Ostuni
Eighteen kilometers South of Masseria Poesia lies Ostuni, the "white city," on the border between the Valle d'Itria and Salento. The FEE has awarded it the blue banner and Legambiente its "sails" for the cleanliness of its coastal waters and the quality of the services offered. In one of the caves that were inhabited by prehistoric man the 28.000-year old skeletons of a woman and her unborn baby have been found. Its historic roots go back to the the seventh-century BC settlement of the auchtonous Messapi people. Frederick II made Ostuni an important part of his imperial defence system in Puglia, which was enlarged to include the port of Villanova in the twelfth century.
With its rich historical past Ostuni now attracts many tourists in all seasons. Its hinterland is littered with masserie (originally fortified farm houses). The Regional Park of the Coastal Dunes stretches along the sea.
The “national” Puglese dish of purée of dried broad beans with cooked bitter herbs (fave e cicoria) has its origins here.
Its thriving agriculture includes the production of olive oil, cherries, almonds, stud farms (the sturdy and beautiful Murgese horses) and wine (Malvasia, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Ottavianello): APULIA WINES STREETS. The weekly market on Saturday morning is a pleasure to visit, and not only for who is looking for a bargain. Every second Sunday of the month sees the antiques market.
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