Martina Franca

The capital of Valle d’Itria

A tour of the Itria Valley would not be complete without a stop in Martina Franca. Located on the eastern hills of the Murgia, in the center between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic, Martina Franca has combined art and history since the Neolithic.

Its historic center with dominant white tones is enriched by the magnificent portals of the historic stately buildings in Rococo style, including the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo dell'Università and the Basilica of San Martino. To discover its rural soul, you must instead move away from the historic center and take the country roads where the trulli and wonderful farms appear, framed by imposing dry stone walls.

The heart of Martina Franca is represented by its old town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, welcoming squares and ancient buildings with light stone facades. The baroque arches, historic churches and flower-filled balconies create a unique atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time. One of the most iconic places is the main square, Piazza Plebiscito, surrounded by elegant historic buildings and dominated by the splendid Basilica of San Martino.

Another historical aspect of Martina Franca is its artisan tradition, in particular the workmanship of wrought iron, renowned throughout the world for its quality and elegant design. You can visit local artisan workshops to see artisans at work and purchase unique pieces.

The city is also famous for its "Festival della Valle d'Itria", which attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world in the summer. During this event, you can enjoy opera performances, classical music and open-air concerts in the city's beautiful squares.

Worthy of note are the various agri-food productions in the area, among which the Capocollo of Martina Franca, a Slow Food Presidium, the caciocavallo podolico and the wines based on two native varieties, Verdeca and Bianco d'Alessano, stand out.

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