This stunning valley stretches across the provinces of Brindisi, Taranto, and Bari, nestled among the slopes of the southeastern Murge. It is the valley of the trulli par excellence, boasting the highest concentration of these iconic stone dwellings, creating a fairytale-like and enchanting landscape â a truly unique and imaginative panorama.
It is not a true valley, but a gently undulating territory of dips and hills, rises and karstic slopes. Framing the scenery, on the higher elevations, are the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Ceglie Messapica, where the valley gradually opens onto the Salento plain.
Questa splendida vallata si colloca a cavallo fra le province di Brindisi, Taranto e Bari fra i declivi delle Murge sud-orientali. à la valle dei trulli per antonomasia, qui infatti si riscontra la loro massima concentrazione che genera uno scenario da favola e incantevole, un panorama unico e fantasioso. Non è una vera e propria valle, ma un territorio dolcemente ondulato in cui si alternano avvallamenti e colline, poggi e saliscendi carsici.
A far da cornice, sulle alture piĂš alte, le cittadine di Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino e Ceglie Messapica, dove la valle si apre gradualmente alla piana salentina.
Ostuni is also known as the âWhite Cityâ, a nickname derived from the typical color of the houses in the ancient Terra district, the fortified old town of the city.
Strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center, where the houses are strictly white, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in a world of winding alleys and cobbled streets framed by the enchanting view of a fairytale-like environment.
The perfect mix of elegance, popular authenticity, and labyrinthine streets in which to get lost contributes to making Ostuni magical â not only for those who visit it but also for those who admire it from afar.
Among the monuments worth visiting is the Concattedrale, located at the highest point of the city. Built in the 15th century, it is undoubtedly Ostuniâs main landmark.
Also on Piazza Cattedrale is the Museum of Preclassic Civilizations of the Southern Murgia.
Attached to the monastery is the Church of San Vito Martire, another of Ostuniâs most important monuments, notable for its Rococo lines.
Within the historic center, in addition to the famous whitewashed houses, there are numerous stately palaces, such as Palazzo Zevallos, a Baroque-style residence of the Neapolitan feudal lords who ruled the city for nearly two centuries.
Rising 20 meters above Piazza LibertĂ is the Spire of St. Oronzo, a central meeting point for the people of Ostuni.
A few kilometers from the city is the sanctuary dedicated to the saint, built in the 17th century near a cave where he had sought refuge.
The sea is about 15 kilometers from Ostuni and offers a wide variety of beaches, from sandy shores to rocky coastlines.
“Paragraph 25”
C.da Santa Lucia, S.S. 379 exit, 72017 Costa Merlata BR www.paragrafo25.it
“The Sweet Life”
72017 Costa Merlata BR www.ladolcevitabeach.it
“Lido Bosco Verde”
Contrada Pilone, Via del Procaccia, 72017 Ostuni BR www.lidoboscoverde.it
“Lullabay”
C.da Pilone, Via del Procaccia, 72012 Ostuni BR www.lullabay.it
“White Ostuni Beach”
Ostuni, 72017 Monticelli BR www.whiteostuni.it
Recommended Shops and Supermarkets for a Worry-Free Stay
“Eurospin”
Via G. Tanzarella, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 342222
www.eurospin.it/punti-vendita/ostuni-603944/
“Famila”
Via Pietro De Laurentis s.n.c., Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 1853070
It takes place every Saturday on Via Nino Sansone from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Ostuni market is a triumph of flavors, aromas, and colors. If you love food and tradition, you cannot miss this market, where you will find the best products directly from the local countryside. In addition to fresh vegetables, eggs, cheeses, and other delicacies, you can also purchase local specialties such as terracotta cookware, clothing, and handcrafted Apulian items.
“Enoteca Asciano” (Wine Bar)
Piazza Italia 27, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 302132
“Enoteca Vini di Puglia” (Wine Bar)
13, SS16 Adriatica, 72017 Ostuni BR
“LâAngolo della Frutta” (Fruit & Vegetables)
Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 72017 Ostuni BR
“La Tagliata” (Butcher)
Via Caduti in Guerra, 2, 72012 Carovigno BR
“Pescheria Nautilus” (Fish Market)
Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 57, 72017 Ostuni BR
“Gusto” (Food Specialties)
Via Nino Sansone, 50, 72017 Ostuni BR
“La Casa del Formaggio” (Quality Cheeses)
Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 69, 72017 Ostuni BR
“Polisanit” (Everything for Children)
Clothing, footwear, nutrition, hygiene, and health for children and infants.
Viale Pola 64/66, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 338703
www.polisanit.it
In the heart of Italyâs food and wine region, you will find outstanding culinary offerings and all the love of Apulian cuisine.
