A lazy start to the morning with coffee and breakfast on the square outside our B&B. Very civilized although apparently Italians don’t drink a second cup of coffee, especially midsized Americano’s. Our request was met with quizzical looks.
Into the car for the one hour drive to Otranto on the south east coast. This time highways only and no stone walls.
Otranto has a violent past since its inception nearly two thousand years ago. Its strategic location close to the south eastern tip of Italy meant it was a prized possession for various empires, raiders and other armies seeking control of shipping lanes and as an entry point to the Italian mainland. The Greeks, Ottoman Empire, Romans, Byzantine and others have all conquered and occupied this region and all have subsequently been repulsed. War and religious persecution have coexisted forever here.
Today the city is a beautiful tourist attraction with beaches, a large marina and a wonderful old town of winding streets.
(if viewing on a phone or tablet click on a photo to get the full picture).
We chose to follow a small section of the coastal hiking trail that took us along the shoreline heading south.
Our turn around point was the Torre del Serpe (Serpent’s Tower), a ruined cylindrical stone watchtower perched on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Its precise origin is debated, with roots possibly tracing back to a Roman oil lighthouse or a medieval structure before it became part of the 16th-century coastal watchtower defense network.
Back to the town – a round trip of about 5 kms. As per normal the old portion of the town was somewhat elevated.
The cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata) was built in the 11th century. The entire floor is covered by a mosaic that was created between 1163 and 1165 by the monk Pantaleon. It depicts the Tree of Life alongside biblical scenes, mythology, the zodiac, and historical figures.
The ceiling is equally impressive.
Otranto is also infamous for a horrific incident in 1840 when 813 inhabitants were beheaded by invading Ottoman forces for refusing to renounce the Christian faith. Reminders of these martyrs appear throughout the town.
Back to Lecce for a rest and some retail therapy for the ladies who, shockingly, chose the same sweater as the latest must have.
Dinner on the square – something about eating outside on a warm evening with the buzz of activity going on around us is very refreshing.
And, of course, a visit to the local ice cream shop to end the evening.
Tomorrow we head back to Bari with planned stops in Ostuni and Monopoli.
