Ostuni Old Town
Puglia
Ostuni Old Town, famously called 'La Città Bianca' or 'The White Town', is a striking hilltop citadel in the Apulia region of Italy. Its iconic whitewashed architecture, including walls, doors, windows, and staircases, creates a unique and photogenic atmosphere. The town's origins trace back to the ancient Messapii civilization, with a rich history shaped by Roman rebuilding and Norman medieval fortifications. The Old Town is still surrounded by ancient walls with remnants of a Norman castle and four gates. Key landmarks include the Ostuni Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, alongside aristocratic palazzi such as Aurisicchio and Tanzarella. The town's elevated position at 218 meters offers panoramic views over the olive groves and the Adriatic coast nearby. Ostuni's cultural heritage is complemented by its agricultural traditions, especially olive oil and wine production. Its charming narrow streets, white buildings, and historical monuments make it a unique destination blending history, architecture, and Mediterranean charm.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Ostuni Old Town is during spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds are smaller. Visitors are advised to explore the narrow streets on foot to fully appreciate the whitewashed architecture and panoramic views. Booking accommodations and guided tours in advance is recommended during peak summer months. Discounts may be available for group tours or cultural events. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the hilly terrain and cobblestone streets.
Faits intéressants
- •Ostuni is known as 'La Città Bianca' (The White Town) due to its distinctive whitewashed buildings.
- •The town's origins date back to the ancient Messapii civilization before Roman times.
- •Remnants of a Norman castle and medieval walls still fortify the Old Town.
- •Defensive towers built in the 16th century along the coast were used to signal attacks using fiery beacons.
- •Ostuni's population swells from around 30,000 in winter to about 200,000 in summer due to tourism.
- •A notable archaeological find is the 'Woman of Ostuni', a Paleolithic burial discovered nearby dating back approximately 28,000 years.
Histoire
The area around Ostuni has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with archaeological finds dating back to the Paleolithic era.
The town was originally founded by the Messapii, an ancient pre-classic tribe, and later rebuilt by the Romans after being destroyed during the Punic Wars.
In the medieval period, the Normans established Ostuni as a fortified hilltop town with a castle and defensive walls.
From the 14th to 15th centuries, it was part of the Principality of Taranto and later flourished under the rule of Isabella, Duchess of Bari, during the Renaissance.
Defensive towers were built along the coast in the 16th century to protect against Ottoman attacks.
These historical layers contribute to Ostuni's rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Guide du lieu
Ostuni Cathedral15th century
A prominent religious monument in the Old Town, the cathedral showcases Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles and serves as a central landmark.
Bishop's Palace16th century
Historic residence of the bishops of Ostuni, located near the cathedral, reflecting Renaissance architectural influences.
Medieval Walls and Gates11th century
Ancient fortifications built by the Normans that still surround the Old Town, including four original gates and remains of a castle.
Aristocratic Palazzi15th-16th centuries
Several historic palaces belonging to noble families such as Aurisicchio, Ayroldi, and Tanzarella, showcasing local architectural styles.
