Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

Welcome to the absolute pinnacle of Ostuni, the celebrated White City of Puglia. As you stand here in the small, elevated piazza, you are witnessing the architectural culmination of a journey that began at the base of this…

Position yourself directly in front of the main facade to appreciate its unique tripartite composition. Unlike the flat, austere fronts of many Pugliese Romanesque churches, this facade is characterized by a series of elegant,…

The true crown jewel of the Ostuni Cathedral is undoubtedly the magnificent rose window located in the center of the upper facade. This is one of the largest and most intricate rose windows in Italy, and it serves as a profound…

As you step through the main doors, you might experience a sense of surprise. While the exterior is a masterclass in Late Gothic design, the interior reflects the various aesthetic shifts the cathedral has undergone over the…

As you move along the side aisles, take the time to inspect the various chapels that line the walls. These chapels were often sponsored by the town's most prominent families or religious confraternities, and they served as…

Exit the cathedral and turn your attention to the impressive stone archway that spans the narrow street just opposite the facade. This is the Arco Scoppa, an 18th-century addition that serves as a bridge between the Bishop's…

Flanking the cathedral are two other significant structures that complete the religious ensemble of the hilltop: the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) and the Palazzo del Seminario. The Bishop's Palace, which you can see…

As we conclude our tour of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, walk toward the edge of the piazza where the ground begins to drop away toward the sea. From this high vantage point, the 'White City' unfolds beneath you like a…