saint, and the tax exemptions granted to its inhabitants by Philip as Prince of Taranto. (franca meaning free).

Around 1310 the Prince surrounded the four casali (hamlets) of Montedoro, San Martino, Santa Teresa and San Pietro dei Greci with grand fortified walls and towers so that by the beginning of the 14th century Martina Franca was a strategic defence point on the Taranto to Monopoli road. The walls, which define the outline of historic town centre, have now gone, but many towers remain and the casali live on in the names of its narrow streets and alleys.

In 1507 Martina Franca became part of the feudal estate of the Caracciolo family, Dukes of the Kingdom of Naples. This cancelled earlier tax advantages, leading the inhabitants, headed by Capodiferro, to rise up in unsuccessful rebellion against the Dukes who stayed in power until 1806. During the Caracciolo period, the economy developed based on agriculture and stock breeding and the town was renewed as a magnificent new urban settlement and a capital of baroque architecture.

• the collegiate Church of St. Martino (1737) with its magnificent porch, marbles and silver statues of St. Nicola and St. Comasia.
• the churches of St. Domenico, Madonna del Carmine and St. Francesco.
• remarkable palaces such as the Caroli, Fanelli, Maggi, Motolese and Ancona.

A walk in the old part of town will reveal many more small masterpieces at every corner.

Martina Franca is, today, a beautiful city which has kept its ancient flavour, but has developed new trades such as making fashion clothing alongside agriculture, traditional food and wine and tourism.

Martina Franca with other towns of the Itria Valley, is already well known to Italian visitors. It is now an emerging international tourist destination, due to its location, its easy access to airports and ferries (Bari and Brindisi, some 60 minutes drive), its close proximity to two seas (30 minutes drive), the beauty of its country side, history and architecture and its traditional gastronomy.

Second Itinerary: