In the centre of the Itria Valley, Martina Franca is the undisputed symbol of this area. Equidistant for this reason from the centres of Locorotondo, Alberobello, Cisternino, Ceglie and Ostuni and of course from its provincial capital Taranto. Due to its central position with respect to the nearby urban centres, Martina has been a symbol of stronghold since its origins; located on the south-eastern hills of the Murgia, in a position that offers splendid views over the Itria Valley, it is at an altitude of 431 metres above sea level and covers an area of 295 km², ranking 39th in terms of size among Italian municipalities.
The term Martina derives from the devotion of the inhabitants to St. Martin, in fact the primitive settlement of the city was born on a mountain called San Martino. The adjective Franca was added by Philip I of Anjou in 1310 when he granted the city various privileges, then over the centuries, losing the perpetual statehood, the adjective Franca disappeared. It was only after the unification of Italy, in 1861, that the city was renamed Martina Franca.
From an architectural point of view, the historic centre is mostly in Baroque and Rococo style, clearly visible in the churches, in the structures the rooms on the ground floor, and sometimes partially underground, were used as workshops. On the upper floors, however, is the living area, with a kitchen and dining room.
Compare Facilities
Compare