Otranto is a city well known everywhere around the world. It has ancient Greek origins. In ancient times it was called Hidrotum, a name that derives from the river’s name, Idro.

Otranto is a world wide known city, was a stronghold of Catholic civilization, resisting Turkish invasion on many occasions. In ancient times it was called Hidrotum, a name that derives from the river’s name, Idro, and in all probability, it was founded by some Greek colonists coming from Crete island. The paved quick-stone roads are narrow and wind among the white houses. A walk in the old town centre, through the alleys and the narrow streets paved with stones is definitely obligatory. Otranto is a charming town, full of history, which is worth visiting with attention.

You cannot leave Otranto without visiting the famous Cathedral, with a mosaic floor; it has a rose window and side portal . The interior, a basilica with nave and two aisles, contains columns said to come from a temple of Minerva and a fine mosaic pavement contrsucted between 1163 and 1165, with interesting representations of the months,representing L’albero della vita, and also an old Testament subjects and others. It has a crypt supported by forty-two marble columns. he work of a twelfth-century monk, for all its rough simplicity the mosaic provides a captivating picture, empowered by a delightful child-like innocence.

Also famous is the Castello Aragonese (Castle), built in 1578 which I has an irregular plan with five sides, with a moat running along the entire perimeter. In origin it had a single entrance, reachable through a draw-bridge. Towers include three cylindrical ones an a bastion and the entrance sports the coat of arms of the emperor. Another good reason to visit Otranto is the beaufiul and cristal sea water and also the San Martini festival that is held on 13th and 14th og August and ends with a famous firework show in all Salento.

How to arrive in Otranto

By car: You must follow the highway until you arrive in Bari, after that follow the hisghway SS until you reach Lecce, and then the road along the sea to San Cataldo or from Lecce on the highway SS 16 till you arrive in Maglie, after that follow the indications to Otranto.
By train: You should take the train for stazione FFSS di Lecce, after that take another train of Ferovie di Sud Est or Salento in Treno e in Bus or using one of the services of STP Lecce.
By plane: The closest airport to Otranto is Brindisi airport (for further information on the planes/airports visit: Aeroporti di Puglia) from where you can reach Lecce by bus.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Sede Comunale - Piazza Basilica - telefono Municipio 083...
Polizia Municipale - telefono 083...
Guardia Medica - telefono 083...
Pronto Soccorso "Misericordia d'Otranto" - telefono 083...
Comando Carabinieri - telefono 0836/801010
Comando Guardia di Finanza - telefono 0836/804421
Corpo Forestale (Comando Stazione) - telefono 0836/801025
Capitaneria di Porto (Soccorso in mare) - telefono 0836/801073
Stazione Ferroviaria - telefono 0836/801482