Ostuni, known as the, "White City," or, "Città Bianca," in Italian, is located in the heart of Apulia. Comparable to Greece’s Santorini, it features distinctive white buildings stacked on a hilltop overlooking the region and the coast a short distance away. While the town is wonderful in many ways and boasts lots of incredible attractions, its visual appeal and iconic architecture is one of the primary elements that attracts visitors from all around the world. Book one of our villas in Ostuni today and you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the city's striking architecture up close for yourself on your next getaway.
The town's impressive white buildings are truly stunning, especially when viewed from afar, but it isn’t just about visuals. The caustic limestone that was used in the construction of the Old Town and then whitewashed was considered an important health measure used during the Middle Ages to help combat plagues by, “reflecting,” the, “bad airs,” that people of the time believed caused the illness. While our understanding of disease has become more advanced, the whitewashing does actually have antibacterial properties and really is thought to have helped reduce illness in the city to a degree.
However, as well as this, the whitewashing had other practical purposes: it brightened the winding alleys and little Medieval streets, reflected the sun to help keep homes and buildings cooler, and as it became a well-known attribute that made the town famous, it has become important to local tourism. In fact, the bright white skyline of the city is now so important to the tourism of Ostuni that the government subsidises the annual repainting of buildings in the town with lime washes to ensure it stays bright and shiny.
Do not be mistaken, though – it is not just the striking colour that makes Ostuni’s architecture stand out. As you wander through the city's narrow streets and alleys on a holiday in Ostuni, you'll be able to admire the intricate details of Ostuni's architecture including charming wrought-iron balconies, intricately carved doorways, and beautiful arches. The use of decorative tiles and colourful ceramics is also common, adding pops of colour to the white stone buildings.
Of course, while wandering the town will introduce you to some pretty little surprises and lovely buildings wherever you turn, there are specific examples that stand out as remarkable architectural gems. One of the most stunning examples, has to be Ostuni’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century. It boasts a beautiful façade with intricate carvings and a stunning rose window and the interior is equally impressive, with soaring arches and expressive frescoes. Then there is the lovely Palazzo del Municipio, located in the complex of the former church and convent of San Francesco di Assisi. Home to the conventual friars from the 14th to the early 19th century, the buildings have housed the city hall since 1887. The current façade dates to the years 1861 to 1887, when the architect Ferdinando Avroldi made alterations to the appearance of the building in order to transform it into a neoclassical gem in line with the adjacent Church.
In addition to the lovely lanes, white-paved streets, historic buildings, and architectural gems of the Old Town, Ostuni is home to a variety of charming shops, restaurants, and cafés. From artisanal shops that are selling locally-made ceramics and pretty handmade jewellery to traditional restaurants serving up the most delicious seafood and pasta dishes with lashings of the incredible olive oil that is produced in the region, there is no shortage of things to see and do and eat in this gorgeous city. Plus, if you are on vacation in Ostuni and you have rented a car or want to head out on foot or by bike, many of the most beautiful beaches along the coastline of Apulia are very close by for perfect days by the sea enjoying crystal clear waters and magical surroundings.
Cooking classes and olive oil and wine tasting classes can also be enjoyed in various wineries and venues throughout Apulia and not far from Ostuni to fully round out a foodie experience of this part of the world. And on top of all this, there are other wonderful towns with their own unique characteristics that can readily be visited on day-trips throughout your vacation in Ostuni including the UNESCO-awarded Alberobello with its traditional trulli (a type of conical-roofed stone house unique to the area), Lecce’s rich Baroque architectural heritage, the stunning seaside resort of Polignano a Mare, and Matera with its ancient cave dwellings and wonderfully rich chocolate.
So, if you are an architecture enthusiast or you merely love a picturesque backdrop or setting for your vacations, you will find lots to recommend Ostuni as a destination. However, in addition to its fascinating buildings and general visual appeal, Ostuni also really has something to offer for everyone from history buffs to foodies to beach lovers. Our villas in Ostuni offer the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and style, and are the ideal base from which to explore the town's rich architectural and cultural heritage. From these remarkable properties, you can enjoy stunning views of the town and/or of the lovely surrounding countryside, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this beautiful and historic town. Why not book a villa with Italy Villas today and discover the magic and truly remarkable looks of Ostuni for yourself on your next vacation?