Martina Franca

Martina Franca is a town and comune located in the Province of Taranto, in the Apulia region of Italy. It is known for its historic center with white baroque buildings, the annual opera festival, and the production of Capocollo.

History

Martina Franca was founded in the 10th century by refugees who were fleeing from the Saracen invasion of Taranto. The name of the town comes from its founder, Prince Philip of Taranto, who granted the town "franca" (tax-free) status, hence the name Martina Franca.

Architecture

The town is characterized by its distinctive Baroque architecture, with numerous palaces and churches built in this style. The most notable of these is the Basilica of San Martino, which is considered a masterpiece of Apulian Baroque.

Culture

Martina Franca is home to the annual Festival della Valle d'Itria, an international opera festival held every summer. The town is also known for its traditional music, including the pizzica, a folk dance associated with the tarantella.

Economy

The economy of Martina Franca is largely based on agriculture, with the production of wine, olive oil, and Capocollo di Martina Franca, a traditional cured meat product. The town is also known for its textile industry, particularly the production of linen.

Geography

Martina Franca is located in the southern part of Italy, in the region of Apulia. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Murgia plateau, at an altitude of 431 meters above sea level.

Demographics

As of 2018, the population of Martina Franca was approximately 49,000. The majority of the population is Italian, with a small number of foreign residents.

See also

• List of towns in Apulia
• Province of Taranto
• Baroque architecture in Italy