It is found in fantastic location on a rise on the southern edge of the Murgia, Apulia’s karst plateau:
the gorgeous Baroque town of Martina Franca, a place to visit if you are interested in culture and/or culinary delicacies.
It is found in fantastic location on a rise on the southern edge of the Murgia, Apulia’s karst plateau:
the gorgeous Baroque town of Martina Franca, a place to visit if you are interested in culture and/or culinary delicacies.
Visitors to Martina Franca are fascinated by the large number of Baroque buildings.
A stunning example in Piazza Plebiscito - impressive Basilica di San Martino and its high relief San Martino e il povero (St. Martin and the beggar). Stop inside the basilica and take a look at the multi-color marble altar and elegant, late-Baroque style chapel del Sacaramento.
Palazzo dell’Università with its famous clock tower is located right next to the church. A little further on, Piazza Maria Immacolata fascinates you with its gorgeous arcades.
While strolling through the town, you pass the impressive gate Porta Sant’Antonio, which ‘points the way’ to Piazza XX Settembre. Palazzo Ducale in this piazza is another example of Baroque architecture; its rooms were lavishly decorated by the painter Domenico Carella in 1776. Today it houses municipal offices and is the seat of the municipal council.
As early as the times of the Kingdom of Naples in the 18th century, the town was famous for its pork cold cut Capocollo, which in 2000 received the Slow Food award.
The pork, meat from pigs raised under the best of conditions, is marinated in Vincotto, a condiment of thickened grape must, seasoned with herbs from the Murgia dei Trulli and then left to rest in a natural casing for ca. 15 days. Finally the meat is smoked and then stored for three months. Buon appetito!
In summer, the air at Martina Franca is literally pervaded by art and history.
If you love classical music and opera, and if by chance you are nearby, don't miss out on the Festival delle Valle d'Itria, which takes place every year between mid July and August. Its large offer includes unpublished operas, concerts, auteur cinema and religious music.
More information and a calendar of events are found at www.festivaldellavalleditria.it.
Tourist information: Piazza XX Settembre 3
Market days: Wednesday and Saturday
Antique market: every 3rd Sunday of a month
Our accommodations are located near Martina Franca at Selva di Fasano, Cisternino and Ostuni.
Contact us by email or phone (Mon - Fri 09:30 h - 17:00 h):
0049 941 / 56 76 46-0
