coastal dunes), while going south towards Brindisi there is the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve too. The coast nearest to Ostuni is the Port of Villanova, where there is a castle that the Duchess Bona Sforza had built. The castle is comprised of three parts with a lighthouse in the middle. Still not convinced? Check out our holiday packages to Ostuni and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
