Oria​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Oria
Oria has only a small number of established hotels, with much of the accommodation in the town consisting of B&Bs and smaller residences. For hotel-standard stays, the wider Province of Brindisi offers stronger and more reliable options, particularly in Mesagne and Brindisi.
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In Mesagne, Hotel Blue Rose’s is a modern choice with comfortable rooms, on-site dining and consistently positive reviews for service and convenience (€€). In Brindisi, Hotel Orientale provides centrally located accommodation with well-appointed rooms, a restaurant and good ratings from both business and leisure travellers (€€). Another option in Brindisi is Grande Albergo Internazionale, a longstanding seafront hotel featuring classic interiors, dining facilities and strong feedback for hospitality (€€€).

Where is

Where is Oria?
The town of Oria is situated with the Salento region of Puglia in the Province of Brindisi. It has a population of around 15,000 residents and lies 33 kilometres south west of the city of Brindisi itself.

​Places of interest nearby include Manduria, Grottaglie, Avetrana and San Pancrazio Salentino.
Comune di Oria
Province: Brindisi

Region: Puglia

Population: 14,441 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 84 km²

Elevation: 166 metres​

​Close by: Manduria, Grottaglie, Avetrana, San Pancrazio Salentino

​Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Paolo (14 km)

What People Ask About Oria, Puglia

Is Oria worth visiting?
Yes, Oria is worth visiting for its hilltop historic centre, Swabian castle, and cathedral. The town sits between the Adriatic and Ionian coasts in northern Salento and offers narrow lanes, viewpoints, and a distinctive Jewish quarter (Giudecca).
How do I get to Oria?
Oria has its own train station on the regional line between Brindisi and Taranto. By road, it’s just off the SS7 (E90) with signed exits for the town. Brindisi Airport is roughly 35–40 minutes by car, while Bari Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
What are the main attractions in Oria?
Highlights include the Swabian Castle (Castello di Oria), the Cathedral with its Baroque façade and notable crypt, the Giudecca quarter, and panoramic spots around the historic walls and gates. Small museums and churches round out a compact old town.
When is the Palio di Oria?
The Palio di Oria is typically held in mid-August. It features a historical parade, costumed flag-throwers, and a tournament between the town’s quarters, bringing the medieval past to life in the streets.
Are there beaches near Oria?
Yes. The Ionian coast around Campomarino di Maruggio, Torre Colimena, and San Pietro in Bevagna is about 25–30 kilometres away. The Adriatic side, including the Torre Guaceto area, is roughly 40–45 kilometres from town.
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Discover

Discover Oria
Oria is a historic hill town in the province of Brindisi, positioned between the Itria Valley and the Salento Plain. Its elevated setting gives it wide views over olive groves and farmland that stretch towards the Ionian coast. The old town rises in tiers around a fortified castle, with winding streets, archways, and whitewashed houses that reflect both medieval and Mediterranean influences. The atmosphere is marked by a blend of history, tradition, and southern Apulian character.
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The town is dominated by the Castello Svevo, built by Frederick II in the 13th century, whose towers remain visible from across the surrounding countryside. Oria also preserves traces of its Jewish quarter, ancient gates, and several fine churches, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Baroque façade and richly decorated interior. Its position between Brindisi and Taranto places it on a historic crossroads, making it an important cultural centre within inland northern Salento.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Oria
  • Centro Storico di Oria rises on a gentle hill in northern Salento, its streets winding among whitewashed houses, stone arches, and narrow lanes paved in pale limestone. The town radiates medieval character, with noble façades and glimpses of distant olive groves. Small piazzas reveal hidden gardens and historic wells. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and legend weave together.
  • Castello Svevo dominates Oria’s skyline, an imposing fortress commissioned by Frederick II in the 13th century. Its towers and ramparts recall centuries of noble power and strategic importance. Climbing the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It remains Oria’s proudest symbol of medieval strength.
  • Basilica Cattedrale di Oria stands majestically in the town centre, its baroque façade adorned with ornate sculptures and a graceful dome. Inside are gilded altars, frescoed ceilings, and sacred relics. The cathedral has long shaped Oria’s spiritual life. It remains a cherished emblem of the town’s artistic heritage.
  • Piazza Manfredi serves as Oria’s lively heart, bordered by elegant buildings, cafés, and bustling market stalls. The square hosts festivals, processions, and vibrant gatherings under Salento’s sun. Cobblestones and castle views create classic charm. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Oria.
  • Guided historical and cultural tours in Oria lead visitors through medieval streets, noble palaces, and sites linked to the town’s Jewish and Norman past. Local guides share stories of emperors, knights, and traditional crafts. Tours often include tastings of local olive oil, almond sweets, and Puglian wines. Exploring reveals Oria’s blend of history, legend, and authentic regional spirit.

Tours and Activities

Oria Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Oria
By Rail: Oria has its own train station on the Taranto–Brindisi line, operated by Trenitalia. Regular regional trains connect the town to Brindisi in about 35 minutes and to Taranto in roughly 45 minutes. The station is located on the edge of the town, within walking distance of the historic centre and main amenities.

By Road: Oria is situated in the province of Brindisi, around 35 kilometres west of Brindisi and 45 kilometres east of Taranto. The drive from Brindisi takes approximately 40 minutes via the SS7, while from Taranto it takes around 50 minutes. Parking is available near the town centre and close to the castle area.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Brindisi Salento Airport: Located about 35 kilometres east of Oria, with a journey time of roughly 35 minutes via the SS7. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and European connections.
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Approximately 130 kilometres north of Oria, with a drive of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS16 and SS7. It provides a wide range of international routes and serves as a good alternative for visitors arriving from northern Europe.

Private Transfers

Oria Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Oria, providing a direct and convenient journey without the need to manage public transport or drive yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.

Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are well connected by road, making private transfers an easy option for arrivals and departures. It’s also possible to arrange transfers to nearby destinations such as Francavilla Fontana, Manduria, and Ostuni, or to other towns and cities across the wider Puglia region.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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