Otranto

Otranto straddles the mouth of the Idro River in Apulia, and its position at Italy’s eastern edge made it a strategic port across the Strait of Otranto. The walled old town rises above a small harbour, enclosed by the Aragonese Castle, whose present form reflects rebuilding after the Ottoman attack of 1480. In Otranto Cathedral, a vast 12th-century floor mosaic by the monk Pantaleone unfolds around a Tree of Life, with biblical scenes, animals and legendary figures. The cathedral also preserves the relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, commemorating people killed during that siege. South of town, the Salento coast continues between limestone headlands and coves. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Otranto and the Salento peninsula.

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