Ostuni is  a picturesque city located on the Adriatic Sea. It is often referred to as the “White City” due to its historic center, which is characterized by its whitewashed buildings and narrow, winding streets. Perched on top of a hill, Ostuni offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea.

The city has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Over the centuries, Ostuni has been influenced by various cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Byzantines, each leaving their mark on the city’s architecture and culture. The main attractions in Ostuni is its historic center, known as “La Città Vecchia” or “The Old Town.” This area is a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets lined with charming houses, restaurants, and shops. The white buildings, adorned with ornate balconies and flower-filled terraces, create a really enchanting atmosphere.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. The cathedral features a beautiful rose window and an intricately decorated interior. Nearby is the Bishop’s Palace, a medieval fortress that now serves as a museum showcasing local history and art.

Ostuni is surrounded by a scenic landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. It is here, however, that we started to notice dead olive trees. A parasite has been causing significant damage to olive trees in the region of Puglia. It is a bacterium that is spread by insects which feeds on the plants and transmit the bacteria from infected to healthy trees. Apparently, the impact on the olive industry in Puglia has been devastating. Countless olive trees have died and as a result, a significant decline in olive oil production. Efforts are also underway to develop resistant olive tree varieties and find sustainable solutions to manage the disease.

With its 60 million olive trees, Puglia used to produce up to 50% of Italy’s olive oil, but in just a few years, the parasite has infected and killed 21 million trees, many of which were several centuries old.