OTRANTO – Day Two

IMG_3905Across 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.  IMG_3906IMG_3907IMG_3908IMG_3909The Corte di Nettuno is another high-end hotel/B&B, which also features a restaurant.IMG_3911IMG_3912IMG_3914IMG_3916IMG_3919IMG_3920IMG_3926IMG_3921This ship/sculpture, made out of iron and sheets of glass, fascinated me!  IMG_3930On 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. IMG_3937 Walking along this part of the wall, one eventually comes to the Castello Aragonese.  IMG_3938IMG_3936The 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.  IMG_3945IMG_3950IMG_3951IMG_3956IMG_3957IMG_3962While some of the rooms in the castle are barren of furniture, others house art and historical exhibits.  IMG_3965IMG_3966IMG_3968IMG_3973IMG_3974IMG_3986IMG_3982IMG_3989After 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!  IMG_3844The 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.IMG_3845IMG_3846IMG_3858IMG_3851IMG_3859IMG_3860The Cathedral was built between 1080 and 1088.  One of the main reasons that people flock to see it is the incredible mosaic floor.  IMG_3995IMG_3996The 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.  IMG_3997IMG_4009The 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.  IMG_3998IMG_3999The Altar of Cristo Risorto is lovely, with its multi-colored stones.  IMG_4007IMG_4023IMG_4032IMG_4034IMG_4043IMG_4051IMG_4063IMG_4066IMG_4070IMG_4072IMG_4077IMG_4079IMG_4086IMG_4092IMG_4108IMG_4114IMG_4116IMG_4117Walking along the northern coastline of the city, one is treated to spectacular views!  IMG_4122IMG_4123IMG_4124IMG_4126IMG_4129IMG_4131IMG_4132IMG_4143IMG_4149IMG_4151IMG_4153

 

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!

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