Visit Otranto, pearl of Salento
City symbol of the Salento area, Otranto is a destination for exceptional cultural and naturalistic riches. Magnificent to visit at any time of the year.
In high demand in summer, when the promotions of holidays in Puglia are literally snapped up, the city is also popular at other times of the year.
This is because Otranto is able to associate a vast artistic heritage and an always rich calendar of events with the beaches and the crystal clear sea.
Otranto: what to see and do during a holiday.
Considered as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Puglia, Otranto certainly deserves its fame.
Its history begins many millennia ago and its long and troubled past, the city has managed to keep many testimonies of inestimable value.
One of the probably best known and admired examples is the magnificent Otranto Castle.
Its construction dates back to 1485 at the behest of Alfonso of Aragon, who wanted to erect a monument symbol of his power in the city.
Over the centuries, the castle has undergone a series of changes until it assumed its current appearance under the dominion of the Spaniards.
If the Castle is probably one of the best known monuments of Otranto, it is not the only one that stands out for its beauty and value.
Impossible not to mention the beautiful square that houses the Castle, which presents itself to visitors as a very suggestive space. Here alleys and streets intersect leading tourists to the heart of the historic center of the city.
Along the way, it will be difficult not to stop to admire the beautiful Church of the Madonna dell’Altomare or the equally fascinating and evocative Church of Santa Maria dei Martiri (photo alongside) or the Cathedral of Otranto.
The latter is probably the most important religious building in the city.
Its construction dates back to 1088 and captures the attention of visitors at first glance thanks to its harmonious mix of different styles that allows you to continuously combine different artistic genres such as Romanesque and Gothic.
The interiors are also magnificent, with real artistic masterpieces of inestimable value but also very interesting historical “traces” in terms of memory.
If the historical center of the city will conquer you with its artistic richness, the coastal area will be the same. Here the blue sea and transparent seabed marries long and sandy Apulian beaches.
The whole coast is dotted with ancient towers, once lookouts placed to secure the city.
With so much walking, you will soon have a great appetite. What better time to taste the excellent local cuisine?
The gastronomy of Otranto is at least as old as its history.
The typical dishes of this city mix the passion for genuine things, the desire to serve simple dishes and in which the local products dominate. Among the typical dishes of the area we suggest you to taste the taiedda, or a first course based on rice, potatoes and black mussels, or the fish soup, really exceptional, or even the spelled soup enriched with seafood, scorpion fish and tagliolini of durum wheat semolina.
Among the latter do not miss the stuffed meatloaf, the pittule, the fried meatballs and of course the fish that is cooked here in many different versions.
As said, Otranto is also a very vital city full of very characteristic events and parties.
Among the most famous are the Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Otranto, which is held on 31 July, the Feast of San Francesco da Paola, which takes place on the first Sunday of May.
We also remember the Feast of Our Lady of the Altomare, celebrated on the first Sunday of September.