The baroque basilica of San Martino was built between 1747-1775 over an earlier romanesque Church. The Church of San Martino was built in the historical centre of Martina Franca by the archpriest Isidoro Chirulli between 1747 and 1763, over an earlier romanesque church whose only visible remains are the bell tower. It has a single nave with delicate side chapels. The sculpture group “ Saint Martin Donates Half his Cloak to the Poor” on the façade is the work of local artists. The church interior is decorated with multi-coloured marble inlay. The high altar contains the statue of Saint Martin - probably the 16th century work of Stefano da Putignano - as well as two marble statues of Abbondanza e Carità (Abundance and Charity), attributed to Giuseppe Sammartino. The inlayed pulpit, done by Domenico Semeraro in 1850, is of exceptional craftsmanship.
A Brief History:
The church built by the Archpriest Isidoro Chirulli was consecrated in 1775. The altar of Our Lady of Sorrows was completed in 1784. In 1842 San Martino became a Basilica thanks to the Archibishop of Taranto Monsignor Blundo.
Not to be missed:
The silver statue of Saint Martina and Saint Cosmasia (1710-1714) is preserved in a case in the presbytery.
Main Works:
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Saint Raphael, the Virgin Mary of Constantinople, and especially the “Cenaco” by Domenico Carella (1804).
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 12/02/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia