Ostuni, the “Apulian White City,” enchants visitors with its whitewashed houses, picturesque alleys, and breathtaking views of the nearby Adriatic Sea. Nestled between the Itria Valley and Upper Salento, this must-visit town blends history, tradition, and Mediterranean beauty, offering an experience straight out of an illustrated book.

Ostuni, known as the “White City,” is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Apulia. It is a perfect and unmissable stop on your Apulian itinerary. Located in the province of Brindisi, this destination will captivate you from the very first moment!

Its unmistakable, immaculate color makes it stand out from afar. The whiteness of its streets leads you through ancient olive groves, and up the hill where it perches, dazzling you with its brightness.

Ostuni is a small town, and you can easily explore it in a day. During my visit, I explored it with curious eyes, eager to discover why everyone had fallen in love with the Apulian White City! In this article, I will reveal the splendid Ostuni—what to see in a day, where to eat, and what to taste. In short… everything you simply cannot miss.

The Apulian White City

This enchanting fortified town on the hills hides a small secret behind its white walls. In the 17th century, a terrible plague struck the town, claiming many victims.

To disinfect the entire community, the inhabitants decided to paint all the houses white, mixing limestone powder with water. With great astonishment, they noticed that this practice helped reduce cases of disease day by day… They believed it was a miracle from their patron saint, Saint Oronzo, who had saved them, and from that moment on, they continued to paint the houses white every year as a precaution against the plague.

Today, this practice has become a deeply rooted tradition and one of Ostuni’s most distinctive tourist attractions.

Piazza della Libertà 

Piazza della Libertà is the main square of Ostuni. At its center stands the statue of Saint Oronzo, who saved the city from the plague in the 17th century. This statue was erected in his honor, hoping he would continue to protect the town from future epidemics.

The square is the heart of city life and a great starting point for exploring the white city, as many of the main streets converge here. It is considered Ostuni’s “living room,” vibrant and animated with restaurants, bars, tourists, and locals enjoying their time there.

The Walls and Historic Center

Ostuni is surrounded by medieval defensive walls, expanded and modified over the centuries to protect the old town from external threats. Originally, the walls had four entrances, but today only two remain. The most imposing and best-preserved sections can be seen from Porta Nuova to Palazzo Scalona.

In the past, residents would throw stones and boiling oil from the top of the walls at any approaching invader. To truly appreciate these ancient fortifications, I recommend taking a walk along Via Oronzo Quaranta; along this route, you can admire the whitewashed walls on one side and enjoy a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea and the olive groves on the other.

Exploring the Apulian White City means getting lost in its labyrinth of alleys, staircases, arches, balconies, and streets that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Starting from Piazza della Libertà, I wandered without a precise destination, and it was wonderful to lose myself in the historic center.

The center is easy to explore on foot, with no major architectural barriers—just a few gentle slopes and descents. So, take a walk and enjoy this spectacular village!

The Cathedral of Ostuni

Located at the highest point of the town, the Cathedral is one of the main attractions. Dating back to the 15th century, it is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Gothic style, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Also known as the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, it features a Gothic facade adorned with a massive rose window, one of the largest of its kind. Three elegant portals allow access to the interior, divided into three naves and enriched with splendid Baroque chapels and a painted ceiling.

Nearby, you’ll find the Diocesan Museum, housed in the Episcopal Palace. This museum boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage, an archaeological collection, and numerous valuable works of art. Among the must-see pieces is the wax Anatomical Christ, considered a rare and theologically significant masterpiece of Christian art. The museum entrance ticket costs €4.00 and also includes access to the Bishop’s Garden, while entrance to the cathedral is free.

The Blue and Green Door of Ostuni

Among the many picturesque corners that capture attention, one of the most iconic is a charming blue and green door, set against the whitewashed walls of the historic center. This door, with its vivid colors that contrast beautifully with the pristine white plaster, has become an unmissable stop for visitors seeking the perfect snapshot.

Finding it is simple: just follow the narrow alleys leading to Bianc’Ostuni restaurant, one of the city’s most renowned dining spots. This blue and green door is not just an architectural detail but an open window into the authentic beauty of the Itria Valley, capturing its magic in a single shot.

Strolling around, you will discover countless other hidden wonders: panoramic terraces with breathtaking views of the sea and countryside, cozy cafes where you can sip a drink while admiring the scenery, and artisan shops where time seems to have stood still.

The Gateway to an Unforgettable Journey

Ostuni is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey through Apulia and along the Adriatic coast. Just a few kilometers away, you’ll find the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, the elegance of Cisternino, the surprising Locorotondo, and the spectacular cliffs of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

A tour that will undoubtedly leave an indelible memory, with its breathtaking landscapes painted in white and incredible beauty.

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 the Apulian White city 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.

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