From our editorial team *current
APULIA - Baroque meets dolce vita in Apulia. Fancy pure Italy? Then off to Martina Franca! This town in the heart of Apulia looks like something straight out of a travel magazine and will delight you with its baroque splendour, Mediterranean flair and a pinch of dolce vita.
Baroque wonders at every turn: Stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town and admire the magnificent palaces and churches that bear witness to the city's golden age. The highlight is the Arco di Sant'Antonioa triumphal arch that serves as a gateway to the old town.
Vibrant life with history
- Basilica of San Martino: The Basilica of San Martino, which was built after an earthquake in the 18th century, is a Baroque masterpiece. Admire the impressive façade and the frescoes inside.
- More than just baroque: Martina Franca is more than just beautiful architecture. Life pulsates here! Enjoy a Caffè on the Piazza Plebiscito, visit the Museo Civico with works by local artists or immerse yourself in the world of opera at the Festival Valle d'Itria in summer.
- Delicious Puglia: Be sure to try the Capocolloa pork speciality, and other regional hams and sausages.
- Hiking in the countryside: Near Martina Franca you will find the Bosco delle Pianellea wooded nature reserve that is perfect for a hike on hot days.
More info
- Arrival and information: Martina Franca can be reached by train. The railway station is not far from the old town centre.
- The Municipality of Martina Franca
- Puglia Tourist Board
Further highlights
- Palazzo Ducale: The baroque palace now houses municipal offices, a court and a library.
- Church of St Francis of Assisi: Admire the beautiful architecture and the works of art inside.
- Madonna del Arco: This chapel is located on the edge of the city and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
First published on 31 August 2022
Current stories
- Why Bologna is Italy's safest city for pedestrians
Why Bologna has hit the brakes. - Hard, harder, Cantuccini! The secret of Italy's cult biscuitsThey look harmless until you bite into them.
- Five things that Italians do differently when eating outIn Italy, you don't eat to get full.
- Why Polignano a Mare is considered the "Pearl of the Adriatic"Actually too perfect to be real - and yet completely real.
- Worth seeing! Five small Italian towns that are still (almost) insider tipsDefinitely worth seeing and compact history.
- Everyone knows Dolce Vita - but what about Sprezzatura?A small style manifesto from the country where nonchalance became an art form.
- Antipasto, primo, secondo? This is how Italy eats - and how to order correctlyAn Italian menu is not a sprint, but a walk.
- The "beach of lovers" on Elba: the most romantic coast in TuscanyA story of love, pain - and perhaps the most romantic stretch of coastline in Tuscany.
