
Ostuni Cathedral & Piazza della Libertà, Ostuni
Ostuni's 'White City' enchants with its dazzling whitewashed buildings, historic Cathedral, and vibrant piazza.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Ostuni Cathedral & Piazza della Libertà, Ostuni
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ostuni's 'White City' enchants with its dazzling whitewashed buildings, historic Cathedral, and vibrant piazza.
"A town that presents itself as art of history and the canvas is this earth we live on."

Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and inclines are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get Lost in the Alleys :hiking_boot:
The real magic is in wandering the narrow, whitewashed streets. Don't be afraid to explore!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ostuni Cathedral
Piazza Beato Giovanni XXIII
A stunning blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine styles, crowned by a magnificent rose window.

Piazza della Libertà
Heart of Ostuni
The vibrant main square, perfect for people-watching, enjoying a coffee, and soaking in the local ambiance.

Ostuni's Whitewashed Alleys
Old Town (Città Bianca)
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of charming, narrow streets lined with dazzling white buildings.

Panoramic Viewpoints
Various spots in the Old Town
Discover breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding olive groves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the White City's Charm
Cathedral Access Can Be Tricky
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and inclines are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get Lost in the Alleys :hiking_boot:
The real magic is in wandering the narrow, whitewashed streets. Don't be afraid to explore!
Check Cathedral Hours :ticket:
Some visitors report inconsistent opening times, especially on weekends.
Capture the Light :camera_with_flash:
The white buildings reflect light beautifully, making for stunning photos, especially at golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and inclines are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get Lost in the Alleys :hiking_boot:
The real magic is in wandering the narrow, whitewashed streets. Don't be afraid to explore!
Check Cathedral Hours :ticket:
Some visitors report inconsistent opening times, especially on weekends.
Capture the Light :camera_with_flash:
The white buildings reflect light beautifully, making for stunning photos, especially at golden hour.
Sip Coffee in the Piazza :coffee:
Piazza della Libertà is the perfect spot to relax and people-watch with a local espresso.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by Ostuni's unique 'White City' charm and the historical significance of its Cathedral. The picturesque streets and stunning views are frequently praised. However, some travelers express frustration with inconsistent opening hours for the Cathedral, leading to disappointment.
"It is always so amazing to see these pieces of history from the Cathedral to the white city on this hilltop. A town that presents itself as art of history and the canvas is this earth we live on."
David Molner
"We stayed two days in ostuni, and we really wanted to visit the catherdral . We checked the opening time, it should be open. But each time we go there, the door was closed, and there is no any information about why it’s closed. I asked a lady she lived nearby, she told me Saturday should always open, I waited outside Saturday morning till almost 11:00am, it’s still not open. The catherdral should be very impressive, but we couldn’t give 2 stars. The service is too bad!"
Ruth Wang
"Great spot to visit and see history right next to Arco Scoppo"
marc garceau
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ostuni Cathedral and Piazza della Libertà are located in the heart of Ostuni's historic center. If arriving by car, park outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk up. Public buses connect Ostuni to nearby towns like Brindisi and Bari. Taxis are also available from train stations or airports.
Yes, Ostuni is a popular day trip destination from cities like Bari or Lecce. It's well-connected by regional trains and buses, making it feasible to explore the main sights within a few hours.
The best way to explore Ostuni's old town, including the cathedral and piazza, is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often steep and cobbled.
Parking in Ostuni's historic center is restricted. Several paid parking lots are available on the outskirts of the old town, from which you can walk or take a shuttle bus up to the main attractions.
Yes, Ostuni has a train station, though it's located a few kilometers from the town center. Shuttle buses or taxis are available to take you up to the historic hilltop. Buses also connect Ostuni to other towns in Puglia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Ostuni Cathedral itself is generally free, though donations are appreciated. Access to specific areas or any temporary exhibitions might require a ticket. It's always a good idea to check for any updates on entry requirements.
Opening hours for Ostuni Cathedral can be inconsistent, with some visitors reporting issues, especially on Saturdays.
It's best to check locally or inquire with residents for the most up-to-date information before your visit.Piazza della Libertà is a public square and is always open to visitors. There is no entrance fee to enjoy the atmosphere, people-watch, or take photos.
While the piazza is always accessible, the Cathedral's interior has specific opening hours that can vary. Some reviews suggest checking these carefully to avoid disappointment.
Guided tours are often available for Ostuni, which may include visits to the Cathedral and insights into the history of Piazza della Libertà. You can inquire locally or book in advance through tour operators.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire 'White City' is a photographer's paradise! Look for narrow alleys adorned with flowers, panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic,
and the stunning architecture of Ostuni Cathedral. The iconic 'Porta del Paradiso' is also a popular shot.Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photographing Ostuni's whitewashed buildings. Midday sun can be harsh, but it also creates strong contrasts.
Photography is generally permitted inside Ostuni Cathedral, but it's always respectful to check for any signage or ask permission, especially if using flash. Some areas might be restricted.
Yes, several viewpoints offer stunning vistas. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II has a well-known viewpoint,
and simply wandering the upper parts of the old town will reveal many breathtaking scenes.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrow streets and expansive views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general sightseeing. Don't forget a good phone camera for quick snaps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Piazza della Libertà and the surrounding streets are filled with trattorias and cafes offering local Puglian cuisine. Look for restaurants serving fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and local wines.
Don't miss 'orecchiette con cime di rapa' (pasta with turnip greens), 'bombette' (grilled meat rolls), and fresh seafood. Local olive oil is also a must-try.
Yes, there are several excellent gelato shops. Cremeria La Scala is a popular choice mentioned by visitors,
offering delicious flavors to cool down with.Piazza della Libertà offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes for coffee and pastries to restaurants with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Dining prices in Ostuni can vary. Restaurants in the main piazza might be slightly more expensive, but you can find excellent, more affordable options by exploring the smaller side streets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Ostuni Cathedral
Recent discoveries, aided by advanced technology like laser scanning, have even revealed hidden architectural features, such as walled-up rose windows and forgotten windows, offering new insights into the cathedral's past. This ongoing exploration highlights the importance of preserving such historical treasures. While the cathedral is a significant landmark, be aware that its opening hours can sometimes be unpredictable, a point noted by some travelers.
Exploring the 'White City' (Città Bianca)
Getting lost in these charming streets is part of the Ostuni experience. Each turn reveals new vistas, hidden courtyards, and charming artisan shops. Comfortable footwear is essential, as the cobblestone paths can be uneven and steep. The Piazza della Libertà serves as the vibrant heart of the old town, a perfect spot to pause, enjoy a coffee or gelato, and soak in the lively atmosphere of local life. From various vantage points within the old town, you can also capture stunning panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and the distant Adriatic Sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit