Best of Ostuni

Ostuni's White City Essentials

Ostuni's historic center, perched across three hills, is defined by its labyrinthine layout and iconic lime-washed stone houses. This collection highlights the city's architectural evolution, from the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral with its rare 24-ray rose window to the 18th-century Baroque Guglia di Sant'Oronzo. Beyond the medieval 'Terra' district, the list explores the Adriatic coastline, featuring the 14th-century Villanova Castle and the protected sandy dunes of the regional coastal park.

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

Guglia di Sant'Oronzo

This 20-meter Baroque limestone obelisk was erected in 1771 by Giuseppe Greco. It features a statue of the city's patron saint at the summit, commemorating his protection during the 1740 plague.

Chiesa Concattedrale Santa Maria Assunta

A 15th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral featuring a unique trilobed facade and one of the largest rose windows in Europe, depicting Christ surrounded by 24 rays representing the hours of the day.

view onto Ostuni

Located along the ring road, this vantage point offers panoramic views of the 'White City' skyline against the backdrop of ancient olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

Scavi Archeologici

Archaeological excavations near the historic center revealing remains of ancient defensive walls and settlement layers dating back to the Messapic and Roman periods.

Complesso della Chiesa e del convento di San Francesco di Assisi

Originally founded in 1304, the current structure features an 18th-century facade and a marble altar. The adjacent former convent now serves as the municipal palace.

Chiesa Maria Santissima Annunziata

Built in 1499 and later remodeled in the Baroque style, this church is known for its 18th-century painting by Paolo De Maio depicting the Annunciation.

Chiesa Santa Maria della Stella

A small church located on the edge of the historic walls, characterized by its simple white facade and historic significance to local maritime devotion.

Chiesa San Cosimo o San Giacomo di Compostela

One of the oldest churches in Ostuni, dating to the 15th century. It preserves a late-Gothic portal and was historically linked to pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela.

Chiesa del Purgatorio

Also known as San Leonardo, this 18th-century church features a Baroque portal and an interior decorated with Neapolitan school paintings.

Chiesa San Vito Martire o delle Monacelle e Monastero Carmelitano S. Maria Maddalena dei pazzi

This Rococo-style church houses the Museum of Preclassic Civilizations. It is famous for the 'Woman of Ostuni,' the 28,000-year-old skeletal remains of a Paleolithic woman.

Complesso del Monastero delle Benedettine [Chiesa conventuale San Pietro]

A religious complex featuring the Church of San Pietro, characterized by traditional white stone architecture and its historical role as a cloistered monastery.