Otranto old town in Lecce district, has so much character, history and beauty within it, that words do not really do it justice. And this is why I have decided to show you Otranto’s old town in a photo guide with some limited explanations.
Sit back and dive into this beautiful part of Otranto. I hope you like it!!
Where is Otranto in Italy?
Otranto is a coastal town in southern Italy’s Apulia region in the province of Lecce. It has a nice holiday feel to it and one can easily stay for a few days or just make a day visit.
Before entering the walls of the old town enjoy the piazza in front with its white stone and historical monument of Agli Eroi overlooking it.
A shaded mini park with a children’s playground makes a perfect stop for your little ones before they enter into history.
The focus of the town is Otranto’s old section.
Featuring the 11th-century Otranto Cathedral, with a rose window and ornate mosaic flooring and the 15th-century Aragonese Castle.
A bit of history about the Castle
The south of Italy was the object of a Turkish attack in 1480 and the castle needed to be rebuilt after the liberation. Today we observe a configuration which is the result of constant modifications that affected the fortress throughout the 16th-century. It needed to be adapted to the refinement of the firearms. Bordered on all sides by a deep moat and surmounted by a bridge to enter.
The basement has an intricate tunnel system which was originally the castles defense system, now fully restored and can be visited.
What to expect in Otranto’s old town
The centre of Otranto’s old town is still enclosed within its defensive walls, which gives a real sense of history.
Take your time and discover the tiny alleyways, let yourself carry away back to the 15thcentury.
At each corner the white city stone walls are telling you a story.
Tucked away local restaurants invite you to taste their local delicacies and sip a glass of their red grape juice (smile)
You will find one of the busier streets within the city walls provides you with souvenir shops, artisanal delicatessens and fashion shops.
Don’t be shy and enter some of the churches you will pass.
The 11th-century Otranto Cathedral is a must. When we visited the mass was on so it was not possible to make a photo of the amazing mosaic stone floor. (No photos as the mass was in progress)
You must take a seat and listen to the voice of the priests, even if you do not speak Italian. I always find the sound of their voices mixed with the echo from the church walls magical.
Your main focus point whilst within Otranto’s old town will be the Aragonese Castle.
Pay the 10-euro entry fee, you won’t regret it! And this is why!
Welcome to the Argonese Castle in Otranto – Lecce
Enjoy a bit of history and some great views from the top over to the port.
The building is the most important cultural structure of the city and hosts a permanent exhibition “Places of Prehistory”. Very informative.
Still an original cannon and some stone balls for a larger cannon are present. Apparently this larger cannon they used to defend themselves from the Turkish, is now in the UK Navy museum.
There are so many passage ways, hidden rooms and alleys throughout the castle. So have an eye on your little adventurers to ensure you do not lose them!
We were asking ourselves about the round bumps on the ramp up to the Castles’ top. Easier to climb for the animals they have taken up to the roof for shelter during the attacks? Horses – Oxes pulling wagons loaded with heavy ammunition could keep their momentum? Who knows? Do you know?
Let us know and send a comment.
In one of the upper rooms they showing a video about dry stone walls. The video was ok, but it was a nice room to escape the heat and rest for a while.
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And if this was not enough to inspire you to ravel Italy, then maybe these most beautiful cities in Italy will.
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your trip to Otranto’s Old Town
If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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1 thought on “26 Amazing Photos through Otranto’s Old Town”
Looks like an incredible place to visit!