Centro Storico di Martina Franca

This is one of the most beautiful “white city” in the region. Starting by the “porta di San Stefano”, you will want to lose yourself in the maze of tiny streets in which each house is lovelier than the next one. Even in the hottest summer, the visit remains enjoyable as the tiny streets have lots of shades to get a rest from the sun. In the late afternoon or evening, you may want to have a drink or dinner on the “Piazza Maria Immacolata”, with an fantastic view on the old church.

We have visited the fantastic Gallipoli the day before. Now we came here for a bit of a stroll. Nearby Alberobello (which is nothing short of amazing) we did a few years ago. We arrived a bit after lunchtime after a longer drive. So we knew that most shops will be closed. But we came for the architecture and a good meal (which turned out not that good). But even though it was suprising to see that really all the shops were completely shut. Not even a single souvenir shop was open. But nevermind that. The town itself had some wonderful sights. The Palazzo Ducalo was a nice welcoming sight after walking up from the nearby parking lot. A nice little park just next to. Then we went on the main drag of town: The Via Vittorio Emanuele. A nice walking street that leads to the most famous sights in town. The Basilica di San Martino, the Piazza Plebiscito and the Piazza Maria Immacolata. Especially the Basilica is a sight to behold. The whole town is a whitewashed sight. Impressive. It's just fun to walk on the Vittorio Emanuele. Countless photo ops. But once you reached the two Piazzi at the Basilica, the town turns into a maze with few sights. There are some more hidden in the small lanes and streets. But in the end it's a handful of Piazzi and one impressive Basilica. And that's nothing bad. These are definitely worth a visit. But compared to Gallipoli the day before (and Alberobello) this one falls a bit short.

Completely historic

Very interesting. It contains a remarkable concentration of baroque palaces of great value which testify to the great historical prestige of the city.

Probably the most interesting center of the whole Valle d'Itria, together with Ceglie Messapica. Other than Alberobello or the white dish of other historic centers!