What to see in Martina Franca: the complete guide to visiting the pearl of the Valle d'Itria
If you are planning a trip to Puglia and wondering what to see in Martina Franca, you are in the right place. This town, nestled among the hills of the Valle d'Itria, is one of the most charming villages in southern Italy: a labyrinth of Baroque alleyways, historic masserias, and fairytale views that seem to belong to another era.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: must-see landmarks, experiences to enjoy, flavours to savour, and nearby villages to discover. And if you are looking for a B&B in Martina Franca that puts you right at the centre of it all, we will also tell you about Trulli Dell'Erba: the perfect base from which to explore the most authentic side of Puglia.
1. Martina Franca: A Brief History
Founded in the fourteenth century by Philip I of Anjou, Martina Franca takes its name from the fiera franca — a tax-free market — that the prince established to attract merchants from across the region. Since those distant medieval days, the town has preserved its charm intact, enriching itself over the centuries with one of the finest historic centres in Apulian Baroque architecture.
Walking through the streets of the old town is like leafing through an open-air history book: every palazzo, every church, every doorway tells the story of this extraordinary land.
2. What to See in Martina Franca: Must-Visit Landmarks
Piazza Plebiscito and the Basilica of San Martino
The beating heart of the town is Piazza Plebiscito, dominated by the majestic limestone façade of the Basilica of San Martino. Built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the late Baroque style, the church is a masterpiece of elegance. At sunset, when the golden light reflects off the white façade, the sight is simply breathtaking.
💡 Step inside to admire the frescoes and the historic organ — often open to visitors during the morning hours.
Palazzo Ducale
Just a short walk from the basilica stands Palazzo Ducale, the historic residence of the Caracciolo family and today the seat of the municipal government. Its Baroque façade, adorned with allegorical figures and cherubs, is one of the finest examples of eighteenth-century Apulian civic architecture. The inner atrium, with its frescoes, can be visited free of charge.
The Historic Centre and the Baroque Streets
Getting lost in the labyrinth of Martina Franca's historic centre is an experience in itself. Via Cavour, Via Principe Umberto, Via Pergolesi: every corner conceals carved doorways, wrought-iron balconies, and quiet courtyards. It is a slow journey, best done on foot, without hurry.
💡 Visit the centre in the evening hours: the alleyways lit up at night have an irresistible charm.
The Walls and the Porta di Santo Stefano
Martina Franca was once a walled medieval village: even today, it is possible to walk along stretches of the ancient walls and pass through the historic gates. The Porta di Santo Stefano is the most imposing and most photographed — a gateway into the ancient core that is well worth a visit on its own.
The Valle d'Itria Festival
Every year, between July and August, Martina Franca hosts the renowned Valle d'Itria Festival, one of the most prestigious opera events in Italy. If you are planning a summer visit, check the dates: attending a performance in the courtyard of Palazzo Ducale is an unforgettable experience.
3. Experiences to Enjoy in the Valle d'Itria
A stay in Martina Franca is not just about history and art — it is above all an immersion in the culture, flavours, and rhythms of authentic Puglia. Our B&B in Martina Franca offers a selection of experiences you can add to your stay:
Horseback Riding
Riding through ancient pine forests and scenic trails nestled in the natural landscape of the Valle d'Itria is an experience you will not forget. Il Casale dei Pini offers horseback excursions for all levels, suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders.
Local Wine Tasting
Puglia is one of Italy's most interesting wine regions. Primitivo, Verdeca, Negroamaro: the native grape varieties produce wines of great character. A guided visit to wineries such as Domini San Calare, with a tasting paired with local specialities, is a perfect way to connect with the territory.
A Visit to a Historic Masseria
Apulian masserias are far more than simple farmhouses: they are fortresses, manor houses, centres of dairy and agricultural production, and silent witnesses to centuries of rural history. Masseria Tagliente, built in 1849, offers guided tours through historic architecture and peasant traditions.
Local Markets and Typical Products
Don't miss the Saturday morning market in the centre of Martina Franca, where local producers bring fresh cheeses, martinese capocollo, marinated olives, and seasonal vegetables. The capocollo di Martina Franca — smoked over fragno oak wood and seasoned with local herbs — is a Slow Food Presidium product that you absolutely must try.
4. Where to Eat in Martina Franca
Martinese gastronomy is one of the most enjoyable aspects of any visit. Among the dishes and products not to be missed:
- Capocollo di Martina Franca — a traditional cured meat, Slow Food Presidium, smoked over fragno oak
- Orecchiette with turnip tops — the signature dish of Apulian cuisine
- Grilled lamb with wild greens
- Cacioricotta and ricotta forte — bold-flavoured local cheeses
- Apulian taralli and bread
The B&B Trulli Dell'Erba is located very close to the Al Mattatoiopizzeria and restaurant, where you can enjoy the finest dishes of the Apulian tradition — including the famous panzerotto and the classic polpette.
5. Where to Stay in Martina Franca: B&B Trulli Dell'Erba
If you are looking for a B&B in Martina Franca that combines authenticity, comfort, and a strategic location, Trulli Dell'Erba is your answer. Set within a historic trullo meticulously restored by the Dell'Erba family, this B&B is not simply a place to sleep — it is an experience in itself.
Why Choose Trulli Dell'Erba
- The entire trullo, private and exclusively yours — no shared rooms, just your own personal space
- Authentic Apulian period furnishings, with every modern comfort
- A perfect location: in the heart of the Valle d'Itria, just a few kilometres from Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, and Polignano
- Exclusive experiences bookable directly: horseback riding, wine tasting, masseria visit
- Private parking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen
Ready to Discover Martina Franca?
Martina Franca is one of those places that finds its way into your soul and never quite leaves. The quiet beauty of its Baroque alleyways, the generosity of its cuisine, the gentle sweetness of the Valle d'Itria landscape — everything comes together to make it one of the most extraordinary destinations in southern Italy.
Whether you come for a weekend or an entire week, this land has something to offer you every single day. And if you choose to stay at a B&B in Martina Franca like Trulli Dell'Erba, you can be sure that your journey through Puglia will begin in the very best way possible. B&B Martina Franca like Trulli Dell'Erba, you can be sure your journey through Puglia will get off to the best possible start.