OSTUNI

The so-called "white city"  rises on the top of a hill with steep faces. Its name, according to tradition, derives from the Greek "Astu-neon", new city, probably built, two thousand years ago, on the rests of a more ancient city. Its extremely strategic position and easily defensible, has attracted also the Messapicis, which were very capable builders of cities and roads. Besides, in the territory were discovered structures and ceramics of imperial Roman age and medieval. But surely the territory of Ostuni has been inhabited since more ancient epochs. This is proven by important prehistoric installation near the crypt of S. Maria of Agnano, in which have been found the rests of a young Paleolithic  woman (around 24.000 years ago), and by the numerous caves in which ceramic and bony finds have been recovered. The defensive demands have dictated the physiognomy of the city, of the house, one really close the other, the domuses palatiate, the residences on more floors, all of these to exploit at the best the available space within the boundaries.