On the south-eastern hills of the Murgia, a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast, stands the splendid city of Ostuni. The brightness of its houses has earned it the name of the “white city”, an unmissable destination for its extraordinary beauty and for the wealth of stories and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Immerse yourself in the whiteness of this Apulian city by strolling along the Historic Centre Street, through a maze of small houses, alleys and little squares embellished with artisanal souvenirs and the scents of typical products coming from the local shops.
Let yourself be transported on a unique journey through the history of the city starting from the artefacts displayed in the Museum of Preclassical Civilizations of the Murgia, wander among the lime-whitewashed houses, admire the marvellous Column of Saint Oronzo and breathe the authenticity of Apulia by visiting the welcoming venues of Ostuni.
Piazza della Libertà and Column of Saint Oronzo
If you’re planning to visit Ostuni, one of the must-see stops is undoubtedly the picturesque Piazza della Libertà, the true beating heart of the town. In this square you can admire the main landmarks including:
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi;
Church of the Holy Spirit;
Column of Saint Oronzo.
The first little church, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, was built in 1304 and later restored in the mid-eighteenth century. The marvellous façade, however, dates back to 1883 and was built by architect Gaetano Jurleo with the aim of adapting the original style of the structure to the adjacent town hall building.
The second structure to visit, the Church of the Holy Spirit, dates back to the early 1600s and has remained substantially unchanged despite major restoration works carried out in the last century. Featuring a wide portal rich in ornaments, the Church of the Holy Spirit is a true gem not to be missed.
The Column of Saint Oronzo, called by locals “La Guglia”, is the jewel of the square, erected in 1771 by sculptor Giuseppe Greco as a symbol of devotion to the city’s patron saint. Built using local limestone, it stands over 20 metres high and is decorated in Baroque style, with the statue of the Saint wearing episcopal garments at its pinnacle.
The best way to admire this landmark is to climb from the lower square up to Piazza della Libertà, passing through the central double staircase which, due to its characteristic beauty, has served as the backdrop for numerous advertisements.
Historic Centre Street
The Historic Centre Street, with its artisanal shops and typical venues where you can taste and buy local culinary delights, is located right beside Piazza della Libertà. Walking along the main street is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture of the white city. Once you reach the end of the street, you can admire the Arco Scoppa and the imposing Cathedral of Ostuni.
The latter, built atop the city during the 15th century, features the typical shapes of a late Gothic church. A noteworthy element is the marvellous rose window that surmounts the central ogival portal which, thanks to its 24 rays, represents one of the largest and most striking rose windows in the world.
After visiting the imposing Cathedral, you can descend the staircase that leads directly to the oldest and most characteristic corners of the city, until you reach the walls of Ostuni. From here you can enjoy a perfect view of the surrounding landscape, characterised by lush olive groves framed by the crystal-clear sea.
Museum of Preclassical Civilizations of the Murgia
For history enthusiasts, Ostuni offers several unmissable opportunities. One of these is certainly the Museum of Preclassical Civilizations of the Murgia, inaugurated in 1989 and home to priceless artefacts from the southern Murgia area dating back to the prehistoric and Messapian periods.
One of the most significant treasures preserved in the museum is the artefact known as “Delia”. These are the remains of a pregnant young woman dating back about 28,000 years. This precious skeleton was discovered in October 1991, a few kilometres from the centre of Ostuni, by palaeontologist Donato Coppola.
The woman was found with ornaments made of shells and animal teeth, surrounded by local fauna remains and stone tools used in the daily life of the people of that time. What makes this find unique is its contribution to the study of prenatal development in the Paleolithic era.
Indeed, along with the young woman, well-preserved fetal remains were also found, offering a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of such an ancient phase of human history.
Estimated time to visit Ostuni
Despite its wealth of history and attractions, Ostuni is a relatively small city, which makes it possible to visit in a single day.
The best way to enjoy the wonders of the “White City” is to take a pleasant walk in the late afternoon, thus avoiding the hottest hours of the day. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to explore the numerous monuments of the small Apulian town and enjoy an aperitif in the beautiful central square, tasting delicious local products.
If you have more time available, treat yourself to a stroll through the many villages of the Itria Valley, the area famous for its Trulli and rich in places worth visiting. Among these stand out Ceglie Messapica, Carovigno and Locorotondo, as well as the famous Alberobello.
For those fascinated by the beauty of natural landscapes, several beach clubs and free beaches are available near Ostuni, where you can spend a pleasant day on the coast either relaxing or practising outdoor activities with a sea view.
Moreover, about ten kilometres from the centre of Ostuni lies the Regional Natural Park Coastal Dunes from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo: a protected natural area where you can also take part in excursions, workshops and guided environmental education activities.
If you are planning a trip to Southern Italy, discovering what to see in Apulia is a fundamental step to fully enjoy this fascinating Italian region. Walking through the small streets, admiring the sea views framed by the typical white houses of Ostuni is undoubtedly an experience to have at least once in your life.
