Otranto, the picturesque Adriatic town in Italy’s Salento region, is so beautiful and peaceful, that it seems hard to believe this was once the site of the gruesome “Sack of Otranto”.  Luckily for today’s tourists, Ottoman invasions are no longer a threat to this tranquil coastline.

Lovely Otranto – my European travel tip this week – with its whitewashed buildings, winding streets and sparkling blue water, today plays host to tourists seeking sun, sea, excellent food and wine and beautiful art and architecture.

Charming streets and piazze are abundant in this tiny town in Puglia and, while the most beautiful beaches lie just to the north of town, visitors can also swim in the crystal-clear waters right off the picturesque town walls.

The 12^th century cathedral is the top Otranto attractions. The cathedral’s simple exterior of local stone changes colour with the changing light throughout the day.

Not to be missed is the spectacular 12th century floor mosaic which occupies nearly the entire nave. Visitors should take their time to examine the lovely, intricate designs, including an image of  “Rex Arturis”.

The cathedral also houses a gruesome reminder of the famous “Sack of Otranto” of 1480, back when the town was an important outpost in the Byzantine Empire. Modern Italy’s coastline once lived in constant fear of Ottoman invasions. Most of Otranto’s population died in the famous siege of  July 1480. To the 800 townspeople who survived, the Ottomans offered the option of conversion in exchange for their lives. Down to the last man, woman and child, they refused and the martyrs’ bones are still prominently displayed in cases in the cathedral.

Otranto is a fantastic European destination and should certainly be on your itinerary on any trip to the Salento.

Other beautiful, nearby destinations are Gallipoli and, if you are headed farther north, the town of Trani and Vieste .

You can find the lowest rates at Otranto hotels using the price comparison search box below.

//