Visiting Ostuni, the White City of Apulia
Whitewashed houses and a maze of steep alleys give Ostuni a singular character. Built across three hills, the town looks down over an olive grove plain that rolls all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Walking through its narrow streets reveals an authentic Mediterranean feel far from heavy tourist crowds.
A Striking Historic Center
The old center of Ostuni, known as la città bianca, invites you to wander through a true maze of immaculate homes. The Santa Maria Assunta church, with its Gothic facade, serves as an unmissable landmark. Around the main square, Piazza della Libertà, cafes and small shops animate the area.
The walk also yields quiet discoveries like steep staircases, carved stone doorways, and flower-lined balconies.
Views Over Countryside and Sea
From the heights of Ostuni, viewpoints open up to striking vistas of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Via Cattedrale leads to wide-open viewing spots, especially at sunset. A few miles away, the white sand beaches and clear waters of the Adriatic coast round out the trip nicely.
Cultural Heritage
Beyond its architecture, Ostuni holds the Museum of Pre-Classical Civilisations of Southern Apulia, where you can view the famous skeleton of the Lady of Ostuni. Every summer, the town comes alive with the festival of La Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo, a parade of richly caparisoned horses honoring the city's patron saint.
Slow Living
Life in Ostuni moves at an unhurried pace. The narrow, shaded lanes hide small art galleries, intimate restaurants, and hidden courtyards. After dark, the town lights up softly, creating a calm atmosphere made for evening walks or dinner on a terrace.
Mediterranean Flavors
Ostuni appeals strongly to food lovers. You will find orecchiette with cime di rapa, friselle with tomatoes and olive oil, and aged caciocavallo cheese. For wine, be sure to try the robust reds produced in the Brindisi area, which pair naturally with local dishes.
Where to eat?
- Osteria del Tempo Perso (Historic center): cave setting and fine takes on traditional recipes.
- Cielo Restaurant (Downtown): upscale dining inside a converted former convent.
- Trattoria Fave e Fogghje (Old town): small family-run spot focused on Apulian classics.
Where to stay?
- Masseria Salinola (Countryside): renovated fortified farmhouse with a pool and Mediterranean garden.
- La Sommita Relais & Chateaux (Historic center): polished boutique hotel housed in an old palazzo.
- Relais Sant Eligio (Downtown): sweeping hill views right near the center.
When to go?
Spring and early fall bring mild temperatures ideal for walking around Ostuni. August brings peak energy during the Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo celebrations.
How to get there?
From Brindisi, located 22 miles away, Ostuni is easy to reach by train or car. Plan for about a 30-minute drive or a 40-minute train ride with tickets around $5.70*.
How to get around?
The historic center is entirely pedestrian, so exploring on foot is the only way to take in the white alleys properly.
Ostuni is nicknamed the white city and you quickly understand why. The center is home to many houses with whitewashed facades. The result is really stunning and very bright. I recommend spending the day in this little village. Just a heads up, it gets really crowded during high season.