Excursion Otranto walking tour tour at Otranto

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Discover one of the most beautiful ancient cities in southern Italy on-foot during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.


Otranto Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a scenic walking tour of Otranto, one of the most charming and historic locales in southeast Italy. Otranto was one of Ancient Rome's leading ports for its trade with Asia Minor and Greece, and an important foothold of the Byzantine Empire in Italy. In 1070, Otranto fell under Norman rule, and was destroyed by the Saracens in 1480.


Cathedral, Floor Mosaic, Chapel of Beati Martiri, Crypt

Your first stop is at the Cathedral, which rises atop of the small town and was built to be one of the most outstanding churches in Apulia. Its crypt was erected in 1088 and the church was completed about a century later; a time of great prosperity for this small town. During your guided tour of the Cathedral, marvel at the magnificent floor mosaic. One of the biggest in Europe, it was created by Priest Pantaleone between 1163 and 1165. In the Cathedral, step into the Chapel of Beati Martiri. The chapel and crypt house the mortal remains of 800 locals slain by the Saracens for refusing to renounce their faith.


Aragonese Castle, Ancient Walls, Bastions, Church of St. Peter, Frescoes, Old Town, Free Time

Next, an exterior visit is made to the Aragonese Castle, the old fortress of Otranto. From here, walk along the Ancient Walls and their bastions en route to the 9th-century Byzantine Church of St. Peter, renowned for its beautiful frescoes. Following your guided tour, some free time is made available to explore the Old Town at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short walk back to the pier.


Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles-two miles (about 2.4 kilometres-3.2 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone and slippery surfaces, with ten steps at St. Peter's Church to access Main Street, 20 steps at the Cathedral's Crypt and 20 steps along the Ancient Walls. Walking in Otranto is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection is recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the Cathedral and St. Peter's Church; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside the churches during services. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Guests may have the chance to visit the churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not allowed to enter and talk during services. Photography and videography are prohibited inside the churches.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Otranto downtown, Cathedral, Floor Mosaic, Chapel of Beati Martiri, Crypt, Aragonese Castle, Ancient Walls, Bastions, Church of St. Peter, Frescoes, Old Town

Note

This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles-two miles (about 2.4 kilometres-3.2 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone and slippery surfaces, with ten steps at St. Peter's Church to access Main Street, 20 steps at the Cathedral's Crypt and 20 steps along the Ancient Walls. Walking in Otranto is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection is recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the Cathedral and St. Peter's Church; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside the churches during services. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Guests may have the chance to visit the churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not allowed to enter and talk during services. Photography and videography are prohibited inside the churches.