Martina Franca, located on the edge of the Murgia dei Trulli, at the crossroads between Taranto, Bari, and Brindisi, is about half an hour’s drive from Casa Isabella.
Founded as a city in the early 14th century by Philip I of Anjou, Prince of Taranto, Martina later became a fiefdom of several noble families (Tocco, Orsini del Balzo, Coppola, Acquaviva d’Aragona), until from 1507 to 1827 it was held as a duchy by the Caracciolo del Leone family.
The Tourist Itinerary
The tour begins in Old Martina, one of the few historic centers that has come down to us almost intact through the centuries, distinguished by a unique Baroque architecture, quite different from the Lecce prototype.
Passing through the Arch of Santo Stefano, the itinerary continues to the superb Ducal Palace (1668), largely frescoed by Domenico Carella (1776). From there, it leads to the Baroque churches of San Martino, San Domenico, and del Carmine, where one can sense the influence of Borromini’s artistry.
Other highlights include the Palazzi Fanelli, Magli, Motolese, Stabile, Maggi, and Martucci, as well as the characteristic trulli, the white, cone-shaped stone dwellings typical of the area.
Martina Franca is a town rich in folklore, gastronomy, and culture, whose most important event is the Itria Valley Music Festival, held every year in July and August.
