"Otranto" is a novel written by Horace Walpole in 1764, often considered the first Gothic novel. The story is set in a mysterious castle in Italy and follows the adventures of a young nobleman named Theodore as he attempts to rescue Isabella, a beautiful heiress, from the clutches of the villainous Count Alfonso. The novel features supernatural elements, including ghosts and a cursed castle, which contribute to its eerie atmosphere. "Otranto" explores themes of love, power, and the conflict between reason and emotion, influencing many later works in the Gothic genre and shaping the literary landscape of the 18th century.