Guglia di Sant’Oronzo – the symbol of civic devotion

History and description

Built in 1771 by Giuseppe Greco as a gesture of gratitude to the city’s patron saint, the spire rises about 30 meters high. It is composed of five bases and several levels: the second is decorated with putti and Latin inscriptions, the third with a balustrade featuring statues of other patron saints, and finally the top level adorned with cherubs, crowned by the statue of Saint Oronzo himself.

Curiosities

The statue of the saint, placed at the summit of the obelisk, faces the old town, as if watching over Ostuni, just as he was believed to have done during times of plague and epidemics.

Access

Located in the historic center of Ostuni, the monument is always freely accessible.

How to reach it

The obelisk can be reached by train from Bari to Ostuni, or by car and bus along the SS16 highway.

An example of Baroque art and religious devotion, the Guglia di Sant’Oronzo is a monument to be admired during any journey through Puglia.

Photo credits: Massimo Todaro / Shutterstock.com