Otranto is a seaport and archiepiscopal see of Apulia, Italy, in the province of Lecce, from which it is 291 miles southeast by rail, 49 ft. above sea-level. Otranto is situated on the east coast of the Salento peninsula. The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea.
The castle was erected by Alfonso I of Aragon; the cathedral, consecrated in 1088, has a rose window and side portal of 1481. The interior, a basilica with nave and two aisles, contains columns said to come from a temple of Minerva and a fine mosaic pavement of 1166, with interesting representations of the months, Old Testament subjects, etc. It has a crypt supported by forty-two marble columns. The church of S. Pietro has Byzantine frescoes. The harbour is small and has little trade.
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Its origins are very ancient, and it was the main town of the Giudicato of Arborea, an independent district self-governed from the 10th to 14th century.
It has a poor economy, largely focused on fishing.
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It is the home of Rugby Rovigo.