The historic centre
The old town of Cisternina is made up of a tangle of narrow white streets that slope down to small squares. Houses built of local light stone reflect the daylight and create the typical atmosphere of Valle d'Itria. You won't find a long list of monuments here, such as the Church of San Nicola with its unusual mixture of Romanesque and Baroque elements, or the remains of defensive towers that now overlook the surrounding countryside. The charm of the town lies mainly in its integrity: it is one of the cleanest and best preserved of the Apulian centres.
Traditional macellerie
A strong attraction of Cisternino is the local tradition of street barbecue. So-called macellerie function as both butcher shops and small restaurants-you choose your meat right at the counter and the cooks will grill it immediately over charcoal. Most often served are bombettes, small meat rolls stuffed with cheese or herbs, which are one of the valley's typical specialities. In the evening, the town centre is smoky and lively.
Views of the Valle d'Itria
The outskirts of the historic centre offer views over the whole valley, dotted with olive groves, stone walls and typical trulli houses. The panorama is most impressive at sunset, when the light colours the landscape in warm tones. The combination of the white town and the green valley is one of the most beautiful symbols of central Apulia.
The ideal stopover when exploring Puglia
Cisternino is good for a short visit during the day, but it stands out most in the evening when the centre fills up with locals and travellers alike. Its proximity to Ostuni, Locorotonda or Martina Franca makes it easy to fit into an itinerary and provides the perfect contrast to the more touristy places.
The town retains a quiet, very authentic atmosphere and offers exactly what many people expect from Puglia: bright historic streets, delicious food, pleasant evenings outdoors and views of one of the most iconic valleys in southern Italy.
