A Day Off and A Day in Otranto
October 6, 2011 • Italy, Otranto, Puglia, Travel
After three full days of cooking at the castle, the day off for sightseeing in Otranto is usually a very welcome break in the action. From Lecce we just take a taxi there, but from Spongano, you board this funky train to Maglie…
…And connect to this equally funky train to Otranto. From there, it’s amazing how fast 7 hours can go by.
Oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous blue green sea of the Adriatic.
Enjoying our picnic lunch of leftover meatloaf sandwiches, wine, cheese, and fruit on the pier near the water.
Pondering a swim.
And then deciding to take a short nap instead.
Wandering in to the small historic center of Otranto (now a UNESCO world heritage site).
And peering out to try to imagine the invasion by the Turks and what that meant to the thousands who lived here.
Climbing to the top to see the views…
…and listening to Silvestro share history about the region.
Marveling at the Dali style art atop this roof in town.
And then getting ready to enter the church.
The mosaic floor is the largest in Europe, and the ceiling is equally impressive. I can’t possibly do it justice here, nor can I adequately convey the history and meaning behind it. You just need to add this to your list of must see places in the world.
What I can share is that 800 Christians were martyred here in a single day after the Turks invaded, and the skulls are kept here in honor.
Isn’t this organ cool?
There is a chapel downstairs with one of the more rare black Madonnas in it. And there’s lots of shopping in Otranto when you finish seeing the historical sites. As we sipped our beers, soft drinks, and late afternoon espresso macchiatos, I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of these adorable little sisters playing and chatting along the water’s edge.
Don’t you just love people watching when you are on vacation?
Comments
5 Comments • Comments Feed
Barbara says:
Lovely
October 6, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Sharon Mehrtens says:
I am “hungering” for more posts from you. This blog is fantastic! I do miss you, but at the same time, I can’t wait to see your next blog from your trip. I am having a wonderful time vicariously, and feel almost there.
Tim and I are taking your hubby out tonight to go see Pete play at the “Summit”. We’ll be thinking of you!
October 7, 2011 at 10:02 am
Karen Harris says:
Kirsten and I enjoyed looking at your photos. Looks like a great day in a beautiful city. Safe journey.
October 7, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Patty O'Neill says:
Hey Michelle, It was great meeting you, Jenny, and all the rest of the foodies from the States you brought with ya. Great Photos. Wish I was back in Puglia! I especially love your photos of the little girls and Jenny pondering a swim in Otranto!
Best regards,
Patty ‘O
October 11, 2011 at 4:19 am
Michele says:
Great to meet you too Patty!
October 12, 2011 at 6:32 am