Martina Franca

Martina Franca, an elegant town, unique example of Apulian Baroque and Rococo in the whole Itria Valley

The city is the largest of all the villages in the Itria Valley and represents a splendid testimony of Apulian Baroque architecture. As soon as you set foot in Martina Franca you will realize that you are in a completely different place, where the typical white houses of the area alternate with sumptuous palaces, richly decorated with friezes, masks, loggias and balconies carved in wrought iron.

More than one door of the ancient city walls gives access to the historic center of Martina Franca. The main entrance to the city is located on the nineteenth-century Piazza XX Settembre, an ancient market square. Once through the door you will find yourself in Piazza Roma, where you cannot fail to admire the Palazzo Ducale, an admirable example of Baroque architecture. Built in 1668, it is an art treasure chest that contains rooms masterfully decorated with eighteenth-century frescoes. Today the Palace is the seat of the Municipality of Martina Franca, however not yet the opportunity to visit the decorating rooms every day. Entering the atrium you have to go up the large representative staircase that opens on the right and reach the Noble Floor, what was once the Duke’s apartment. In front of your eyes there is an escape of richly frescoed salt, which will leave you speechless. Not to be missed are the Arcadia room, the mythology room and the Bible room.

Continuing along the narrow streets that unfold in the historic center you will meet the Basilica of San Martino, the patron saint of the city is easily understood from the name. The Basilica has an imposing facade and on the same square you will find other admirable examples of Baroque buildings: the University Palace and the Civic Tower. Among the other Baroque buildings we recommend Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo Motolese, Palazzo Maggi, Palazzo Ancona.

Continuing a little further you will find yourself in Piazza Maria Immacolata, called by the locals the Porticoes, with a semicircular arcade shape and neoclassical shapes, distinguished precisely by a succession of thirteen arches. Another suggestive glimpse of the city is the Lama, a white set of spontaneous architectures called “pignon” houses in dialect.