About Puglia - Things to see and Visit
Sights
The Cathedral, built between 1435 and 1495 in the late Gothic style, has a tripartite façade, divided by two pilaster-strips. There is a glorious rose window with 24 finely carved ribs. The interior of the church is 18th Century and has a level ceiling and Baroque side chapels.
The Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) and an elegant arched Loggia (1750), to be found in the Piazza in front of the Cathedral. Also incorporated into the palace, lie the remains of the original Castle, built in 1198 and demolished in 1559.
Just outside the town in the surrounding area, stands the Church of Saint Biagio, this was built around the 12th century, and the Sanctuary of Saint Oronzo was built at the end of the 17th century. In the St. Oronzo Square next to the Piazza Liberta you will see the Column of St Oronzo.
Tourist Information Office
Azienda Promozione Turistica Ostuni
Piazza della Libertà - 72017 Ostuni
Tel. (+39) 0831-30.12.68
Coast/Beach
Beaches are within 20 minutes drive from Ostuni and there is a whole coastline to choose from. There are sandy stretches and rocky coves. Some beaches have 'paid for' areas, where you can hire beds and umbrellas, in season, but the vast majority are free. Torre Guaceto is a renowned WWF nature reserve and is well worth a visit. Walking and cycling trips are available plus expert advice and lessons on snorkeling. Further information can be obtained on their website. Scuba Diving is available at Torre Canne. There are basic and advanced courses in scuba diving and you can rent all scuba diving equipment on site. Torre Pozzella, known as "macchia mediterranea". It consists of wild area with reefs, dunes and Mediterranean vegetation, Lido Morelli and Pilone a Regional Protected Area has been Declared EU Site of Communitarian Importance, Santa Maria di Agnano Park situated along the Murgia border overlooking olive tree plantations, in the grotto of this park, called "Grotta della Maternita" A 24,000 year old skeleton of a woman (named Delia) with a foetus in her womb was found.
Golf
San Domenica golf course is next to the town of Savelletri di Fasano and is approximately 20 minutes drive from Ostuni. Its south boundary is as close to the sea as the road and rocky coastline will allow. A challenging 18 hole 72 par course with superb views of the Adriatic. Together with strategic bunkering, definitive fairway shaping and a clever green design, a thought provoking golf test has been set. Open all year.
Distances from Ostuni
All times quoted are by car and are approximate:
Alberobello - 40 mins (Trulli village)
Fasano - 23 mins (Golf and Zoo)
Polignano - 23 mins (cliff top town)
Gallipoli - 1hr 47 mins
Lecce - 1hr ('The Florence of Puglia')
Monopoli - 31 mins
Martina Franca - 37 mins
Naples - 3 hours
Sorrento - 3 hours 40 mins
Positano - 3 hours 57 mins
Alberobello
Historical Alberobello town with its beautiful coned Trulli houses and their white washed walls is well worth a visit, and only a 40 mins drive away, the Trulli museum although only small is very informative and interesting and, also worth visiting.
Riding at the White Horse Club
Organized courses and unaccompanied riding at this club deep in the countryside between Ostuni and Rosa Marina.
Further details
Whether you want an Italian pizza or a 4 course Italian meal, the restaurants in Ostuni are superb, and there are loads to choose from. Both Keith Floyd & Jamie Oliver have produced their televised cooking programmes from the Puglia region and have featured Ostuni. Their excellent Italian recipe books are :-
Floyd on Italy "A Celebration of Italian and Italy"
Jamie Oliver "Jamie’s Italy"
Chemists, various banks, supermarkets and phone shops are all within walking distance.
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