Ostuni

Ostuni is a town with 31 709 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012) in the province of Brindisi, the Italian region of Puglia. The municipality extends over approximately 223 square kilometers, which corresponds to a population density of 144 inhabitants per square kilometers.

Location

Ostuni is located about eight kilometers inland from the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The village lies on three hills overlooking the olive groves off the Adriatic coast at an average altitude of 223 meters.

History

The area around Ostuni has been inhabited since the Stone Age. It was originally founded by the Messapians and destroyed by Hanibal. From the Greeks, the city was rebuilt. My name comes from the Greek word Astu neon ago ( New City). After the decline of the Roman Empire, the city came under the rule of the Norman Lecce. During this time, the development of a medieval town began around the 229 -meter summit. On the top of a castle was built by the parts are still preserved. In addition, the city walls came with 4 goals. From 1300 to 1463 belonged to the Principality of Taranto and Ostuni from 1507 it passed into the possession of Isabella, Duchess of Bari, via, the wife of Gian Galeazzo Sforza, Duke of Milan.

Under the influence of Isabella Ostuni experienced a boom during the Italian Renaissance. Isabella has provided protection in this time humanists, artists and writers, and also Bishop Giovanni Bovio. Isabealla died 1524 and Ostuni went as a dowry to her daughter Bona Sforza, the future wife of Sigismund I, King of Poland. During the reign of Bona Sforza Ostuni experienced a free and generous guidance. By 1539 they built towers along the coast as protection against anticipated attacks of the Turks, who controlled the Balkans. The surviving towers were always open and interconnected by a beacon.

Attractions

The main attraction is the old town of Ostuni excellently preserved with its picturesque maze of alleys and stairways between the whitewashed town. The center of the old town is the Piazza della Libertà on the border of Old and New Town. There is housed in a former monastery, the town hall and the baroque Oronzo column. Other attractions include the cathedral of the city and the Baroque church of Santa Maria Maddalena. Also worth visiting is the Museum of Civilizations of Preclassica Murgia Meridional, which can come in the präantike agriculture of the western Mediterranean with an insight.

Economy

The main sources of income of the town are tourism, viticulture and olive.

Culture

Because of the prevailing color of the houses in the old town of Ostuni is nicknamed Città Bianca ( White City ). The patron of Ostuni is the Holy Oronzo, whose feast that Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo in every year from 25th to 27th August is celebrated.

Development of the population

Census results

626290
de