Ostuni, the White City

The white of this city dazzles its visitors who lose themselves in the steep streets which rise toward the peak where the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta shines.

Ostuni is a picturesque city of ancient origins, that rises from the so-called Plain of Olives, where thousands of ancient olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see. A few kilometres from the historic centre, in the Grotto of Santa Maria d’Agnano, the “Lady of Ostuni” was found – the perfectly preserved skeleton of a woman who died around 25,000 years ago and her child, who was still in the womb. Because of its geographic position, Ostuni was a strategic objective of many invading armies and Ostuni now bears the imprint of their passage. The historic centre is surrounded by a mighty wall, rebuilt in the early Medieval times by the Angioini and then again in the 15th century by the Aragonese, and which today incorporates many private dwellings. In the historic centre, also called La Terra, the land, by the locals, the houses overlap and intertwine, giving the centre the shape of a labyrinth, a pleasurable maze in which you can lose yourself. The ancient part also includes Piazza della Libertà where the obelisk of Sant Oronzo stands, which became patron of the city as he saved the Ostuni from the plague that plagued Salento in 1600.

Technical info
This information is of a general nature. We can vary the conditions according to your needs.

Duration: Two Hours
Level of Difficulty:Easy
Availability: All year
Animals permitted: Yes
Suited to children: Yes
Recommended gear: Wear comfortable shoes. During summer, we recommend that you bring with you a hat/cap, a bottle of water and sunscreen.
Meeting Point: Parking in Street Antonio Specchia