Today we explored Ostuni, known as the "white city". Originally the practice of lime-washing the town served as a means of lightening up the dark, labyrinthine medieval streets but in the 17th century it became a matter of life and death and was used to limit the depredations of the plague.

This city of 32,1000 residents, rises high above the vast olive-carpeted plateau of the lower Murgia. Strong defensive walls and the tumbling clusters of white-washed houses wind around the hillside, at the top of which sits the magnificent Gothic cathedral.

First founded by an indigenous tribe some 600 years before Christ, Ostuni has had a long and varied history but most of what can be seen today dates from between the 1400s and the 1700s.

Wandering through the streets today, it's medieval layout consists of narrow back streets, little passages and flights of steps which makes it physically challenging and easy to lose one's bearings! But it is so charming with the green and blue shutters and doors against the white walls and the views of the Adriatic Sea is stunning!!

I couldn't help but take a picture at almost every street corner and alley.

We stopped for a beer and panini in the main square and then made our way back to our apartment for a rest before going back out later for sunset pictures, which we were told is not to be missed. That was certainly good advice. In the evening, the city not only comes alive with people on the streets but the glow of the city lights shines bright and is dazzling!!

The "White City"