Nestled among olive groves and the vibrant Mediterranean scrub, the picturesque town of Martina Franca emerges as an elegant town nestled in the Itria Valley. With its charming Baroque style, this town stands on a karst plateau 400 meters above sea level, just a short walk from the renowned town of Alberobello. Its ancient roots are evident in artifacts from prehistoric populations, but its current name was bestowed by Philip I of Anjou, who granted it perpetual privileges.
Famous for its captivating concentration of Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and palaces adorned with characteristic wrought-iron flowers, Martina Franca offers travelers a unique experience. This enchanting town is not only an ode to Baroque aesthetics but also an invitation to delight the palate with authentic culinary delights, including the renowned capocollo, affectionately called “chépcùdd” by the locals. Let’s explore the most important sites to start adding to your itinerary of what to see in Martina Franca.
1. Historic Center and Piazza Plebiscito
The 18th century marked the height of Martina Franca’s glory, a period when monuments and churches were erected that still dominate the historic center. The historic center captivates lovers of Baroque art and visitors seeking authenticity with its narrow marble-paved streets, white houses, and small shops where you can buy unique souvenirs to remember the Itria Valley.
Hidden among the narrow alleys of the historic center lies a true gem: the Church of San Domenico, an architectural complex built in the 15th century. The church’s grandeur and the beauty of the adjoining convent stand out powerfully, creating an evocative atmosphere. The cloister, characterized by columns and arches with star vaults, offers a unique and immersive experience.
The façade of the Church of San Domenico, clearly inspired by Lecce, reveals its originality in the details of the capitals. The entrance portal, embellished with the Vatican coat of arms and two cherubs, conveys a sense of sacredness and unparalleled beauty that is worth admiring at least once in a lifetime.
Upon arriving at Piazza Plebiscito, the University Palace and the Civic Tower with its 1734 clock capture the eye with their grandeur, offering visitors an unforgettable visual experience. A short distance from this important hub lies the famous Piazza Maria Immacolata, which presents itself as a charming network of arcades, masterfully designed by Davide Conversano. Surrounded by the Fanelli and Caramia palaces on Via Cavour and the Marino Motolese palace, this square is a true architectural gem, a place particularly beloved by both locals and tourists.
Martina Franca, in addition to its historical and artistic heritage, is also famous for its cuisine. Capocollo, the city’s symbol, embodies a traditional artisanal production process that makes it unique. Cured in trulli and flavored with Mediterranean herbs, it becomes a delight for the palate.
In the heart of the historic center, you simply must sample the local delicacies of Martina Franca, among which the famous capocollo stands out—a favorite ingredient for sandwiches or to enjoy on its own. This delicious cured meat from Martina Franca, aged in traditional trulli and flavored with Mediterranean herbs, is an explosion of flavors that delights the senses, making it ideal for an aperitif or a quick lunch. And to end on a sweet note, several bars and cafes in the historic center offer the chance to savor the bocconotto, similar to the pasticciotto from Lecce, which captivates every palate with its fragrant shortcrust pastry filled with cream and black cherries.
2. Basilica of St. Martin
If you’d like to visit the province of Taranto but aren’t sure what to see in Martina Franca, the Basilica of San Martino is a must-see stop on your tour. This church is located right next to the historic buildings of Piazza Plebiscito, so for those exploring the historic center on foot, it’s a point of interest well worth a visit.
A masterpiece of Martina Franca Rococo architecture and built in 1747 in response to the 1743 earthquake, the basilica’s brilliant initial design by Giovanni Mariani of Bergamo was refined and perfected by Giuseppe Morgese, along with his sons Francesco and Gaetano Morgese, with contributions from Pasquale Montanini.
The imposing façade, standing 37 meters tall and constructed from the iconic local limestone, is divided into two orders adorned with bands of pilasters featuring mixed capitals. The central high relief, depicting Saint Martin cutting his cloak in half with his sword, captures the gaze of every visitor through a decorative shell typical of the Rococo style, transporting the observer into an atmosphere of elegance and majesty.
The niches in the façade house an evocative gallery of saints, including Saint Joseph with the Infant Jesus, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, and Saint John the Baptist. Furthermore, architectural details such as the papal balcony and the stepped pediment contribute to creating an extraordinary visual harmony that culminates at the top of the building, crowned by an elaborate pediment bearing the coat of arms of the Bishop of Tours.
The Chapel of the Nativity is particularly moving—a veritable treasure trove housing the sculptural masterpiece by Stefano da Putignano, a renowned master of the Apulian Renaissance. Through his painted stone works, characterized by extraordinary realism, his skill in masterfully shaping Joseph, Mary, and the two praying angels shines through, while the Baby Jesus, the ox, and the donkey are later additions to the original composition. The nativity scene is further enriched by a remarkable wall tempera painting, created in 1777 by Pietro Cataldo Mauro, a highly regarded artist sought after for both public and private commissions.
The mural, depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds, creates a bucolic atmosphere, in harmony with the Arcadian cultural trend widespread in the 18th century even in Martina Franca, evident in the noble residences, with the Ducal Palace at the forefront. Before leaving the sanctuary, one cannot overlook the plaque strategically placed at the exit, a commemorative touch celebrating the church’s elevation to the status of basilica in 1998, paying tribute to its historical and spiritual significance.
Letting yourself be enveloped by the magnificence of the Basilica of San Martino is an immersive experience that not only offers a tangible glimpse into the history and art of Martina Franca, but also provides a true immersion in the spirituality and architectural grandeur of this charming city.
3. Ducal Palace
What else is there to see in Martina Franca? Tourists visiting the town cannot help but be captivated by the grandeur of the Palazzo Ducale, a building in the historic center that tells the story of centuries of history in the Trulli region. Originally built in 1668 on the foundations of the ancient castle of Raimondello del Balzo Orsini from 1338, the palace was commissioned by the eighth Duke of Martina, Petracone V Caracciolo.
Designed with a vision that evokes the splendor of Roman palaces, this building in Martina Franca served as a tangible symbol of the family’s power and wealth. With as many as 300 rooms, chapels, stables, courtyards, a theater, and guest quarters, the Ducal Palace was destined to become a truly majestic and comfortable residence. However, its original completion was compromised by the high costs incurred during its construction; only the eastern wing was finished in 1773 under Duke Francesco III.
The palace’s architecture features a façade divided horizontally by a wrought-iron balcony and vertically by decorative pilasters. The entrance, with a wide pointed arch, is flanked by two Tuscan-order half-columns, surmounted by a plaque bearing the year of the palace’s construction. Military decorations and apotropaic masks adorn the upper wall, adding a touch of elegance and mystery.
The entrance to the Palazzo Ducale is through a sumptuous Baroque portal, which leads to the royal interiors. Here, the opulent rooms, with their sculpted Rococo walls, open onto exquisite halls such as the Chapel of the Dukes, the Arcadia Hall, the Hall of Myth, and the Hall of the Bible. These rooms, masterfully decorated by Domenico Carella in 1776, tell stories through frescoes and works of art, creating a fascinating journey into the noble past of Martina Franca. The Ducal Palace is thus not only a place of extraordinary architectural beauty but also a living testament to the history and culture that permeate the Itria Valley.
To truly complete your magical experience in Martina Franca, why not stay in an authentic Apulian home? Located in a peaceful and picturesque setting, Trulli il Castagno allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Itria Valley, combining modern comfort with the history embedded in the stone walls of these traditional buildings. With warm hospitality and a unique setting, this accommodation option adds a special touch to your exploration of Martina Franca, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this enchanting corner of Puglia.
