Otranto is a port town located on the Adriatic coast in the province of Lecce, Puglia region, southern Italy. It's an ideal destination for a day trip. The blue sea, white sand, old houses, and jumping rocks make Otranto stand out among the notable tourist destinations in Puglia.

In this town located in the "heel of Italy's boot," on clear days, visitors can admire the strait stretching from Otranto all the way to Albania.

The name Otranto became widely known through the novel "Otranto Castle" by the writer Horace Walpole. And indeed, Walpole's haunted castle bears some resemblance to the stone fortress in Otranto.

Town of ancient architecture

Otranto has a turbulent history. It was once an important port for the Greeks and later the Romans. It also bore the footprints of the Romans, Vikings, and Aragonese (Spanish) armies. In 1480, the Turks captured the town, and 800 civilians were executed for refusing to convert to Islam. The bones of the slain Otrantoians are displayed in glass cases in the main sanctuary of the Otranto Cathedral.

The Otranto Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style (open from 7 am to 8 pm), is a massive structure designed by a monk named Pantaleone. The cathedral's ceiling frescoes depict not only biblical stories but also historical events, myths, and even atheistic figures like Alexander the Great and Arthur. Next to the Otranto Cathedral is the Diocesan Museum, which displays artifacts left behind by war in this port town from the early 5th century.

Nestled deep within the streets leading into the town's old town is the ancient Romanesque-style San Pietro Church. This historic building boasts numerous frescoes depicting the triumphs of the Roman army.

The Aragonese Castle, the inspiration for Horace Walpole's "Otranto Castle," is a massive structure that contributed to the defenses of Otranto. Built in the 15th century on the site of a fortress belonging to King Frederick II, the site is free to enter and occasionally hosts exhibitions.

The town center is surrounded by a city wall bearing the marks of history. The busiest street in the town is lined with souvenir shops (pottery, shoes, etc.), restaurants, and bars. Summer nights in Otranto offer visitors a vibrant atmosphere. Tourists can stroll along the seaside city walls, where lively bars are set against the backdrop of the harbor and bay at night.

The beaches in Otranto

The beaches within the old town of Otranto are actually very small and incredibly crowded in the early summer months. The beaches outside of Otranto are where the locals usually frequent.

To the north of the town of Otranto lie the white sandy beaches of Turchi Bay and Lake Alimini. Tourist villages have sprung up since the late 20th century, gradually transforming the area into a bustling resort town.

Another attractive destination south of the town of Otranto is Badisco harbor, a small bay with rugged rocky outcrops.

The easiest way to get to these beaches is by car. In the summer, the town has buses that go to those spots.

Lam Quoc Hung