Martina Franca

Situated in the sublime Valle d'Itria on the top of a hill at nearly 1,500 feet above sea level on the Murgia is the exquisite town of Martina Franca, with its famous historical centre.

Martina Franca

With the population of under 50,000 people residing in the typical, modern Italian apartment blocks sprawling for miles in all directions it really is a complete contrast to enter the old town with some truly elegant baroque buildings, narrow lanes, mansions and churches.

Martina Franca has an affluent appearance, with shops and businesses seemingly down every road, from the inevitable local butchers and bakers through to smart fashion boutiques, plus the industrial area has a good selection of upmarket furniture stores and other warehouses catering to the local populace.

The new town is fairly typical of many towns in Puglia, with wide roads choked with traffic, but once you step through one of the gateways into the old quarter, you enter a different world, as if transported back centuries. Narrow streets open out into small and large squares with restricted access for cars, assuring you a pleasant visit.

Located approximately 50 miles, 80 minutes drive south of Bari and a similar distance from Brindisi it is within a comfortable drive for most visitors and tourists to Puglia (apulia) Italy. Parking can be a problem, most of the roads around the centre are marked out with blue lines or bays indicating pay zones so don't forget some change for the machines.

Martina Franca Italy - Martina Franca in Puglia (Apulia) Italy. Discover the attractions of Martina Franca, Valle d'Itria, including the beautiful baroque centre, accommodation, tours, photos, trulli and all that it has to offer visitors.