In 1507, the Caracciolo family were awarded the fiefdom of Martina Franca, and it remained in the family estate until 1827. The dukes were not always beneficent rulers, but they obviously had good taste when it came to town planning; the town is a architectural jewel. The streets are full of baroque palazzi and churches, with ornate carvings and facades. {…}

In the early hours of the morning, the bars and cafès are still open and the streets are still full of people; the days in Martin Franca have a different rhythm to them from my normal routine. Everything starts early, but at midday the streets start to empty and following lunch, it is siesta time. Nothing moves and little happens {…}