During our stay in Puglia (Apulia) this winter, we explored many amazing places. Except for Lecce and Locorotondo, where we have spent several days, we also visited some other pretty towns.
Just imagine how excited we were to make beautiful photos of colorful fishing boats in the port of Gallipoli, to admire the white houses of Ostuni and the medieval mosaics in the cathedral of Otranto.
That is why I want to dedicate this blog post to three highlights of Puglia, but it is just a selection. The second part of this blog post will be published next week!
GALLIPOLI
One of the most picturesque places in Puglia is Gallipoli, which means ‘beautiful city’ in Greek. The ancient town has a rich history that dates back thousands of years; it is located on a small island and is accessible only via a 16th-century bridge.
Today, Gallipoli is a popular destination, which offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist hotspots. It is also renowned for its exquisite cuisine – from fresh seafood to ‘orechietta’ pasta and local olive oil.
Of course, the main attraction of Gallipoli is the old town, the ‘Città Vecchia’, which is enclosed by impressive 16th-century ramparts.
We were lucky to arrive on a sunny day and we parked our car near the bridge. The first thing we saw was the impressive 13th-century Aragonese Castle with the Rivellino Tower looming over the harbor.
The old town itself looked like an Italian movie scene from the 1970s… We explored the ancient city walls, charming squares, narrow streets and several baroque churches, among which the Basilica of Sant’ Agatha and the church of Santa Maria della Purità.
But our top experience was the fishing port and the small fish market, situated next to the bridge. The view of the ‘paranze’ (typical Gallipoli fishing boats) and the fishermen fixing nets and doing repairs after their early morning outings was so colorful that we could not stop making photos. This was really a fascinating place where we could enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Puglia.
OTRANTO
Otranto is another fascinating coastal town in Puglia, first of all because of its history.
In 1480, the town was attacked by Ottoman forces. It was a bloody battle and after a long siege the Turkish army invaded the citadel, killing more than 12,000 people and enslaving another 5,000. But what happened to the 800 men hiding in the cathedral? They were captured, but as they refused to renounce their faith, they were all killed. The Ottoman soon lost this southern outpost and the Christians moved the bodies to the Cathedral, where they are still kept today.
Nowadays, Otranto is a popular summer destination and our visit to this town was a wonderful experience. We made a long walk and visited the most impressive buildings: the Aragonese Castle and the Cathedral di Santa Maria Annunziata from the 11th century.
The cathedral is not only famous for its stunning Romanesque architecture, but first of all for its intricate floor mosaics, particularly the Tree of Life. The mosaics were created by a young monk named Pantaleone in the 12th century. Just imagine that even the Ottomans, who desecrated the church after the Siege of Otranto, couldn’t bring themselves to destroy these mosaics.
Another part of the church that is worth a visit is the Chapel of the Martyrs, which houses the remains of 800 martyrs from the Ottoman invasion in 1480, making it a significant historical site.
OSTUNI
Ostuni is known as ‘La Città Bianca’, the White City, as it is famous for its iconic white houses.
Why are all houses in Ostuni white? Well, the main reason for the whitewashed facades is the use of lime, which serves as a natural disinfectant. In the Middle Ages, the whitewash was believed to help slow the spread of plague by keeping the houses clean. Another reason is the fact that the white color reflects sunlight, which helps to keep the interior of the houses cool during the hot summer months.
Wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the historic center was a great experience. Moreover, walking along the 14th-century city walls, we had breathtaking views of the surrounding olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. And of course, we concluded our visit with a cup of coffee on the Piazza della Libertà, enjoying the local atmosphere.
Each town in Puglia offers a variety of cultural, historic, food and authentic experiences. Don’t hesitate, visit Puglia, a region that has so much to offer and… it is not yet overrun with foreign tourists!