Discover Cisternino: one of the Most Beautiful Villages in the Itria Valley

by letygoeson22, Aug, 2024Apulia, Italy

Cisternino in Apulia, a charming village above the trulli of the Itria Valley, has been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club and is part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” association. A white canvas dotted with a thousand vibrant colors. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by this mesmerizing place, which also captivates visitors with its cuisine!

Like Ostuni and Locorotondo, Cisternino in Apulia is undoubtedly a stunning white village, but I can assure you that this place has that special ‘je ne sais quoi’ that won me over… surprisingly!

If I had to describe it with an image, I would call it a white canvas sprinkled with a thousand colors: flowers on balconies and windowsills in shades of violet, ever-present pots filled with lush plants, swaying swings, lace doilies hanging above our heads, and rainbow umbrellas creating fantastic shade in the alleys—Cisternino truly is a joyful palette that is impossible to resist!

The photos speak for themselves!

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Cisternino in Apulia: The Origins

The name “Cisternino” comes from the toponym “Cis-Sturnium,” meaning “beyond Sturni” (present-day Ostuni). This fascinating village is rich in history and architectural beauty, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic experience in Apulia.

Cisternino’s origins date back to the Paleolithic era. The village saw various settlements, initially Greek and later Roman. It experienced a period of decline after being sacked by the Goths but flourished again in the Middle Ages thanks to the Basilian monks who arrived in the Itria Valley in the 10th century.

During the Middle Ages, the village was ruled by the Normans, Swabians, and Angevins. In modern times, it came under the control of the Republic of Venice from 1495 to 1528, before being governed by the Bourbons.

Urban Planning and Architecture of Cisternino

Cisternino in Apulia is a maze of alleys and white houses that arose spontaneously without an actual urban plan, making it a magical labyrinth of picturesque views. This spontaneous and irregular character is one of the most fascinating aspects of the village.

Once protected by a medieval wall, only four towers remain today. One of these towers is located in front of the Romanesque Church of San Nicola, at the village entrance, decorated with suspended doilies. The village was accessible through two gates: Porta Grande, next to the Swabian-Norman tower, and Porta Piccola, both now disappeared. The main road led to the historic center, now Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, where the Clock Tower, built in 1850, stands. Surrounding the square are the four historic districts.

Getting Around the Villages of Apulia

The best way to travel around Apulia is by renting a car, which allows you to explore the region freely without schedule constraints. Reaching Cisternino by car is very simple, and there are many parking areas near the historic center.

During our visit in July, we had no difficulty finding parking, but as always, leaving with extra time is the best strategy. Cars can be easily rented at Bari or Brindisi airports, the two main gateways to Apulia.

If you’re looking for the best rental car rates, I recommend booking through Discover Cars, a reliable platform that compares offers from various rental companies, ensuring highly competitive prices and transparent conditions. You can check available deals and book easily online here.

The Historic Districts of Cisternino

Bére Vecchie: The oldest and largest district, home to historic buildings such as Palazzo Amati and the Bishop’s Palace.
Le Scheledd or Li Siggnuredde: Named after the steps and two wealthy ladies who lived there; it includes the 17th-century Church of Santa Lucia.
L’Isule: A small district featuring a medieval tower and the Governor’s Palace.
U’ Pantène: Developed around the Church of San Nicola di Patàra and the oldest church, Monte Purgatorio.
U bùrie: Established outside the medieval walls in the 16th century, it hosts noble families’ residences

The Magical Initiatives of Cisternino

Cisternino in Apulia, with its timeless charm and picturesque streets, is the stage for two extraordinary initiatives that further enhance its unique atmosphere.

The first initiative is “Il Borgo che Dondola” (The Swinging Village). While strolling through town, you’ll come across a series of suspended swings. These installations, strategically placed around the village, evoke the lightheartedness and joy of childhood games. Each swing carries playful and evocative phrases written by local merchants. More than just decorations, these swings invite visitors to pause, sit, and be gently rocked, rediscovering the pleasure of simple joys.

The second unmissable initiative is the “Bridge of Wishes,” a creation by artist and designer Bernardo Palazzo. On the Madonnina Bridge, 33 handcrafted lace doilies are suspended, spinning delicately with the slightest breeze or the touch of passing hands. These intricate lace pieces, crafted by skilled women, symbolize prayers and mantras, woven with cotton threads that tell stories of tradition and spirituality.

The continuous movement of the doilies represents the constant flow of life, where nothing remains static and everything is filled with vibrant energy. This moment of reflection and contemplation offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with art and nature in a profoundly meaningful way.

Typical Dishes of Cisternino

Cisternino in Apulia is known not only for its beauty but also for its rich culinary tradition, especially its meat dishes. The famous Bombette di Cisternino and the butcher shops with “fornello” (grill) offer high-quality meat, cooked on-site and served at outdoor tables, making gastronomy an integral part of the local heritage.

These butcher shops are not just places to buy premium cuts of meat; they also have a grill where they prepare traditional dishes for you to enjoy at charming outdoor seating areas.

But what can you eat at these butcher shops? Everything! From the famous Bombette (rolled meat stuffed with cheese and herbs) to Gnummareddi (lamb offal rolls), aromatic sausages (known as “zampina”), ribeye steaks, and veal chops.

Where to Eat in Cisternino

Besides the renowned butcher shops with grills, the local restaurants are also exceptional and worth mentioning. Since meat is the local specialty, we wanted to try one of its signature dishes for a quick lunch: Ragù Cisterninese, a rich and flavorful sauce that encapsulates the warmth and generosity of the local cuisine.

In particular, I highly recommend Ristorante La Pignata, in Via Soleti 1, a recently opened tavern with a beautiful ambiance and excellent food quality! La Pignata is run with passion, professionalism, and a touch of humor by its owner, who often manages to bring a smile to customers’ faces with his witty jokes. A stop here guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience filled with the authentic flavors and hospitality of Apulia.

Cisternino in Apulia is a perfect stop during a road trip in Itria Valley. Beyond its rich history and architecture, it offers numerous opportunities for excursions, culinary experiences, and moments of relaxation immersed in the beauty of southern Italy.

Highly recommended! I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too!