Last Updated on 19th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
The city of Ostuni can be seen from far and wide across the Brindisi region of Apulia and is known as the ‘White City’ (La Città Bianca in Italian) thanks to the white painted old town which crowns the very top of the city.
Rising up above a sea of olive groves and the twinkling Adriatic coastline, Ostuni is a must-see during any trip to Puglia. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Ostuni, as well as travel tips and things to know before you go.
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Where is Ostuni?
Ostuni is located in Puglia, a region which is often referred to as the ‘heel of the boot’. Some of the biggest cities and towns close to Ostuni include Cisternino, San Vito dei Normanni, and Ceglie Messapica.
What is Ostuni known for?
A charming town of around 32,000 residents, Ostuni is most famous for its white painted old town which forms a maze of cobbled streets and narrow staircases.
Hidden among this pedestrianised area, visitors will soon discover restaurants, churches, and residential building which comprise of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements.
How long do you need to visit Ostuni?
Though we personally visited Ostuni over the course of a long afternoon as we had plenty to pack into our week long Italian road trip (check out our best road trip tips), you could easily spend much, much longer discovering the town’s little gardens, stunning vistas, and tasty local cuisine.
If you want to make the most of your stay in the city, then consider spending two or three night’s in Apulia’s Città Bianca.
After all, there are many day trips to be taken from the city (Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Cisternino are all within a half hour drive or so) and staying the night in Ostuni will give you the opportunity to explore the town without the crowds of day trippers.
Things to do in Ostuni
Get lost in Ostuni’s ‘centro storico’
Truth be told, as with many towns in Puglia, one of the very best things you can hope to do on any trip to Ostuni is to get lost in its maze of little lanes and forgotten streets. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
As Ostuni is perched on top of a hill, there are plenty of up and downs. Due to the many cobblestones across the city, you’ll want to leave your high heels at home. In the summer time, there are plenty of bougainvillea plants dotted across nooks and crevices across the city centre.
Indeed, a wander through Ostuni is reminiscent of a stroll through a Greek island settlement and this is no coincidence. In times gone by, Apulia was greatly influenced by Ancient Greek culture and the vestiges of this can still be felt to this day.
If you want to get a local’s perspective and wish to delve deeper into the history of Ostuni, then you might consider booking a walking tour like this one.
Ostuni Cathedral
The main ecclesiastical building in Ostuni can be found in the form of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and there has been a place of worship on site since 1000.
Known in Italian as Duomo di Ostuni; Basilica concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the cathedral you see today was built in 1228-1229 in the Romanesque style and was rebuilt in the 15th-century in the Gothic style following a fairly significant earthquake.
Admire the architecture of Arco di Scoppa
Ostuni is unlike many other Italian towns in that its cathedral doesn’t lie in the central square (piazza in Italian). Instead, the duomo can be found in its own little charming square which boasts several eateries and other historic buildings.
One such ancient edifice is that of the Arco di Scoppa, which you’ll likely walk under during any circular tour of the city. The old arch way connects the Bishop’s Palace to the Seminary. Originally, due to lack of funds and materials, the bridge was constructed of wood.
This all changed in 1750 when Bishop Scoppa commissioned that the wooden bridge was to be replaced with the stone bridge you see today in order to ensure better safety for those crossing it. Today, a small engraving on the stone bridge, which is modelled on the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, commemorates Bishop Scoppa.
Enjoy an ice cream at Cremeria La Scala
Of course, if you love Italian food, then no trip around a town centre in summer time would be complete without heading for a traditional Italian gelato.
The most important thing to note about gelato is that it’s made out of whole milk, unlike ice cream which is made out of cream. This means that gelato is prone to melting a lot faster and so should be consumed a bit quicker than your regular ice cream!
Hands down, the best place to head to in town for a reasonably priced ice cream is Cremeria La Scala. I personally enjoyed a lemon flavoured sweet treat and we found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.
Check out Piazza della Liberta
Just a few metres away from Cremaria La Scala, visitors will be able to discover Piazza della Liberta, which is Ostuni’s largest public square.
Though, as a general rule of thumb, I tend to avoid city centre restaurants as they are often tourist traps, it’s still worth checking out the beautiful architecture and wide open space to be found there.
Of particular note in the Piazza della Liberta is the 20 metre high column which is known locally as the column of Sant’Oronzo. Constructed during the 18th-century, the column was erected in 1771 in order for the residents to give thanks to Sant’Oronzo for helping the city avoid plague and famine. Another architectural feature of note in the piazza is the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
Stroll along the defensive walls and ramparts
In order to get a true feel for just how majestic and large the defensive walls of Ostuni are, be sure to take a stroll around the defensive walls that encircle the ‘centro storico’.
These walls were constructed to keep out invaders during the Middle Ages and today give stunning views onto a sea of olive groves and other verdant farmland.
Saturday Market Day
As with many towns in the ‘heel of the boot,’ Ostuni has a weekly market where you can head to in order to purchase fresh produce. Specialities of Puglia include local olive oil, olives, and artichokes. In fact, Puglia produces up to 22% of fruit and vegetables grown in Italy and so there is no shortage of regional delights to discover come market day.
In Ostuni, the market is held every Saturday morning from 8:00 AM to 1:00. Before visiting, you should note that vendors will begin to pack up a little before closing time and so be sure to head to the market earlier rather than later in order to ensure you’ll get exactly what you want.
You’ll also want to bring cash (Italy uses the euro) as some vendors will not accept card. As always, come prepared with tote bags to carry your purchased goods in.
Visit the Ostuni Christmas Market
While late spring, early autumn, and the summer months are undoubtedly the best time to visit Ostuni, if you happen to be visiting the Puglian town during the winter then it’s worth noting that there’s a small Ostuni Christmas market during the festive period.
What to know before visiting Ostuni
If you’re looking for even more inspiration about the boot-shaped country, then be sure to check out our best travel quotes about Italy. And if you need to know more information before heading to the South of Europe, check out our top Italy travel tips.
How to get to Ostuni
As a fairly large town in Puglia, Ostuni is served by its own public transport network including local buses and its own train station. Trains run regularly to the train station in Ostuni, though unfortunately this is around 2.5 km from the old town.
With this being said, the easiest way to reach Ostuni from Bari is by train as the journey is only an hour each way between the two Italian cities. In order to have the most flexibility during your time in Puglia, you might alternatively consider renting a car. Check car rental comparison prices here.
Frequently asked questions about Ostuni
What is the population of Ostuni?
As of 2017, the population of Ostuni was 31,148.
What are the best free things to do in Ostuni?
Those visiting Ostuni on a budget will be pleased to know that, while Ostuni can be pricier than some of the other places to visit in Puglia on account of its popularity along tourists, there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer.
Some of the best free things to do in Ostuni include wandering around the ancient centro storico, heading into the Ostuni cathedral, and enjoying the local weekly market when it takes places.
Is Ostuni safe to visit?
The tourist parts of Ostuni are generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (which are present all over Europe, particularly in large crowds). Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.
Where to stay in Ostuni
Thanks to its fairly large size and relative popularity when it comes to the Puglia region, there are a number of different places to stay in Ostuni to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Here are some of the top accommodation options in the Apulian town:
Mid-range: Situated in the lower part of town, this air-conditioned accommodation boasts a private pool and offers Buffet and Italian breakfast options. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: For a completely unforgettable stay during your time in Ostuni, you’ll want to check yourself into this five-star hotel. Amenities include a pool, spa, and free parking. Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She lives in London but travels as much as she can. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.