Already in the 5th century Otranto had earned the title of “rocca delle cento torri” (Fortress of the hundred towers), precisely because of the fortification system that protected it from attacks from the sea.
Today the town wall preserves the signs of various layers of masonry, including the large framed boulders from the Roman era, the smaller ones from the Norman and Swabian eras, and lastly the regular masonry carried out by the Spanish Viceroys.
Today it has a pentagonal form, with cylindrical bastions and towers that cradle the historic centre of the city.
Infringed by the Turkish assault in 1480, the town wall was initially reinforced by the Muslims during the months of their siege and then modified by the impulse of Alfonso of Aragon who had been freed from the oppressors.
After having regained the city from the Turks he looked after the construction of the foundations of the doors, walls and towers. The east side and the south-west tower of Aragonese Castle, the Torre Duchessa, the Torre Ippolita, is in the honor of Ippolita Sforza, the daughter of the Duke of Milan and wife of Alfonso and Porta Alfonsina encloses the two cylindrical towers which is the entrance to the historic centre of the city.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Karaoke
Karaoke night with Sandro Stefanelli at Antichi Sapori.
Concerto for Oboe and Organ with Matteo Cavallo
Oboe and organ concert at the Church of Bagnolo del Salento
FOS - Sonate a tre
Concert featuring works by Telemann, Pasquini, Zipoli, Marcello, Provesi, Bach; oboe, violin, organ take center stage.
Criamu in Concert
An evening of pizzica with the group Criamu in Carpignano Salentino.
Allegra Compagnia Cantante in Concert
An evening of pizzica with the Allegra Compagnia Cantante group
More places nearby
Castles, towers and palacesAragonese Castle of OtrantoKeeping vigil over Italy's most easterly town, The Castle of Otranto is a
fascinating fortress that looks eastwards in memory of past Saracen
attacks. Otranto very close
FunWalls and BastionsThe walls that protected Otranto are a wonderful example of military
architecture, today kingdom of art and nightlife. Otranto very close
Churches and cryptsBasilica of San PietroA jewel of Byzantine art, the Church of San Pietro is one of the most
important medieval buildings in southern Italy. Otranto very close
Churches and cryptsCathedral of Maria Santissima AnnunziataThe extraordinary mosaic of the Tree of Life makes a visit to the Otranto
Cathedral unique, where the memory of the bloody Turkish siege lives on in
the ossuary of the Chapel of the Holy Martyrs. Otranto very close
Museums and theatresDiocesan Museum of Sacred ArtThe museum collects artifacts, works of art and liturgical objects ranging
from the 16th to the 18th century that tell the story of Otranto's history
and spirituality. Otranto very close
Castles, towers and palacesPorta AlfonsinaAlso known as Torre Alfonsina, it is the door of access to the ancient
heart of the city of Martiri. Otranto very close