Things to do in Ostuni | Top 7 must see highlights
Things to do in Martina Franca | Top 7 must see highlights
What to do in Ostuni? The town also known as “La città bianca” is the jewel of the region. The best things to do in Ostuni, include visiting the Cathedral of Ostuni, Arco Scoppa, the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and many other highlights.
Would you like to know what you need to see and do in Ostuni? Then read on quickly for our tips of this beautiful city!
Things to do in Ostuni
Ostuni is a beautiful town, whose old historic center is located on a little mountain. This offers an amazing view from almost any angle in Ostuni.
In the old center you will find cozy streets, colorful flower pots, cozy squares and wonderful sights. Ostuni is full of tourist attractions and fun things to do.
It feels like every street is a big circle and the higher you go, the smaller the circle becomes, until you reach the top wher you will find the cathedral. In between, you encounter the little squares and churches.
What to do in Ostuni?
Are you curious about what to do in Ostuni? We have compiled a list of the main attractions in Ostuni that you have to see!
Ostuni cathedral
Ostuni’s cathedral is truly magnificent and is also called Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta in Italian. The cathedral was built in 1.229 on the remains of an ancient orthodox church from the 5th century.
This landmark in Ostuni is recognizable for its Gothic style, but stands out above all because the cathedral is one of the few buildings in Ostuni that is not white.
The cathedral is known for the large rose window in its facade. Inside the cathedral you will find glittering mosaic floors and a ceiling full of Biblical paintings. Definitely one of the things you have to see in Ostuni!
Want to score a nice breakfast in Ostuni? You can do so near the cathedral at Quarta Caffe.
Olive oil tasting Ostuni
One of the best things to do in Ostuni is an olive oil tasting! Visit an old farm and walk across a valley of olive trees. Later on you can try the delicious olive oil made by the owner of the farm.
Piazza della Libertà Ostuni
This is the largest and most important square in Ostuni. Along Piazza della Libertà you will find plenty of nice restaurants and terraces where you can have a nice bite to eat and drink. In the evening, the square really comes alive.
On Piazza della Libertà you will also find the City Hall, Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the Obelisk of Sant’Oronzo. This is a 20-meter-high statue of the patron saint of Ostuni, also called the Colonna di Sant’Oronzo.
The Obelisk of Sant’Oronzo dates back to 1771 to thank the patron saint of Ostuni for protecting the inhabitants from the plague.
Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi
This beautiful church can be found on Piazza della Libertà. The church was built in the Gothic style in 1304, but was completely renovated in 1615. One of the things to do in Ostuni, is visiting this beautiful cathedral.
The baroque facade of the Chiesa di San Francesco is beautifully decorated and a delight to behold. The facade dates back to 1883, when the church was renovated again.
Inside the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi you will find the Museo della Civilta since 1989. Be sure to walk inside, as the church is free to visit.
Villa Comunale Sandro Pertini
Villa Comunale Sandro Pertini is one of the few green spaces in Ostuni. The park is well maintained and the place in Ostuni to unwind.
It is not a wonderful park where you will find botanical flowers, but it is a lovely city park where you can read a book or take a walk.
Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe - Belvedere di Ostuni
Would you like a beautiful view of Ostuni? Then you have to go to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. In this street you will find Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe. A beautiful viewpoint, from where you can overlook the old part.
We recommend that you wait for the sun to set and enjoy the beautiful sunset with the old center of Ostuni in the background.
The sunset gives the whitewashed houses a beautiful golden glow. If there is only one thing you should really do in Ostuni, you should visit Belvedere di Ostuni!
City wall Ostuni
In the old center of Ostuni you can still find the remains of the old city wall. The city wall was built in the 15th century (Aragonese time) and surrounded all of the old center of Ostuni.
The city wall served as a defensive wall to protect the city. Today, unfortunately, only a small part of the wall remains. Of the original 4 city gates, only 2 are left. The Porta Nova and the Porta San Demetrio.
Visit the city wall and enjoy a beautiful view of the many olive trees. On clear days you can even see the sea!
Arco Scoppa
Still wondering wat to see in Ostuni? Vitit Arco Scoppa! You will find this landmark directly in front of the Ostuni Cathedral. The beautiful arch connects the Palazzo Vescovile with the Palazzo del Seminario. The Arco Scoppa is especially notable for its sandy and baroque appearance, while the palaces are both white.
Pay particular attention to the details, decorations and ornaments of the Arco Scoppa. First made of wood, but replaced with stone in 1750, the Arco Scoppa was inspired by the “Bridge of Sighs” in Venice.
One of the nicer things to do in Ostuni is to go inside Palazzo Vescovile! There you will find the remains of an old Norman castle from the 12th century that was almost completely destroyed in 1559.
Why is Ostuni all white?
The houses in Ostuni are always perfectly white. Every year all residents are obliged to repaint their houses white. Hence the name “La città bianca.
While towns like Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino are also best known for their white houses, Ostuni is the most famous of the four.
People used to think white lime could fight plague, by reflecting bad air. Nowadays, the government pays half the cost every year.
So one of the things you should really do in Ostuni is admiring all the white houses in the old town center.
Parking in Ostuni
You are not allowed to enter the old center of Ostuni by car. Therefore, make sure you park your car just outside the old center. This way you avoid having to walk too far.
Some parking lots close to the old center of Ostuni are:
- Via Antonio Specchia (free)
- Ostuni parcheggio Tenente Specchia (paid)
Market in Ostuni
Would you like to go to the market in Ostuni? Then you should visit the town on Saturdays. In fact, every Saturday there is a local market (Mercato del Sabato) from 8 am to 1 pm.
You can find the market near Via Gabbriele D’Annunzio, in the new city center. At the market you can find local delicacies, fresh fruit, cheese and meat. But you can also find clothes and antiques over here.
Our tip? Go to the market early to get ahead of the crowds and find the best products!
Beach Ostuni
Unfortunately, Ostuni is not directly on the coast so it does not have a beach. Nevertheless, from Ostuni you can reach the beach within 15 minutes by car.
Some of the best beaches near Ostuni we recommend with crystal clear waters are Spiaggia di Pilone, Spiaggia di Rosa Marina and Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle has rock, where the other two have a sand beach.
La città bianca
What are you waiting for? Ostuni is bursting with fun things to do. The famous “La città bianca” in Puglia is definitely worth a visit!
Want to discover more of Puglia?
Now that you know all the best things to do in Ostuni, you are ready to discover other beautiful places in Puglia.
Check our blog for the best things to do in Martina Franca or the best things to do in Locorotondo!
