The ancient village of Cisternino has an almost intact medieval layout. Starting from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, with its beautiful Clock Tower, the village is divided into four 'neighbourhoods': Bère Vécchie, Scheledd, u Pantène, and L'ìsule. Porta Grande is the main entrance to a maze of alleyways, whitewashed houses, steps, balconies, open galleries and arches.
Walking through the historic centre of Cisternino, one cannot but catch the aroma of roast meat, typical of the area, and in particular the 'bombette', pork neck rolls.