Martina Franca

Martina Franca is located in the heart of the Itria Valley, in the province of Taranto, in the city's historic centre.
The Palazzo Ducale, owned by the Neapolitan Caracciolo family, was built in the local Baroque style by the Bergamo architect Giovanni Andrea Carducci and endorsed by the superintendent of the Kingdom of Naples, Gianlorenzo Bernini.
Today, as well as being used for civic functions, it is the venue for the Festival della Valle d'Itria, an opera festival that has been organised since 1974 by the artistic music centre 'Paolo Grossi'and always attracts many opera lovers.

The Basilica di San Martino, dedicated to the French bishop Martin of Tours, is the Mother Church of the town of Martina Franca.
It was built in the mid 18th century in the Rococo style on the remains of an earlier Romanesque church.
In April 1998 Pope John Paul II elevated it to the status of Pontifical Minor Basilica.

Located just a few kilometres outside Martina Franca, a stay at the Masseria San Michele is like stepping back in time. The 18th-century farmhouse is based on old farming traditions, where guests can not only savour local products, including the famous capocollo di Martina Franca, but also enjoy relaxing experiences. There are yoga courses and food and wine tours where you can learn from the chefs the secrets of preparing traditional Apulian dishes, or you can taste Apulian oils and wines by visiting local oil mills and wine cellars.
Nature lovers can enjoy a few hours of recreation by cycling around the forgotten places of the Itria Valley or horse riding in the local woods.