City of Baroque
Martina Franca is a little city of Apulian hinterland, in the province of Taranto and in the heart of “Itria” Valley. The karstic upland, upon which Martina Franca develops, rises almost 400 m above sea level and was inhabited since prehistory. Philip I of Anjou baptized it with the current name. The ‘700 was the period of major splendor and development for Martina Franca, during which many of the most important monuments and buildings were erected and enriched the town with an excellent Baroque. We talk, indeed of Martina Franca Baroque, to intend the art movement that characterized the city since then.
Sightseeing
Martina Franca occupies the place of honor, among the different sites of historical and cultural interest of all “Itria Valley”. Walking through the streets of the town, it is not possible not to admire the majestic facade of Saint Martin Cathedral, an excellent example of Martina Franca Baroque. The Cathedral is entirely sculpted in the typical white marble and shows the representation of the Patron Saint while sharing his cloak with a beggar, in sign of brotherhood and mercy. The inside of the Cathedral is rich of artistic works and hosts the remains of Santa Comasia. Among all the other noteworthy churches, there is the one of Beata Vergine del Carmine, where there is a fine polychrome statue representing Santa Maria della Misericordia. The Church of Sant Antonio ai Cappuccini has the honor to host and serve the Madonna Odegidria fresco, from whose name derives the denomination of the “Itria Valley”. Inside Palazzo Ducale, one of the most ancient buildings in town, there are some works of inestimable artistic value: three rooms, called respectively of the Arcadia, the Myth and the Bible, all frescoed with beautiful temperas perfectly preserved. The municipal garden of Martina Franca is an oasis of peace and serenity, it is located inside the town and is characterized by green paths and many marble neoclassical fountains. Palazzo Turnone is finally one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is in the very heart of the ancient town and hosts the Conservatory of Santa Maria della Misericordia.
Main Events
- San Martino Fair, on November 11th and the Chocolate Feast in the same month
- “Itria” Valley Festival: born in 1975, takes place between July and August; it performs operas, sacred, classical music and musical. This event is among the major European Festivals and offers mainly unpublished titles.
- San Martino Feast in honor of San Martino: from 2nd to 5th July
- La Ghironda: an itinerant fair that brings in town the most important musicians and performers of popular culture coming from all five continents.
UNMISSABLE: “his majesty” the capocollo of Martina Franca, a tasty salami derived from the muscle strip of the pork and which holds inside it all the unique flavors of oak woods and the fizzy air of “Itria” Valley.