Ostuni, Apulia, Italy

© Feng Wei Photography/Getty Image

The 'White City' of Apulia. Ostuni, Apulia, Italy

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea, here is a historic city that enchants visitors with its labyrinth of whitewashed buildings, winding alleyways and a sun-drenched piazza. Welcome to Ostuni, in the Apulia region of Italy. Apulia is a southeastern area of the country, located in the 'heel of Italy's boot.' It has the longest coastline of any mainland region in the country and is home to numerous attractions, including beaches, cliffs and charming cities like the one we see in today's image.

Known as the 'White City,' Ostuni's white facades serve a practical purpose—reflecting the sun's rays to keep interiors cool. The centre of the city features the Gothic-style Ostuni Cathedral, which boasts an intricate rose window dating back to the 15th century. Nearby, the Diocesan Museum, opened in 2017, houses treasures from local churches and monasteries, including Byzantine icons, Apulian sculptures and an 18th-century wax Crucifix. Piazza della Libertà, Ostuni's lively hub, is home to the Column of Saint Oronzo, honouring the patron saint who saved the city from the plague in 1657. Whether you're drawn by history or simply love wandering through idyllic streets, Ostuni has something for everyone.