The small city of Ostuni is in the province of Brindisi, in the Puglia region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination for thousands of Italians and a very few other nationals due to the extraordinary and stunning medieval centre.

During the summer and on Ostuni festival weeks, the cities main square (or "piazza") is awash with locals and visitors day and night enjoying the fantastic atmosphere, festivities or just sitting at one of the pavement bars and restaurants watching the world go by. Although most of the staged festivals are based on centuries old religious events and food, drinking, eating, parades and fireworks ensure that a fun time is had by all.

Built inland on a fortified hill Ostuni can be glimpsed for many miles all around, especially on the seaboard side along the low lying coastal plain where many arrivals catch their first sight from the auto route which hugs the Adriatic Sea. Virtually every building in the medieval city centre is painted brilliant white apart from the Cathedral on the hilltop giving the city its nickname, the White City (Citta Bianca).

Its history is just as astounding with its origins stretching back to Roman times when Hannibal and his elephants razed the original town, hence the origins of the name which actually comes from the ancient Greek words for new town. But the Ostuni that tourists now come to see is all medieval, you can walk along the narrow lanes with the foot worn stone surfaces and steps, and just sense the history.

You can enter the citadel through one of the original ruined gateways for your stroll up the sometimes steep passageways to the summit and Ostuni Cathedral. You will pass palaces, small shops, bars and hotels all tastefully converted from their original uses, or maybe not! During your visit you will see many fine views down to the Adriatic from between the ancient buildings or to get a good perspective of the old quarter and surroundings, try a walk round the walls themselves where you can witness the defensive towers on one side and the olive groves of the surrounding farmland on the other.

Ostuni being in the deep south of Italy enjoys very hot summers and so beach holidays are a big part of its attraction on the nearby sandy beaches where you are certain to find a tranquil stretch all to yourself. Ostuni accomodation of all types is available from beachside apartments, to converted masseria in the quite olive growing areas or beautiful hotels in the old quarter itself, the choice is yours.

To discover much more holiday information about Ostuni, please visit Ostuni in central Puglia, Italy.
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