We first visited Otranto in late September. In the mornings the weather was perfect for exploring the historic centre of Otranto, warm and sunny but not too hot to explore on foot. And still warm enough to spend the afternoons on the sandy beaches and swimming in the Adriatic. Otranto is known now for its artistic wealth and is also for its exceptionally good climate throughout most of the year. Otranto port has always been of considerable importance because of trade with the East. Activity in the port has increased again, partly due to the ferry service to Greece, commerce and tourism.
The old town of Otranto has remained untouched and preserves it's charm. Narrow stone-paved streets wind among houses, restaurants and small shops, converging on the Cathedral. Look out for
- the Cathedral, finished and inaugerated in 1088,
- the castle and ramparts, the work of the Neapolitan Aragoneses,
- the Byzantine Church of St Peter, originally serviced by Greek clergy living peaceably with the latin clergy of Otranto
- the church of St Mary of Martyrs on Minerva Hill
At the entrance to the old town granite canon balls launched by the Turks in 1480 still stand, testifying to a glorious history. It is believed that Otranto, the most eastern town in Italy, was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Crete, and became the bridge connecting the East with the Western societies of the Mediterranean basin. The Byzantines made the city into the capital of the Terra d'Otranto until 1068, when Robert le Guiscard snatched the whole of southern Puglia from the Byzantines. Otranto enjoyed a long period of prosperity until it was beseiged by the Turks in 1480 when it was completely destroyed. Otranto then changed hands many times but the constant threat from the Turks prevented it from returning to its former splendors and the land returned to marshland.
More recently, with land-improvement, agriculture has flourished again and Otranto is once again an important part of Puglia. More than that, it is a place to enjoy, explore and discover the delights of the historical centre, or simply soak up the sunshine, the crystal clear sea and the Italian ambience.
