Exploring our Local Neighborhood




As mentioned earlier, we are staying in the middle of nowhere and we love it.  So peaceful and serene.  The closest towns are 8km east and west of us and of course we had to go and check out these little gems.

Martina Franca is the highest town in this region (500 ft above sea level) and was established in the 10th century by refugees fleeing the Arab invasion from the coastal town of Taranto.  In started to flourish in the 14th century when Philip of Anjou granted tax exemptions, allowing the town to become so wealthy that a boon in Baroque style buildings was created.  We strolled around old town before stopping for a lovely lunch and a local beer before heading off to our next destination.

 Church of San Martino built in 1785 is considered a masterpiece of "Salentine Baroque" architecture

The lovely designed Plebiscito Piazza is full of restaurants, bars and cafes 
     

Also situated on a hilltop, Locorotondo is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.  We would not argue.  It's very small so you cannot get lost and the buildings are all wonderfully preserved and you can tell the locals are very proud of where they live.  There are few sites to see here except the town itself.  The design of the town is all to do with keeping it as cool as possible from May to September when it gets very hot.  All the buildings are painted white to help reflect the heat and streets are very narrow to create breezeways and shadows.



Looking up at the town of Locorotondo.  

All the streets are paved with ivory colored stones and many of the houses have lovely wrought iron balconies.











 This very small church was built in the 17th century and dedicated to St. Nicola from Myra.   
The interior has paintings, also from the 17th century depicting the life of St. Nicola.


We managed to find a grocery store and stock up on supplies before heading home to enjoy a glass of local wine and watch the sun go down in our lovely back yard.  
  





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