Martina Franca
Exploring Martina Franca – a walking route
Founded in the 10th century, Martina Franca is one of the ‘white towns’ of Puglia. It’s not as well-known as other towns in Puglia such as Alberobello , Ostuni and Lecce , but that’s no reason to skip it. Martina Franca is absolutely worth a visit, if you ask me. It’s less touristy than some other places in the Itria Valley , has a wonderful local vibe and it’s a delight to explore. In fact, I would say that it’s one of my top places in Puglia to visit ! Furthermore, being in the centre of the Itria Valley, it’s the perfect base from which to see the rest of the valley.
Things to see in Martina Franca
Martina Franca’s old town can easily be seen in a few hours on foot as it’s very compact. If you’re visiting Martina Franca by car, I recommend parking at the public parking lot at Piazza Francesco Crispi . From here, it’s a short walk along Villa Garibaldi park to Porta di Santo Stefano , one of the town’s four historic gates.
Palazzo Ducale
As you pass through Porta di Santo Stefano , you’ll see the imposing 17th century Palazzo Ducale (the city hall) and the Piazza Roma . If it’s open, I recommend visiting the Palazzo (free entrance) to see its ornate rooms, frescoes and stunning chandeliers.
Ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Ducale (image courtesy of N.Porretiello/Wikimedia Commons)
From Piazza Roma, I recommend walking along Via Vittorio Emanuele . Notice the lovely Baroque façades of the buildings and townhouses, and the gorgeous iron-lace balconies.
A street in Martina Franca
Via Vittorio Emanuele
Look out for architectural gems in the side streets.
Piazza Plebiscito
You’ll soon arrive at one of the grandest piazzas in Martina Franca: Piazza Plebiscito . Fronting the square is the Basilica di San Martino , and next to it stands Palazzo dell’Università , with its 18th century clock tower.
Piazza Plebiscito
Basilica di San Martino
The Basilica di San Martino (locals often refer to it as the Duomo or Cathedral) is arguably Martina Franca’s most iconic monument. This 18th century basilica features an elegant, sand-coloured façade in the Baroque style that’s especially beautiful in the soft light of the late-afternoon sun.
Basilica di San Martino
Step inside to admire the paintings, altar and side chapels.
Inside the Basilica di San Martino
Piazza Maria Immacolata
A short distance from Piazza Plebiscito lies, in my opinion, the most beautiful piazza of Martina Franca: Piazza Maria Immacolata . Also called Piazza dei Portici, this square is lined by grand buildings in a semi-circular form. An arcade of graceful arches hugs the square and provides shade for the various cafés and restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to sit back, have a drink or meal and watch the world go by.
Piazza Maria Immacolata
La Lama
Just south of the main squares lies the La Lama neighbourhood. Once the poorest part of the town, La Lama is these days a charming area with gleaming white houses and cobbled lanes. Martina Franca is one of the citta bianche (white towns) of Puglia, a distinction owed largely to this whitewashed neighbourhood.
La Lama
It’s the perfect place to get lost for an hour or so. My advice is to simply follow your instincts in La Lama’s winding alleys and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. Or you can follow my suggested Martina Franca walking route in the map above.
