Cisternino is on the list of Italy’s borghi piu belli and it’s not hard to see why. Whilst its outskirts may appear bland and rather uninspired, in the town’s historic centre, Cisternino’s whitewashed houses and narrow streets provide a blank canvas for the plethora of brightly coloured flowers that cascade down from window boxes and balconies throughout the town. Charming and delightful, Cisterino’s historic centre has remained unchanged for centuries.
The town has a real quaintness to it and, whilst we always find the pace of life wonderfully slow in Puglia, in Cisternino it seems to be even slower still. This is part of the reason that we think Cisternino is one of Puglia’s best kept secrets. To see it at its liveliest, visit on a Summer’s evening when you’ll find the locals enjoying their daily passeggiata and you’ll witness the bars, restaurants and cafes slowly filling up.
Take the time to explore its narrow streets and to take in the views from the many viewpoints that look down over the surrounding countryside. The town spirals up to nearly 400 metres above sea level so the views from its highest points are stunning.
Tick off our top 10 things to see and do in Cisternino to make sure you don’t miss any of its delights.
1. Walk through Cisternino’s gates
Arched gates provide access to Cisternino’s historic centre. The most famous of these is the Porta Piccola on the north side of the town. Once inside, Cisternino is very much the sort of town you just need to meander around and enjoy. It’s impossible to get lost – eventually you will find a piazza you recognise! One of the best ways to explore it is to enjoy a guided walking tour. Our favourite is this two hour Cisternino walking tour.
2. Take a stroll across the Ponte della Madonnina
The Ponte della Madonnina is often described as a bridge but, in fact, with a staircase in the centre of it, it’s more of a raised promenade than a bridge, rising above Cisternino’s main road.
It’s a very pretty part of the town to explore, with picturesque buildings on both sides to admire and plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes to sample.
3. Admire the Chiesa di San Nicola di Patara
Like so many of Italy’s towns, there are a number of religious buildings worth visiting in Cisternino. The main church in Cisternino is the 14th century Church of San Nicola di Patara, also referred to as the Chiesa Madre. Its Neo-classical exterior is relatively plain and unassuming whilst inside you’ll find a simple but charming Romanesque interior. Make a point of discovering the early 16th century sculpture of the Madonna and Child by local artist Stefano Putignano that it is home to. It’s an excellent example of Apulian Renaissance art.
4. Learn about Cisternino’s history in the Torre Normanno Sveva
This Norman Swabian tower faces the Chiesa di San Nicola di Patara. Dating back to the 12th to 14th centuries, it was supposedly built by Frederick II of Swabia as a look out tower. At one point Cisternino was surrounded by defensive walls and this would have been just one of twelve towers that served to defend the town. These days, it is the setting for weddings, exhibitions and events. It also provides visitors with a chance to learn more about the history of Cisternino within the three rooms inside.
5. Take in the views from the Villa Communale Guiseppe Garibaldi
The Villa Communale is Cisternino’s main park. In the centre is a war memorial dating back to 1924. This is surrounded by green spaces, well-manicured lawns, mature trees and plants.
However, as lovely as the gardens are to sit and relax in, many visit not to admire the gardens themselves but actually to take in the fantastic views that it enjoys over the Southern Itria Valley. Down below you’ll see a swathe of olive trees and trulli.
6. Enjoy some people watching in the Piazza dell’ Orologio
At the heart of the town is the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, or more affectionately the Piazza dell’ Orologio thanks to the clock that you will find here. It’s a charming little piazza and well worth a stop to enjoy a drink in one of the little cafes that it is home to.
7. Keep a look out for Cisternino’s other towers
Whilst the Torre Normanno Sveva may be Cisternino’s most famous tower, it’s not the only one still standing. Also keep your eyes peeled for the cylindrical Torre Amati, the Torre Capece (also known as the Torre del Vento) as well as the Chiesa Nuova. Of these the Torre Amati is probably the hardest to spot since it was incorporated into the building of the Amati Palace.
8. Sample the local food
If you are feeling a bit peckish in Cisternino, you don’t need to go to a restaurant. Instead, opt to visit one of the town’s barbecuing butchers – fornello pronto – where you choose your meat, take a seat outside and the butcher will cook it to perfection for you. It’s an experience unique to Cisternino. We recommend you opt for the bombette which are small parcels of meat filled with mince, ham and cheese or for the zambina. These are circular parcels of beef, pork and lamb.
9. Pass by the Porta Piccola
Referred to by the locals as the Porta Piccenne, as the name would suggest, the Porta Piccola is a small door. Once upon a time it would have been the main gate into the village. These days, it’s a small archway among other buildings near to the Palazzo del Governatore. To make it easier to spot, look out for two signposts. On the left is the red sign indicating the Borghi piu belli d’Italia whilst the brown sign indicates the Centro Storico. Above these is the sign for the door itself. Just past the door, look up and you will see the Governor’s Palace.
10. Visit the Chiesa di Santa Lucia
This is another of Cisternino’s churches. Dating back to the 17th century, visitors could actually easily walk past without even realising that it is a church as, in many ways it looks more like a regular house, with the exception of the circular fresco above the door and a tiny bell on the rooftop. It’s home to some lovely frescos, albeit these are in need of restoration.
Tempted to check out Cisternino for yourself? Then Bookings For You have a range of Cisternino villa rentals which are the perfect base to explore not just Cisternino but the wider Valle d’Itria in Puglia.
Where to stay in Cisternino
Trullo Geco is a beautiful three bedroom trullo situated just outside Cisternino on the road to Locorotondo. Inside the neutral decor is elegant, calming and relaxing whilst outside guests can relax by the private pool within immaculately presented garden.
