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The Cathedral, in Piazza Basilica, arguably represents not only Otranto’s geographic centre, but particularly its cultural and spiritual heart. Perhaps its most celebrated feature is the extraordinary mosaic floor, laid in the second half of the twelfth century under the leadership of Pantaleone, a Basilian monk, and very well preserved. It spans most of the three naves, representing the path from the Original Sin to human salvation along the Tree of Life. It is one of the most important works of Italian High Middle Ages Art, with beautiful images that are rich of theological and mythological references.
Under the main Cathedral, a smaller crypt is found that is part of the original foundations, and is characterized by the dense arrangement of columns and pillars (about seventy). It has recently been completely restored.
Otranto Castle (Castello Aragonese), with its imposing masts, is only a short walk from the Pied-à-terre. It is an integral part of the old city walls and was built in successive stages into a masterpiece of military architecture. It inspired the first gothic novel in history, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole (1764). Nowadays it is a venue for exhibitions and presentations.
The Pied-à-terre is very close to the sea: the elegant seaside promenade (the Heroes’ promenade, named after the local leaders of the resistance to the Turkish siege of 1480) is some 100 meters away, and just beyond it is one of the most popular bathing areas of Otranto. A little farther are other public beaches (both free and fee-charging, the latter providing changing rooms, showers, chairs, sunbeds, beach umbrellas etc). Also within easy reach is the harbour to the South of Otranto bay, from which local cruises depart or yachts may be chartered.
Otranto centre is rich in bars, restaurants and fashionable shops. There are a number of public WiFi access points, some of them free, as well as Internet cafés.

Otranto may be easily reached from the Salento capital (Lecce) by car, train, and, during the holiday season, by coach (Salento In Bus). If required, please ask for timetables.
A few miles South of Otranto the ruins may be found of the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Casole. Dating from the XI century or even earlier, it is one of the sites of greatest historical, cultural and artistic relevance in Salento. Whilst regrettably only sparse ruins are visible at present, in the High Middle ages it was one of the key cross-roads between the Greek and Roman worlds, celebrated for its rich library. A major archaeological effort is urgently needed to explore in full and bring back to fruition this remarkable site.
The beautiful coast reaching Cape Leuca to the South (at the tip of Salento), rich in often small and picturesque rocky bays and beaches, may be most easily explored by car.
Bike rental is also available in Otranto.