Pope to Puglia Martano to Otranto – 12 km

Posted byEdward and PaulaPosted inUncategorized

We are back by the sea at the small town of Otranto, population 5,000 that swells up to 100,000 during the high season.  It is a stunningly beautiful town with a broad, marble boardwalk along the shore, lined with restaurants and gelaterie, the length of its harbor.  It is home to a significant Romanesque Basilica and an Aragonese castle.  The 11th century basilica sports an elaborate tree of life mosaic on the floor of the main nave representing the history of Otranto in gory and suggestive detail.   The docent in Lecce recommended we visit the crypt, that dates to the single digits, it did not disappoint.  On our way back to the hotel after dinner we were drawn by the sounds of a Kyrie Eleison.  We tucked into the side entrance of the basilica to listen to the choir ensemble practice.  The acoustics were magnificent. 

10 thoughts on “Pope to Puglia Martano to Otranto – 12 km”

  1. What a gorgeous place; I had no idea. A sharp contrast it would seem, even in high season, with the madhouse of crowds yesterday in Rome at the Pantheon and Trevi. Thanks!
    Esther and Sam

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  2. The photos of Martano/Otranto are wonderful. Your tour-guide reporting is excellent. You may just have found a post-retirement gig.

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    1. Hi Edward and Paula, I hope this work on at least this one device. I loved the photos of the delightful Basilica. But I am still stuck on the concept of a “marble boardwalk”. What kind of upscale beach town is this? If swimmers walk on it in barefeet, don’t they slip and slide? I guess if they are very hot, they could lie down on it to cool off. I am going to suggest it to the “city fathers” of Rehobeth.

      Sending love to you guys!

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