Cisternino (BR)
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy - Cisternino, a small and charming town in the Itria Valley, can boast this title.
The white streets of the city centre, located at almost 400 m above sea level, contrast with the lush greenery of the fertile surrounding area. The Itria Valley, which also includes the nearby municipalities of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, is characterized by numerous woods dotted with trulli and ancient farms. From the large and green panoramic terrace Belvedere di Cisternino you can enjoy a fantastic, truly evocative view over the entire valley: seemingly infinite olive groves and countless trulli, the ancient farmhouses with conical roofs characteristic of Puglia.
Cisternino was probably founded in the 5th century by the Messapi. Over the centuries Cisternino was under the dominion of the Normans, the Swabians, the Aragonese and the Bourbons. Worth seeing in Cisternino are the Norman defense tower (Torre Normanna) at the entrance to Cisternino, the church of San Nicola, the church of the Holy Mother Constantinople and, last but not least, the famous and slender clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio ). 'Clock) which overlooks the dominated Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The square is a popular meeting place in the evening to have an aperitif. The town is characterized by white houses that tell a story (similar to Ostuni and Locorotondo); winding courtyards, flowered balconies, countless staircases, stone decorations and typical rotisseries. But also numerous historic buildings, such as the Governor's Palace, the Bishop's Palace (built in 1560), Palazzo Amati, Palazzo Lagravinese, Torre Capece as well as churches and ancient defense towers characterize the urban landscape.
At the table in Cisternino
Cisternino is considered very hospitable and is also known as the excellence of the area with its high quality offer. For this recognition Cisternino was awarded the Orange Flag by the TCI - Italian Touring Club. The orange flag represents a seal of quality intended for smaller cities (up to 15,000 inhabitants). It is tradition in the region to go and eat meat in Cisternino. Here you will find typical restaurants, rotisseries and barbecues with an adjoining butcher's shop, where first the meat is chosen at the counter, then it is prepared for the guest as desired, usually on the grill. They are simpler places, with a rustic and characteristic atmosphere, where you eat very well. A specialty, for example, are the bombette (small meat rolls filled with cheese), accompanied by a nice glass of red wine and finally the homemade almond pastries, which are one of the typical delicacies of Cisternino.
The surroundings of Cisternino
For those who wish to go on excursions and bike tours during their holiday in Puglia, Cisternino and the Itria Valley are ideal for this. A few kilometers from Cisternino are the centers of Locorotondo (known for its excellent white wine), Ostuni (the enchanting White City with a Moorish appearance) and Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
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