Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Cisternino is a whitewashed settlement in Puglia. It forms part of the picturesque Valle d’Itria, which is famed for its conical houses known as “trulli”. Cisternino’s Centro Storico has been lovingly preserved, with centuries-old palazzi, storied towers and a cathedral among its attractions.
Things to do in Cisternino
In the heart of Cisternino is the Chiesa Madre di San Nicola, a charming church near Piazza Garibaldi. Its Neoclassical-style facade dates back to the mid-19th century when its predecessor was demolished. Step inside to see the “Madonna of the Goldfinch”, a highly revered statue crafted in 1517. The religious paintings by Barnaba Zizzi and the wooden bas-relief depicting the Madonna della Madia are a must-see.
Nearby is the Ponte della Madonnina, a pedestrian walkway that offers wonderful views of the historic buildings in its surroundings. From here, you can climb to the Belvedere Cisternino for sweeping panoramas across the town. Magnificent views across the trulli-dotted Valle d’Itria are also on offer from the Punto Panoramico dalla Villa.
Cisternino features several historic towers that served a defensive purpose in times gone by. Don’t miss the Torre Normanno Sveva, which is regularly used as a space for events and art exhibitions. While most of the towers were constructed with quadrangular bases, two cylindrical ones, Torre del Vento and Torre Amati, remain today. In the 18th century, Torre Amati was incorporated into the arched facade of the Palazzo Amati.
Getting around Cisternino
Cisternino is around a one-hour drive from Brindisi and Salento Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Cisternino Citta railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Cisternino can easily be explored on foot.