A Day Off and A Day in Otranto

October 6, 2011  •  Italy, Otranto, Puglia, Travel

20111006-195646.jpg
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…
20111006-195655.jpg
…And connect to this equally funky train to Otranto. From there, it’s amazing how fast 7 hours can go by.
20111006-195704.jpg
Oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous blue green sea of the Adriatic.
20111006-195748.jpg
Enjoying our picnic lunch of leftover meatloaf sandwiches, wine, cheese, and fruit on the pier near the water.
20111006-195801.jpg
Pondering a swim.
20111006-195817.jpg
And then deciding to take a short nap instead.
20111006-195845.jpg
Wandering in to the small historic center of Otranto (now a UNESCO world heritage site).
20111006-195857.jpg
And peering out to try to imagine the invasion by the Turks and what that meant to the thousands who lived here.
20111006-195909.jpg
20111006-195921.jpg
Climbing to the top to see the views…
20111006-200005.jpg
…and listening to Silvestro share history about the region.
20111006-200022.jpg
Marveling at the Dali style art atop this roof in town.
20111006-200107.jpg
And then getting ready to enter the church.
20111006-200124.jpg
20111006-200136.jpg
20111006-200152.jpg
20111006-200201.jpg
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.
20111006-200211.jpg
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.
20111006-200226.jpg
Isn’t this organ cool?
20111006-200241.jpg
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.
20111006-200302.jpg
20111006-200309.jpg
20111006-200317.jpg
20111006-200328.jpg
Don’t you just love people watching when you are on vacation?

Comments

5 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. Barbara says:

    Lovely

  2. 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!

  3. Karen Harris says:

    Kirsten and I enjoyed looking at your photos. Looks like a great day in a beautiful city. Safe journey.

  4. 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

Add a Comment