Otranto lies along the Adriatic coast of Salento and is the easternmost city in Italy, standing on the bank of the canal from which it takes its name: the Otranto Canal.
The name derives from the word Hydruntum, which indicates a small river that runs through the Idro valley, although some schools of thought believe that it may instead derive from the name used to indicate a rise that stood near the port area, called Odronto.
Founded by Greek settlers,over the centuries it was conquered by the Lombards, Byzantines, Angevins, Aragons and Turks. It has been under the reign of Venice and also in French hands. A long series of peoples and predominations have thus alternated in the control of the city, which inevitably has retained the marks of these transitions to this day;
One of these testimonies is undoubtedly the imposing Aragonese Castle, an ancient military fortress designed by Ciro Ciri and built between 1485 and 1498 by Fernando I D’Aragona, on the basis of military constructions already present and the work of the Swabians first and the Turks later. The castle has a pentagonal plan, surrounded by a protective moat, has three angular cylindrical towers and a large coat of arms belonging to Charles V above the main entrance. It is currently used as a splendid theater for exhibitions and and cultural events.
From the square where the castle stands, located in the eastern part of the city, the maze of narrow streets and alleys begins to branch off, forming the old town, the oldest and most characteristic part of the city. Walking along these narrow streets gives the impression of being taken back in time, with the little houses, stairways, courtyards, stores, and atmospheres of the past. It is a pleasure to untangle the thousands of tiny streets, discover hidden scenery and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Otranto.
