Centro Storico di Ostuni (La Città Bianca)

Ostuni's historic centre climbs a hill at the edge of the Murge, seven and a half kilometres from the Adriatic. Lime-white houses, alleys, arches and small squares rise above the plain towards the sea.

Why it matters

Ostuni is known as La Città Bianca, the White City. Lime-whitewashed facades are a defining feature of the historic centre. The white facades cover a medieval street plan that climbs the same slopes chosen by the Messapii.

What to notice

The street pattern follows the contours of the hill: narrow lanes, steps, arches and small squares interconnect. Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio survive from the Aragonese walls, whose circular towers remain visible in the urban fabric. The old town also includes the church of San Vito Martire, the Franciscan complex and cloister, the Baroque column of Sant'Oronzo and the Antelmi staircase. The Gothic facade of the cathedral marks the summit.

Context and history

The Comune traces Ostuni's origins to the Messapian era and describes later development under Roman and medieval rule.