Across the street from our apartment in Otranto, there was a small church that was attached to a luxury B&B.  While I didn’t get the chance to see any of the hotel space, the church was lovely.  The Corte di Nettuno is another high-end hotel/B&B, which also features a restaurant.This ship/sculpture, made out of iron and sheets of glass, fascinated me!  On a wide section of the town wall, a working vegetable garden has been planted.  It made for a nice stroll, as it is possible to walk along the top of the wall, at this point. Walking along this part of the wall, one eventually comes to the Castello Aragonese.  The Castello Aragonese dates back to 1485.  It is possible to tour the castle on your own, by simply buying a ticket.  I highly recommend doing this!  Also, for those who love to read, what is considered to be the world’s first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto, by Horace Walpole, takes place right here.  While some of the rooms in the castle are barren of furniture, others house art and historical exhibits.  After we had finished with the castle, we decided to head up to Otranto’s other jewel (or one of its other jewels, I should say).  Almost everyone who visits this city makes a stop at the Cattedrale dell’Annunziata, or Otranto’s Duomo.  This church is spectacular!  The church is situated on the highest point of the city, so it is an uphill walk until you reach the lovely piazza on which it sits.The Cathedral was built between 1080 and 1088.  One of the main reasons that people flock to see it is the incredible mosaic floor.  The floor was done between 1163 and 1195 by a monk, Pantaleone.  It is an amazing achievement!  Understandably, the public is only allowed to walk along certain sections.  The mosaics represent the Tree of Life, as well as scenes from the Old Testament.  While it might be tempting to spend one’s entire time, while in the church, staring down at the floor, the rest of the building is also quite beautiful.  The Altar of Cristo Risorto is lovely, with its multi-colored stones.  Walking along the northern coastline of the city, one is treated to spectacular views!  

Next up: More from Otranto, including the Faro di Punta Palascia, and the incredible Laghetto di Bauxite!

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.  If you enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from bella Puglia, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!