The best city hikes and walks around Parco Naturale Regionale Terra delle Gravine

A little-known treasure in the heart of the Itria Valley, the Church of Sant'Antonio ai Cappuccini. The Franciscan foundation dates back to the 16th century, on a pre-existing Basilian site. The church is a small treasure trove of beauty and art: frescoes, decorations, and, above all, the inlaid altars, evidence of the exquisite craftsmanship of Apulian cabinetmaking, likely of distant Venetian origin, now almost entirely lost.

The Basilica of San Martino, the mother church of Martina Franca and a monument of peace

We found several places where staircases and sidewalks were decorated with ceramic tiles. Very appealing!

There are many ceramics workshops in the immediate vicinity. Despite the similarity in the motifs, the workshops usually have their own unique style. Today—off-season—the neighborhood was very quiet, and some shopkeepers took the time to explain some of the special features to us. It's worth stopping by the shops; you'll probably find something beautiful to take home.

Made out of a former bell, maybe even a former bell of the Basilica di San Martino

Andrea Roggi was born on July 2nd 1962 in Tuscany. When he was 15 years old the artist began to paint and he gradually focused on sculpture. In 1991 he set up the art workshop La Scultura di Andrea Roggi. In the late 90s he became the initiator of the Art for Young movement: When I was young I had a dream, to speak to people all over the world. Because we are all just one being, connected by a ray of light, a ray of love and creativity. We must communicate this joy of life, its beauty, its simplicity and happiness. But how can one person coming from a small town communicate, not knowing foreign languages and without support? Only with Fantasy. My dream came true through Sculpture... This is Art for Young the world I dream of. Andrea Roggi

Andrea Roggi was born on July 2nd 1962 in Tuscany. When he was 15 years old the artist began to paint and he gradually focused on sculpture. In 1991 he set up the art workshop La Scultura di Andrea Roggi. In the late 90s he became the initiator of the Art for Young movement: When I was young I had a dream, to speak to people all over the world. Because we are all just one being, connected by a ray of light, a ray of love and creativity. We must communicate this joy of life, its beauty, its simplicity and happiness. But how can one person coming from a small town communicate, not knowing foreign languages and without support? Only with Fantasy. My dream came true through Sculpture... This is Art for Young the world I dream of. Andrea Roggi

Nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley, halfway between Martina and Locorotondo, the current Church of Sant’Antonio dei Cappuccini marks the history of this territory. In fact, the Church and Convent of the Capuchins were built in the 16th century on a previous settlement of the Basilian monks who officiated according to the Byzantine rite and depended on the Monastery of San Nicola di Casole near Otranto, founded in 1099.