# Otranto > Italian comune **Wikidata**: [Q52174](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52174) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otranto) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/otranto ## Summary Otranto is an Italian comune located in the province of Lecce, Apulia, and is part of the country of Italy. It is known for its historical significance, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto and the Otranto Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century. The town is also situated near the Strait of Otranto, a key maritime strait connecting the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. ## Key Facts - Located in the province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy. - Part of the country of Italy, which is a sovereign state and parliamentary republic. - Home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, established in 700 AD. - Features the Otranto Cathedral, built in 1401. - Situated near the Strait of Otranto, a strait connecting the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. - Population estimates range from 5,631 to 5,799 residents. - Coordinates: 40.147825° N, 18.485933° E. - Official website: [http://www.comune.otranto.le.it](http://www.comune.otranto.le.it). - Sitelink count: 72. - Related to the comune of Italy and the association of The most beautiful villages in Italy. ## FAQs **What is the historical significance of Otranto?** Otranto holds historical significance as the site of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, established in 700 AD, and the Otranto Cathedral, built in 1401. The town is also strategically located near the Strait of Otranto, a key maritime route connecting the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. **What are the key landmarks in Otranto?** The key landmarks in Otranto include the Otranto Cathedral, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, and the Strait of Otranto, which serves as a vital maritime connection between Italy and Albania. **How does Otranto contribute to Italy’s cultural heritage?** Otranto contributes to Italy’s cultural heritage through its historical landmarks, such as the Otranto Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, as well as its strategic location near the Strait of Otranto, which has influenced maritime trade and cultural exchange. ## Why It Matters Otranto is significant for its historical and cultural contributions to Italy. The town is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, one of the oldest in the country, and the Otranto Cathedral, a notable religious landmark. Additionally, its location near the Strait of Otranto makes it a crucial point for maritime trade and cultural exchange between Italy and Albania. Otranto’s historical and geographical importance underscores its role in Italy’s broader cultural and economic landscape. ## Notable For - Being the site of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, established in 700 AD. - Housing the Otranto Cathedral, built in 1401. - Its strategic location near the Strait of Otranto, a key maritime route between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. - Being part of the association of The most beautiful villages in Italy, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. ## Body ### Geography and Location Otranto is situated in the province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy, with coordinates at 40.147825° N, 18.485933° E. The town is located near the Strait of Otranto, a strait that connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and separates Italy from Albania. This geographical position makes Otranto a significant point for maritime trade and cultural exchange. ### Historical Significance Otranto holds historical significance as the site of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, which was established in 700 AD. The town is also home to the Otranto Cathedral, built in 1401, which serves as a notable religious landmark. These historical features contribute to Otranto’s cultural heritage and its role in Italy’s broader historical narrative. ### Cultural Heritage Otranto’s cultural heritage is enriched by its historical landmarks, including the Otranto Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto. The town is also part of the association of The most beautiful villages in Italy, which highlights its historical and cultural significance. These elements collectively underscore Otranto’s importance in Italy’s cultural landscape. ### Administrative and Political Affiliation Otranto is an Italian comune, part of the province of Lecce in Apulia. It is governed by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Otranto, which has been a significant religious institution in the region since 700 AD. The town’s administrative and political affiliation with Italy and its historical religious institutions contribute to its unique identity. ### Population and Demographics Otranto has a population of approximately 5,631 to 5,799 residents, as estimated by various sources. The town’s demographics reflect its historical and cultural significance, as well as its strategic location near the Strait of Otranto. ### Related Entities Otranto is related to several other entities, including the comune of Italy, which encompasses all municipal divisions of Italy, and The most beautiful villages in Italy, an association of small Italian towns of historical interest. These connections highlight Otranto’s role within Italy’s broader administrative and cultural framework. ### Infrastructure and Transport Otranto is served by Otranto railway station, which facilitates transportation within the region. The town also has several human settlements, including Conca Specchiulla and Porto Badisco, which contribute to its infrastructure and connectivity. ### Digital Presence and Online Resources Otranto has an official website at [http://www.comune.otranto.le.it](http://www.comune.otranto.le.it), which provides information about the town’s administration and services. The town’s digital presence and online resources help residents and visitors access relevant information about Otranto. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. MusicBrainz 5. Italian National Institute of Statistics 6. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 7. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it) 8. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224) 9. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 10. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php) 11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 12. Seismic classification in Italy 13. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)