In the centre of the town
Ostuni's most striking feature is undoubtedly its white houses. The traditional lime whitewashing of the houses has both practical and aesthetic reasons.the white paint protects against the heat as it reflects the sun's rays, which helps keep the houses cooler in the summer months.legend has it that the city has been hit by plague epidemics several times in the past. And to prevent the spread of the disease, all the houses were painted with lime, which has antiseptic properties. Thus, the white paint became the symbol of the city.
In the city centre, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in Gothic-Romanesque style in the 15th century, is worth a visit. Its magnificent façade is decorated with a rosette window, one of the largest and most beautiful in Italy.the window is decorated with intricate ornaments and symbols representing the cycle of life. The church once had four such windows. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is connected to the former Bishop's Palace (Palazzo Vescovile) by the iconic Arco Scoppa arch.
Ostuni is a city full of life, where traditional Italian culture mixes with modern lifestyle. The locals are proud of their customs and traditions, which are reflected in the various fiestas and festivals held throughout the year. The most important of these is "La Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo," which takes place every August. This festival is dedicated to the patron saint of the town and includes processions, traditional music and dancing.
Ostuni and surroundings
Ostuni is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Near the town is the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, with its 16th century defensive tower, which offers beautiful beaches, clear sea and rich flora and fauna. For history lovers, the Egnazia Archaeological Park is nearby, where the remains of an ancient Roman city can be seen.
Another attraction is the Valle d'Itria area, famous for its typical stone houses called "trulli"."These buildings are typical of this part of Puglia and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towns such as Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca are just a short drive from Ostuni and well worth a visit.
Gastronomy
Puglia is famous for its excellent cuisine and Ostuni is no exception. Local specialties include pasta "orecchiette" served with tomato sauce and freshlocal olive oil, which is among the best in Italy, and various types of seafood. Don't forget to try the burrata, a creamy cheese that is very popular in Puglia.