“Osteria Del Tempo Perso”
At Osteria del Tempo Perso, respect for the culinary traditions of Ostuni and Apulia elevates the dishes that make this region famous worldwide.
Typical restaurant in a cave.
Via Gaetano Tanzarella Vitale 47, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 303320
www.osteriadeltempoperso.com
“Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale”
Tradition and innovation make this place one of the best restaurants in Ostuni.
Largo Arcid Teodoro Trinchera, 7, 72017 Ostuni BR | Phone +39 0831 335026
www.piazzettacattedrale.it
“Ristorante Porta Nova”
With a panoramic view, in the historic center of Ostuni.
An excellent seafood and traditional cuisine restaurant.
Via Gaspare Petrarolo 38, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 338983
www.ristoranteportanova.com
“Pizzeria Impasto Napoletano”
The best Neapolitan pizza in Ostuni. Try their âFried Panzerotto.â
Via Tenente Specchia SNC, Ostuni | Phone +39 0831 336774
www.impastonapoletano.it
“Convivio Bistrot”
A fresh and bright bistro where you can taste typical local dishes, including excellent raw seafood.
Via Ciro Menotti, 14, 72017 Ostuni BR | Phone 338 900 1320
“Panzerotti Asso di Spade”
The best Panzerotti in Ostuni, to be enjoyed right on the street!
Via Benedetto Cairoli, 1, 72017 Ostuni BR | Phone: 351 906 4567
Cisternino: I Fornelli (Typical butcher shops with on-site meat cooking)
I Fornelli are characteristic restaurants in Cisternino. The concept is simple: the customer chooses the meat directly from the butcherâs counter, which is then cooked and served at the table!
“Fornello da Zio Pietro”
The oldest and most traditional Fornello in Cisternino
Via Duca DâAosta, 3, 72014 Cisternino BR | Phone: 080 444 8300
“Al Vecchio Fornello”
Via Basiliani, 18, 72014 Cisternino BR | Phone: 080 444 1113
Ceglie Messapica:
“Cibus”
This restaurant is an institution in the area, famous for its traditional dishes and an unforgettable selection of cheeses.
Via Chianche di Scarano, 7, 72013 Ceglie Messapica BR | Phone: 0831 388980 | www.ristorantecibus.it
“Da Gino”
Contrada Montevicoli, 57b, 72013 Ceglie Messapica BR | Phone: 0831 377916 | www.daginoristorante.com
Carovigno:
“Casale Ferrovia”
A well-appointed restaurant in terms of dĂŠcor and space. High-quality local cuisine with dishes and flavors to remember.
Via Stazione, 1, 72012 Carovigno BR | Phone: 0831 990025 | www.casaleferrovia.it
Monopoli:
“Il Guazzetto”
Excellent seafood cuisine in the historic center of Monopoli.
Via dellâErba, 39/41, 70043 Monopoli BA | Phone: 080 410 7175 | www.ristoranteilguazzetto.it
Locorotondo:
“La Taverna del Duca”
Tradition and friendliness are the hallmarks of this restaurant.
Via Papatodero, 3, 70010 Locorotondo BA | Phone: 080 431 3007 | www.tavernadelducascatigna.it
“Riccardo Caffè”
In the historic center of Ostuni, inside a cave. (Ideal for aperitifs and cocktails)
Via G. Tanzarella Vitale 61-63, Ostuni | Phone +39 7727927 | 335 7163831
www.riccardocaffe.com
“Garibaldi Cafè e Bistrot”
In the heart of Piazza della LibertĂ .
Piazza della LibertĂ 47/48-52/55, Ostuni | Phone 342 8021649
www.garibaldicafebistrot.com
“Bloom Bistrot- Cafè”
Coffee shop, pastry, drinks, and aperitifs.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 25/27, Ostuni | Phone 329 3073461
“Casbah Art Cafè”
Located opposite the SantâOronzo Obelisk.
Via Cap. Vito Tamborrini 5/7, Ostuni | Phone 339 3929529
The most important historic center to visit near Ostuni is Ceglie Messapica (12 km). The ancient heart of this Apulian village is one of the most picturesque in the region, also thanks to the considerable number of monuments and medieval artworks present. What makes Ceglie Messapica so charming is the scenic mosaic of the area, where stretches of olive groves are dotted with farmhouses, country estates, and trulli.
Cisternino (17.4 km) is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Puglia and among the closest towns to Ostuni. Its historic center is a fine example of traditional architecture, alongside other notable buildings such as the Palazzo del Governatore, Palazzo Vescovile, Palazzo Amati, Palazzo Lagravinese, Palazzo Devitofranceschi, and the Capece Tower. Cisternino is also famous for its âFornelliâ butcher shops, where you can enjoy meat cooked directly on site.
