This name is due to the characteristic color of a large part of the city, above all the historical center which stands on the highest hill and dominates the whole city with its entirely white houses, where only buildings not belonging to popular tradition stand out for the color of the blonde stone left exposed.

It is curious to know that the white color was obtained with lime as it was cheap and easy to find, moreover the white facilitated the reflection of the light and therefore the indirect lighting of the narrow alleys and tangled streets of the historic center. Lime was also used as a natural disinfectant to prevent the spread of the plague in the 17th century.

The beauty of this city is characterized by the alleys (the most famous being "Lu Spessìte") which unravel around the Mother Church, the extraordinary cathedral with an elegant undulating profile erected in the middle of the fifteenth century and opened by a monumental rose window.

The White City does not live only in summer with its nightlife, the sea and the locals. In winter and spring there are two very important events that combine tradition, folklore and religion, the living nativity scene and the Passio Cristi.
Among the many summer events of the White City, on the other hand, the celebrations for the patron saint, Sant'Oronzo which last 4 days, from 24 to 27 August with the traditional Cavalcade of San'Oronzo, a procession of horses and riders in escort of the silver statue of the saint who, it is said, in 1656 saved the local people from the plague.

What to see

The "white city" retains some truly unmissable jewels. Take some time and stroll through the cobbled alleys of the historic center in search of Baroque and late-Gothic palaces, revisited medieval churches and artistic craft shops.
 - the Cathedral: in late Gothic style with a finely worked 24-spoke rose window overlooking the main facade.
- Palazzo Vescovile: in the central square of the town, there are Palazzo Vescovile and Palazzo del Seminario. They are connected to each other by an elegant arc-shaped suspended porch.
 - the Colonna di Sant'Aronzo: a typical example of Apulian baroque, it stands like a 20-meter spire in the homonymous square, with the Saint protecting the city below.

In addition to discovering the White City with its ramparts, the cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, you can go into the Dune Coastal Regional Nature Reserve where you can admire the famous dunes and take different itineraries to discover this lush nature.

The Sea

We are in an area that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. This stretch of coast has a lot to offer both for those traveling with children and for those who want to have a fun-filled holiday with friends, in fact there are numerous beaches equipped with all the amenities for families at the sea, but also free beaches for those who prefer a holiday in close contact with nature. If you have seen photos of the beaches of Ostuni, you already know: crystal clear sea with colors that fade from turquoise to green and fine sandy beaches. It is no wonder that the sea of ​​Ostuni has obtained numerous awards for quality and cleanliness, including the Blue Flag and 5 Legambiente sails.

The most beautiful beaches in Ostuni

In a few minutes by car from Ostuni you can reach the Marina of the "white city" with its incredible beaches of clear sand and crystal clear waters, wild stretches of rocks and Mediterranean scrub and hidden bays. The coast of Ostuni extends for about 20 kilometers in a succession of landscapes and beaches, for all tastes. To you some suggestions:

- Lido Morelli, about 8 kilometers from the center, going up the coast to the north. It is a long beach, with soft dunes moved by the wind and dotted with Mediterranean scrub. This area has been declared an area of ​​international importance by the European Community and is now a Regional Nature Reserve.
 - Quarto di Monte is a small beach near the hamlet of Monticelli, much loved by the locals, it is about 8 kilometers from Ostuni and in summer it comes alive with lovers of the beautiful sea and the sun and relaxing evenings by the sea.
- Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve: the wild Riversa Naturale di Torre Guaceto extends about 20 kilometers from Ostuni, a true natural park with extensive Mediterranean areas and splendid coasts, designed by a series of inlets with fine sandy beaches. Unmissable!