Driving the Stiletto Heel of Italy - Part 1

Today was another hot and sunny day (29c) as we headed out to explore the Adriatic seaport town of Otranto, take a drive along the coastal road around the heel of Italy to Santa Maria di Leuca, its southern most spot where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea and finally ending up in the island city of Gallipoli located on the Gulf of Taranto before heading inland and back to our lovely Trulli.  It was a very full day but we saw a lot of natural as well as man-made beauty.

Today Otranto is a charming little seaside town filled with happy tourists.  But back on July 28, 1480 it was a very sad place as 150 Turkish ships carrying 18,000 soldiers arrived and lay siege to the town.  After two weeks of fighting the Turks successfully stormed the castle and laid waste to the town and its population.  All males 15 and over were murdered and the women and children were sold into slavery.  Otranto was recaptured by the Italian Christians led by King Ferdinand of Naples in September of 1481.  Today the only invading being done is by friendly tourists.

 Rita on the lower seawall with the fortified wall and old town of Otranto in the background

The massive Porta a Mare (Gate by the Sea), built in the 15th century allows access to the old town from the waterfront.

Otranto Cathedral was built by the Normans in 1088.  During the Turkish invasion of 1480 eight hundred men went inside the church to prey.  When the Turks took the church they were given a choice to convert to Islam or die.  They all chose death and the bones of the martyrs are now housed in seven glass cases inside the church.   

 Looking down at one of the main streets in old town Otrano from its fortified walls.

Looking down at Otranto's medieval walls and the amazing turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea

Otranto's defensive stronghold, Aragonese Castle was completed in 1067 but was reinforced in 1492 with canon towers and stronger walls after the Turkish attack of 1480.


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