Ostuni, Italy

Ostuni is a white washed walled city situated just inland on the Murgia plateau in the Puglia region. It is referred to as the La Cita Bianca, "The White City". It was resettled by the Greeks after it was destroyed in the Punic Wars. 

The old city demands that the buildings are repainted every year to keep up its pristine white appearance.

Passing through the gate, which leads into the old town, we came across another example of a helpful Italian. I was carrying a bag of dog waste and a car stopped right next to us and rolled down his window. We understood only one word he said, "cane", Italian for dog. Immediately I thought, are dogs not allowed in Ostuni?!?  Of course they were! He was just trying to point out where the garbage was to drop Bogi's waste, then off he sped in his Fiat Punto!

The city was beautiful, with clean limestone pathways and newly planted flowers that popped against the white backdrop. 

Ostuni is extremely photogenic, the residents really take pride in the asthetics of the building exteriors.

The walkways and tiny streets were architecturally alluring, definitely displaying Greek influence. 

We were glad to visit Ostuni in the sleepy off season, we practically had the streets to ourselves. It was enjoyable to wander and get lost in the web of streets and alleyways.