A town that breathes baroque
Martina Franca is known for its distinctive Baroque architecture, which is one of the best examples of this style in Puglia. The historic core of the town is made up of a network of narrow streets, small squares and bright houses with typical iron balconies and decorative portals. The façades of the town houses and churches are richly decorated, but at the same time appear balanced and harmonious.
Places not to be missed
The main centre of the action is Piazza Roma, a wide piazza with cafés and elegant palaces that acts as the ideal starting point for a stroll through the city. On its outskirts is the Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the local dukes, now a cultural centre with frescoes and historic halls open to the public. Just a few steps away is St. Martin's Basilica, one of the most important Baroquebaroque buildings in Puglia, whose façade and interior are richly decorated, yet harmonious and balanced. If you like the atmosphere of the Italian streets, you should not miss Via Cavour and Via Garibaldi, the narrow streets of the old town that alternate with small squares, creating an ideal route for a slow stroll and photography.
The kingdom of capocolla
A local speciality is capocollo di Martina Franca, a traditional pork sausage made according to original recipes. The neck meat is first marinated in sea salt and white wine, then lightly smoked on beech wood and flavoured with vine leaves. The result is a delicately spiced and fragrant sausage with a typical dark pink colour and balanced flavour.
Capocollo has a protected designation of origin (IGP) and is one of the most valuable products of Apulian gastronomy. It is best enjoyed thinly sliced with local bread and a glass of Locorotondo DOC white wine.
Summer Festival della Valle d'Itria
Every summer the town hosts the Festival della Valle d'Itria, one of the most important music festivals in southern Italy. The event focuses mainly on opera and classical music, often presenting lesser-known titles or original versions of works not staged elsewhere. Concerts and performances are held in historic squares, palaces and theatres throughout the city, attracting visitors from all over Europe.
Martina Franca is an elegant historic town with distinctive Baroque architecture, a lively centre and an authentic atmosphere that remains off the main tourist routes. It offers fine dining, cultural events and a pleasant environment for exploring and relaxing. Its location in the middle of the Itria Valley makes it an ideal starting point for visiting nearby towns such as Locorotondo, Cisternino or Alberobello. Martina Franca is most easily reached by car from Bari or Brindisi airports, a journey of approximately one hour.
