Title: Otranto Cathedral in Otranto Historic Centre - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Otranto Cathedral Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Otranto-Cathedral-Hotels.0-l6155923-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Otranto Cathedral Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Otranto-Cathedral.d6155923.Car-Rental-Guide)[Otranto Historic Centre Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Otranto-Historic-Centre.d553248623284752356.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Otranto Cathedral Tours and Activities ![Otranto Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156766-Otranto-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Otranto Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156759-Otranto-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Otranto Cathedral showing interior views, religious elements and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156769-Otranto-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Otranto Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156762-Otranto-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Otranto Cathedral which includes interior views, religious elements and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156771-Otranto-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Otranto Cathedral Activities * * * * * * #### Trace the stories of Otranto’s martyrs and marvel at beautifully preserved mosaics in a spectacular church on the town’s historic waterfront. Otranto Cathedral, once a stop on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, is one of the most important landmarks in the town. Learn about the history of Otranto while admiring the church’s stunning architecture, historic artwork and moving burial sites. Most famously, its floor is decorated with a vast mosaic covered in mysterious images. This Romanesque church was built in the 11th century on the remains of a Roman house. Since then, the cathedral has survived several sieges and attacks against Otranto, a town whose geographic location made it susceptible to invasion. Before entering, take a moment to study the exterior. Although it is much more restrained than many cathedral façades, the exterior does include some elegant features, including a rose window and an entrance framed by a Baroque portal with Corinthian columns. Enter the church to see the spectacular mosaic floor. Commissioned in 1163, this immaculately detailed artwork features imagery from different religions and traditions. Study the mosaic, which covers most of the church, to find pictures of Hercules and Alexander the Great alongside biblical figures such as Adam and Eve. The giant mosaic has several strange images and words, which have inspired many visitors to try and decode its mysteries. Find mythical creatures on the tree of life in the nave and images in the apse of the struggle between Christ and the Devil. Turn your gaze upward from the floor toward the wooden ceiling of the cathedral. Intricately painted octagons and crosses form a beautiful pattern that covers the entire nave. Visit the Chapel of the Dead to see the bones of the Otranto martyrs. During the Sack of Otranto in 1480, over 800 locals were beheaded by the invading Ottomans when they refused to convert to Islam. The martyrs were canonized in 2013 for their act of faith. Otranto Cathedral is open daily, although it often closes for a few hours around midday. Walk to the cathedral from the neighboring Otranto Castle, which is just 3 minutes away on foot. ### Tours & day trips [See all 9 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6155923&location=Otranto+Cathedral&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) ![Full Day Tour to Otranto coast most beautiful Beaches from Lecce](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45920642/d8421b79-944b-4765-84cc-467e82a5be31.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Full Day Tour to Otranto coast most beautiful Beaches from Lecce 8h Free cancellation available CA $211 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/full-day-tour-of-archaeological-sites-by-the-sea-from-lecce.a45920642.activity-details?&rid=6155923&location=Otranto+Cathedral&swp=off) ![Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its Amazing Seacoast from Lecce](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46191601/2b418020-b721-4d87-b658-47a413ed7218.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its 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[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/private-candle-making-experience-in-otranto.a46579820.activity-details?&rid=6155923&location=Otranto+Cathedral&swp=off) ### Popular places to visit ![Otranto Waterfront which includes a city and general coastal views as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156876-Otranto-Waterfront.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Otranto Waterfront Italy’s easternmost town sticks out into the glistening Mediterranean, its waterfront lined with stunning medieval architecture and scenic harbors. [](https://expedia.ca/Otranto-Waterfront-Italy.d6322279.Vacation-Attraction) ![Otranto Castle showing heritage architecture and château or palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/156000/156785-Otranto-Castle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Otranto Castle Gripping Gothic fiction and centuries of fascinating history meet in the formidable walls and towers of Otranto’s impressive medieval castle. [](https://expedia.ca/Otranto-Castle-Otranto-Historic-Centre.d6155925.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cape Palascia Lighthouse](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/3b5aa9f0c49cebd1aa7e5db875c38ecb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape Palascia Lighthouse Learn about the local history of Otranto when you spend time at Cape Palascia Lighthouse. Stroll along the marina or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Cape-Palascia-Lighthouse-Otranto.d553248623506335795.Vacation-Attraction) #### Church of San Pietro After visiting Church of San Pietro, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otranto. Amble within the natural setting or visit the monuments in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Church-Of-San-Pietro-Otranto-Historic-Centre.d553248621533001191.Vacation-Attraction) #### Port of Otranto Explore the waterfront in Otranto with a trip to Port of Otranto. Amble within the natural setting or visit the monuments in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Port-Of-Otranto-Otranto.d553248621563224509.Vacation-Attraction) #### Torre del Serpe You can learn about the history of Otranto with a visit to Torre del Serpe. Amble within the natural setting or visit the spas in this relaxing area. 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