Ostuni historic center

Ostuni, also known as “the White City”, is one of the most precious gems of Puglia, a place that attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its beauty, its charm and its thousand-year history, evidenced by the many white lime buildings and baroque architecture present in the village.

In this article we will help you organize a visit to the historic center of Ostuni and we will tell you about the main monuments not to be missed for those visiting Ostuni for the first time.

What to see in the historic center of Ostuni

Located in the province of Brindisi, Ostuni is famous for its enchanting historic center, which develops on a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the Itria Valley.

Walking through its streets is an experience that gives unique emotions, with the sensation of entering a place out of time, where every corner tells a story.

• The Cathedral of Ostuni

A historical and cultural landmark when entering the “old” part of Ostuni is certainly the fascinating Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque-Gothic style church dating back to the 15th century. The white façade features a Gothic portal enriched with elegant decorations and a large round window, while inside the Cathedral is a riot of frescoes and works of art. The beautiful rose window in limestone, symbol of the city, is another element that cannot go unnoticed.

• Piazza della Libertà and the Palazzo Comunale

Continuing the walk, you find yourself in Piazza della Libertà, the main square of Ostuni, a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the historic center and observe the daily life of the inhabitants. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, an elegant Baroque-style building that stands out for its façade rich in architectural details and the large clock that overlooks the square.

• Churches and historical monuments

In addition to the Cathedral, Ostuni boasts numerous other historical churches and religious monuments, such as the Church of San Vito Martire, which is located in a picturesque little square in the heart of the historic center. This church, of medieval origin, is characterized by a beautiful portal and a simple but evocative interior. The Church of the Santissime Stimmate of San Francesco is also worth a visit, with its splendid cloister and its intimate charm. Every corner of the city offers evidence of its rich religious and cultural history.

• The Diocesan Museum

Another unmissable stop during your visit to the historic center of Ostuni is the Diocesan Museum, located near the Cathedral. This museum houses a rich collection of sacred art, with works ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The museum is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the culture and art of the region, offering an overview of the spirituality and artistic traditions of Puglia thanks to a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and silver.

• The walls and the historic “gates”

Ostuni is also famous for its medieval walls, which once surrounded the city to protect it from invasions. Although many of these walls have been torn down, they are still visible in some parts of the historic center, along with the ancient entrance gates. Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio are two of the most important gates and represent the main entrance to the old city. These limestone structures are evidence of a distant past and offer a suggestive view of the military and defensive history of Ostuni.

• The streets and alleys

One of the most fascinating experiences to live in the historic center of Ostuni is to get lost in its narrow cobbled streets and alleys, which climb the hill until they reach the highest point of the city. Every corner of the historic center hides a surprising detail: a decorated wooden door, a small square with a fountain, a church hidden behind a corner. These alleys, once home to farmers and artisans, now host local artisans’ shops, typical restaurants and cafes, where you can taste the local gastronomy and buy unique handmade souvenirs. The narrow streets and whitewashed houses create an enchanting contrast with the blue sky and the sea in the distance, making the historic center of Ostuni one of the most photogenic places in Puglia.

• The Belvedere

Finish your visit in the historic center of Ostuni by arriving at the highest part of the city and also one of the most suggestive panoramic points of Ostuni: the belvedere. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Itria Valley and the Adriatic Sea as well as Ostuni itself with its particular white houses. The belvedere is the ideal place for a break, where you can take some photographs and simply enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the panorama.