Because of it's strategic location, it is a fortified old city. The ramparts are still in evidence as the new city was built upon the old. The city was invaded by the Islamic Ottoman Turks in 1480, overcoming the fortifications, killing the men and enslaving the women and children. The Ottomans stayed for a year, and then left, never to return again. Thereafter, the fortifications became stronger, but they were never tested.
This "arrow head wall" was part of the new addition. There was a moat around it, but remember the first obstacle was the sea.
The beautiful blue sea.
Like many of the towns we are visiting, the streets are narrow...however, these streets are shiny and clean. Otranto is set up to be a high-end tourist location...it's not for the masses. Apparently, it gets crowded in July and August, but in early June it's just about perfect.
There's a 10th century Romanesque cathedral that is has an unusual mosaic floor that depicts the Tree of Life. It took a monk 10 years to create the mosaic in 900 AD.
I took a few pictures of the floor, which is absolutely amazing.
Some of the animals are fantastical...like this critter...2 legs, wings, on a long necked camel. JK Rowling might have seen this critter when she created a "hippogrif."
A highlight or lowlight (depending on your opinion) is the side chapel that is the ossuary of the 800 men who were killed by the Muslims in 1480. The bones are carefully placed in glassed in windows. These men are martyr heroes of Otranto. Muslims were killing Christiams 500+ years ago ... and they still are. Who says Islam is a peaceful religion? Not me!
I'll end with a postive note on the cathedral...the beautiful ceiling.
This is the ceiling of the crypt under the cathedral. It's very reminiscent of the ceiling at the Cistern in Istanbul. The columns are Roman and like many thngs in ancient times, were reused for this purpose.
The view from the top of the fortress.
A Kindergarten class practicing the national anthem. It's and ancient town with a modern life.
The water is warm and clear.
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