The old town of Otranto

You are enchanted by the old town centre protected behind its mighty walls, by the cobbled streets, the arches and the hidden courtyards, the stairways, and the flowery alleys.

Otranto, the easternmost city of Italy, offers panoramic views, including the inlet of the old town, which is visible from the harbour, and the horizon from the top of the terrace of the  Castello Aragonese, which today serves as an important cultural centre. In the old town stand majestically the beautiful Basilica di San Pietro of Byzantine origin and the Romanesque Cattedrale dell’Annunziata with the 15th century rose window, the valuable 12th century mosaic floor produced by the monk Pantaleone and the Cappella dei Martiri with the remains of the 813 martyrs murdered by the Turks in 1480.

By heading north, you can reach in 10 minutes the Alimini beaches, greatly appreciated by surfers; on the other hand, the south coast is wild and unspoiled up to Porto Badisco, a deep natural inlet, surrounded by prickly pears and myrtles.