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
- Latteria or Macelleria? The shopping guide for your holiday in ItalyWhere can you actually get things?
- This is what Italy sounds like this summer: The Hits of 2026That’s what the loveliest months of the year sound like.
- „Piano, piano“: What Italians say when we’re stressedPeople who live in Italy talk about time differently
- Naples at 34 degrees: A personal experiment with heat-related illnessA real marathon of a text.
- How to understand the menu in ItalyA short language course for great moments at the table.
- These five places in Apulia are a must-seeNot all of them are hidden gems, but they’re all well worth a visit.
- A free Kneipp spa treatment in South Tyrol: Let the water flow!Otherwise known for its bacon and three-thousand-metre peaks.
- 10 things Italians do differently from us in the summerWhy Italians are simply better at enjoying the summer than the rest of the world.







