What you'll hear
A walking tour of the historic centre of Ostuni, the “White Town” of Apulia. Nine stops: the main square with the stone spire of Saint Orontius, the Porta Nova gate and the Aragonese walls, the climb through the white lanes, the late Gothic cathedral with its twenty-four-ray rose window, the Arco Scoppa, a museum with a burial around twenty-eight thousand years old, and a viewpoint over the olive plain. The route ends with a free walk through the old quarter, accompanied by four town legends. About an hour and a half not counting the free part, around two kilometres, with a noticeable climb and stairs — comfortable shoes are a must. On the way between stops you will hear seven chapters on the town’s history.
On the way
Piazza della Libertà and the Column of Sant’Oronzo
We are on Piazza della Libertà, the main square of Ostuni, at the foot of the white old town; the landmark is a tall stone spire with a statue of Saint Orontius. Next we walk along the square to the right, to the Church of Saint Francis and the town hall: it is less than a minute on foot. Look…
Church of San Francesco d’Assisi and Palazzo Municipale
The Church of San Francesco and the adjoining Palazzo Municipale form the north side of the square: they stand in a single line and from a distance look like one building. From here we go around the old town on its western side and climb up to the Porta Nova gate — about five minutes uphill. In front of us…
Porta Nova and the Aragonese walls
We are at the western gate of the old town: to the left runs a well-preserved stretch of the Aragonese walls, to the right begins the climb into the white quarter. We go through the gate and keep to the main ascent — it will lead us out onto Via Cattedrale. We are at one of the two town gates…
Via Cattedrale — the climb through the white lanes
Via Cattedrale is the main ascent of the old town: narrow, stepped, with arches overhead and craftsmen’s shops on either side. We walk up it without turning off, all the way to the top of the hill where the cathedral stands: about seven minutes at a leisurely pace. Now we are in the lanes that people come here for. The…
Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
We are at the top of the hill, on the narrow cathedral square; the façade is best viewed from the opposite side of it. The next stop is just a couple of steps away — all you need to do is turn around and look up at the arch spanning the street next to the cathedral. We have climbed to…
Arco Scoppa and the Bishop’s Palace
The Arco Scoppa links the Bishop’s Palace with the seminary directly opposite the cathedral; stand beneath it to catch the best shot. Now we go back down Via Cattedrale, and very soon, on the right, the Church of San Vito with its colourful dome will come into view. Let’s turn around: across the lane between two palaces stretches a light…
Church of San Vito Martire and the Museum of Pre-Classical Civilisations
The Church of Saint Vitus the Martyr and its former convent stand right on Via Cattedrale; the museum entrance is from the street. Once we have seen Delia, we continue down towards the square and come out onto Via Roma, at the viewing terrace. We make our way down Via Cattedrale and stop at the Church of Saint Vitus the…
Belvedere on Via Roma / Largo Lanza
The terrace by Largo Lanza opens onto a view of the olive plain and the sea; the best spot is right at the parapet, to the left of the trees. From here it is not far to the finish: we go down Via Roma, and on the left the little Church of the Holy Spirit will appear. We come out…
Church of Spirito Santo and its portal
The Church of the Holy Spirit stands on Via Roma, a few steps from the square where we began; the main thing here is the carved portal to the left of the entrance to the forecourt. This is where our route ends. We have come full circle and are standing by the little Church of the Holy Spirit. The church…
Free walk through the White Town
Our route ends here, and the most pleasant part begins — simply walking without a plan. Turn into any lane you like: it is impossible to get lost in Ostuni, since every road here either leads up to the cathedral or down to the square. And while you wander, I will tell you four legends of this town — they…