Attractions Cisternino

The town is steeped in history, from bronze age remains, through Roman times as the town of Sturninum and then ruled over the centuries by various city states (including The Venetians) and dukedoms.

The most important attraction visitors come to see now is the old historical centre, an area of white painted homes, bars and shops dotted along narrow streets and alleys. Cisternino has long since out grown the old quarter with newer buildings the further from the centre you go. The entrance to the "centro storico" is by the 50 plus foot medieval tower "La Torre di Porto Grande" the original gateway in the Via San Quirico opposite the Piazza Giuseppe Garribaldi (where you can get magnificent views over the Valle d'Itria).

To the right of the Norman tower is the 15th Century Chiesa Madre di San Nicola di Patara (Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas of Patara) with origins dating back much further. Unusually for the area, but helpful, you will find information boards outside or on buildings of interest in both Italian and English.

From here you can dive off down any of the side streets and alleyways to explore photogenic scenes or walk straight on into the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the heart of the old quarter and a delightful place to pause for an ice cream or drink, sit in the sun and watch the world go by.

Carrying straight on will take you passed the tiny Church of Saint Lucia, by the Governors Palace, then out through the small gateway the "Porta Piccenne" into the Piazza Mazzini where you can buy a delicious slice of focaccia in the bakers on your right the "Al Vecchio Forno" (the old oven) with a variety of flavours and toppings.

If you arrive on a Monday or Thursday turn right here and you will find the Cisternino Cisternino market coming up the hill of the Corso Umberto  right down to the Via Pietro Gentile and many of the smaller roads to the south (your right Cisternino going downhill) until about 12.30 selling local produce, seasonal vegetables, fruit, clothing, household wares, cheese, meat, plants and various other bits and pieces.

Attractions Cisternino - Attractions in Cisternino, Puglia, Italy. A guide to the attractions both historical and modern in Cisternino, Apulia for visitors to enjoy and see on their vacation, what to see, where to go, for kids and adults.