Today we are at the back heel of the boots. . The port is at the eastern most edge of Italy….. It is so east that our mobile thought we were in Greece 😆
This is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Located in the sunny Salento region of Lecce, Puglia, Otranto is a stunning white stone town filled with breathtaking coastal views, turquoise waters, and layers of dramatic history.
1. Otranto Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata)
The historic heart of the town, originally built in the 11th century.
The highlight is the entire church floor is covered by a massive, breathtaking 12th-century mosaic of the Tree of Life, featuring biblical scenes, mythical beasts, and even Alexander the Great. It also houses the haunting Chapel of the Martyrs, which displays the bones of 813 locals executed by Ottoman invaders in 1480.
2. Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle)
A massive, fortified castle that forms the entry point to the historic center. It famously inspired Horace Walpole to write the world’s very first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto.
Its imposing circular towers, deep moats, and ramparts. Today, it hosts rotating modern art and photography exhibitions
3. The Historic Center (Borgo Antico)
A beautifully preserved, car-free labyrinth of whitewashed stone alleyways.
Narrow paths lined with vibrant flowers, local craft shops selling Salento ceramics, and tiny restaurants tucked away in stone courtyards. This town reminds us of Mykonos Greece… So post card beautiful every corner we turn
Church of San Pietro
A tiny, hidden Byzantine treasure tucked away in the upper parts of the old town.
Built in the 9th century, this square Byzantine-style church features a small dome and stunning, colorful medieval frescoes depicting religious scenes.
Beaches