In the heart of the Itria Valley is a town unique in the world, known as âthe capital of the trulli.â Alberobello is a picturesque agricultural town in Puglia that attracts visitors from all over the world, drawn by the typical stone buildings that make up the great architectural heritage of this fairytale-like village.
Locorotondo
The historic center of Locorotondo is perhaps one of the most picturesque and charming you can visit, starting with its shape, which, as the name suggests, is indeed a âround place.â The old town is made up of labyrinthine concentric alleys and stone buildings topped with the charming sloping roofs called âcummerseâ, constructed using the same types of stones as the trulli, known as âchiancarelle.â
Of ancient origins, inhabited in pre-Roman times by the Messapi, Mesagne offers numerous traces of its history. Its distinctive feature is the historic center with lanes and narrow streets that unfold, forming a true âStone Heart.â Indeed, the structure of the old town, seen from above, takes the shape of a heart. It is in the ancient center that the large Baroque squares open up, which, especially in summer, host festivals, parties, theatrical performances, and traditional folk dances. One immediately notices the elegance of the architecture and the numerous Marian churches, both in the historic center and along the city walls, as well as the ancient entrance gates of the 15th-century walls. Mesagne is also home to numerous restaurants and trattorias, filling the narrow streets of the historic center with intoxicating aromas, offering a unique experience to all who wish to savor traditional Salento cuisine.
Forty-six kilometers from the center of Ostuni, Polignano a Mare is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, thanks to its sea, stone houses built on cliffs overlooking the water, its panoramic terraces, and its charming historic center.
A small town forty kilometers from the center of Ostuni, known not only for its cultural and architectural value but also for its beautiful sea and long sandy beaches. Recently, in Monopoli, about two kilometers from the coast, a coral reef was also discovered.
A journey 70 meters deep among stalactites and stalagmites to remember forever.
www.grottedicastellana.it
In the southern part of Puglia, in Salento, a must-visit is the Baroque city of Lecce, the long sandy beaches of Ugento known as âThe Maldives of Salento,â the Caribbean-like beaches, and the lively coast of Gallipoli with its vibrant nightlife.
Il mare dista circa 15 chilometri da Ostuni e si propone in una grande diversitĂ di spiagge, dalla sabbia agli scogli.
âParagrafo 25â
C.da Santa Lucia, S.S. 379 uscita, 72017 Costa Merlata BRÂ Â www.paragrafo25.it
âLa dolce Vitaâ
72017 Costa Merlata BRÂ Â www.ladolcevitabeach.it
âLido Bosco Verdeâ
Contrada Pilone, Via del Procaccia, 72017 Ostuni BRÂ Â www.lidoboscoverde.it
âLullabayâ
c.da Pilone, Via del Procaccia, 72012 Ostuni BRÂ www.lullabay.it
âWhite Ostuni Beachâ
Ostuni, 72017 Monticelli BRÂ Â www.whiteostuni.it
Negozi e supermercati suggeriti per il vostro soggiorno senza pensieri
âEurospinâ
Via G. Tanzarella, Ostuni | Telefono +39 0831 342222
www.eurospin.it/punti-vendita/ostuni-603944/
âFamilaâ
Via Pietro De Laurentis s.n.c., Ostuni | Telefono +39 0831 1853070
Si tiene ogni sabato in via Nino Sansone dalle 7.00 alle 14.00.
Il mercato di Ostuni è un trionfo di sapori, profumi e colori, se amate il cibo e la tradizione non potete mancare a questo mercato dove troverete i migliori prodotti provenienti direttamente dalle campagne di zona. Oltre a verdura, uova freschissime, formaggi e altre prelibatezze, potrete acquistare anche prodotti tipici del posto come stoviglie in terra cotta, vestiti e oggetti artigianali pugliesi.
âEnoteca Ascianoâ (Enoteca)
Piazza Italia 27, Ostuni | Telefono +39 0831 302132
âEnoteca Vini di Pugliaâ (Enoteca)
13, SS16 Adriatica, 72017 Ostuni BR
âLâAngolo della Fruttaâ (Frutta e Verdura)
Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 72017 Ostuni BR
âLa Tagliataâ (Macelleria)
Via Caduti in Guerra, 2, 72012 Carovigno BR
âPescheria Nautilusâ (Pescheria)
Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 57, 72017 Ostuni BR
âGustoâ (SpecialitĂ Alimentari)
Via Nino Sansone, 50, 72017 Ostuni BR
âLa casa del formaggioâ (Formaggi di qualitĂ )
Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 69, 72017 Ostuni BR
âPolisanitâ (Tutto per lâinfanzia)
Abbigliamento, calzature, nutrizione, igiene e salute per bambini e neonati.
Viale Pola 64/66, Ostuni | Telefono +39 0831 338703
www.polisanit.it