What to see in Otranto
Castles, churches and crypts, museums, beaches and nature: photos, description, how to get there and the events on nearby.
17 places
Sea and cavesAliminiAlimini beach, in Otranto, with its really fine sand, the dunes, the
shallow water and the transparent sea surrounded by the pine forest, is the
background for children’s games and for surfers’ performances. Otranto
Sea and cavesBaia dei TurchiIn the bay where the Saracens landed in 1480, to conquer Otranto, nowadays
there is white sand, lapped by a dreamy sea and embellished with the
scented pine forest and the Mediterranean scrub. Otranto
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
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
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
Churches and cryptsChurch of Santa Maria dei MartiriDesired by Alfonso of Aragon, it is situated on Colle della Minerva, site
of the martyrdom of 180 inhabitants of Otranto in 1480. Otranto
Castles, towers and palacesTown wallProtected by a town wall in the heart of Otranto. Otranto
Castles, towers and palacesFaro di Punta PalascìaCharming building located overlooking the sea in the territory of Otranto,
in the most geographically eastern location of Italy Otranto
Sea and cavesFrassanitoThe beach of Frassanito, swept by winds, with its fine sand and the rocks
dropping sheer into the sea, is the perfect oasis for families, but also
for those who love water sports. Otranto
Nature and gardensThe cave settlement of Torre PintaIn the spellbinding scenery of the Valle delle Memorie in Otranto, a
dovecote rises above a network of underground caves and grottoes. Otranto
FunWalls and BastionsThe walls that protected Otranto are a wonderful example of military
architecture, today kingdom of art and nightlife. Otranto
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
Sea and cavesOrte - Bauxite LakeBaia delle Orte, a wild and unspoiled bay, is embellished by the shades of
the sea, while not far away from the beach, stands out the red colour of
the bauxite cave. Otranto
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
Sea and cavesPorto BadiscoThe nice small beach of Porto Badisco, nestled amid the cliffs and the
yellow brooms, is the perfect place to dive in the crystal clear sea and to
taste the delicious sea-urchins. Otranto
Sea and cavesPorto di OtrantoThe Otranto harbor is enclosed in a wide bay protected by the three-armed San Nicola pier. Otranto
Sea and cavesPunta Palascìa and Torre Sant'EmilianoIn the easternmost point of Italy, the lighthouse of Punta Palascìa, stands
out on a rocky spur, which overlooks the intense blue sea, while at the
feet of Torre Sant’Emiliano, one can dive in the blue sea. Otranto
Places and photos: Regione Puglia · viaggiareinpuglia.it (CC BY 4.0)