# Martina Franca

> town and municipality in the province of Taranto, Apulia, Italy

**Wikidata**: [Q52020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52020)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martina_Franca)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/martina-franca

## Summary
Martina Franca is a town and municipality located in the province of Taranto within the Apulia region of southern Italy. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including historical architecture and religious sites, and serves as a significant local center with a well-documented civic and artistic presence. The town is also notable for hosting the Festival della Valle d'Itria, an internationally recognized classical music event.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Martina Franca, Province of Taranto, Apulia, Italy
- **Municipal Classification**: Comune (municipality) in the Italian administrative system
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 40.7, Longitude 17.333333333333
- **Population**: Approximately 49,029 residents (as of latest data)
- **Website**: [https://www.comune.martinafranca.ta.it/](https://www.comune.martinafranca.ta.it/)
- **Notable Entities**:
  - Basilica of St. Martin
  - Festival della Valle d'Itria
  - A.S. Martina Franca 1947
  - Martina Franca railway station
- **Coordinates**: 40.7° N, 17.333333333333° E
- **Wikipedia Title**: Martina Franca
- **Wikidata Description**: Town and municipality in the province of Taranto, Apulia, Italy
- **Sitelink Count**: 60

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status of Martina Franca?**  
Martina Franca is a comune (municipality) within the province of Taranto, which is part of the Apulia region in southern Italy. It functions under the Italian municipal system and is governed locally by a mayor and council.

**What are the key cultural and historical landmarks in Martina Franca?**  
Martina Franca is home to the Basilica of St. Martin, a significant religious structure dating back to 1747. The town also hosts the Festival della Valle d'Itria, a renowned classical music festival established in 1975.

**What is the population of Martina Franca?**  
The population of Martina Franca is approximately 49,029, with historical data showing figures such as 48,786 and 46,900 in recent years.

**What is the significance of the Festival della Valle d'Itria?**  
The Festival della Valle d'Itria, founded in 1975, is an internationally acclaimed classical music festival that takes place annually in Martina Franca. It attracts performers and audiences from around the world and contributes significantly to the town's cultural profile.

**What sports organizations are based in Martina Franca?**  
A.S. Martina Franca 1947 is a local football (soccer) club founded in 1947. It represents the town in Italian football leagues and contributes to the local sports culture.

## Why It Matters
Martina Franca holds cultural and historical significance within the Apulia region of Italy. As a town with deep roots in Italian history, it plays a role in preserving and promoting regional heritage through its architecture, religious sites, and cultural events. The town's annual Festival della Valle d'Itria elevates its status in the global classical music scene, drawing international attention and tourism. Additionally, its local institutions, such as A.S. Martina Franca 1947, foster community engagement and pride. Martina Franca also contributes to the broader understanding of southern Italian municipal life and governance.

## Notable For
- Hosting the internationally recognized Festival della Valle d'Itria, which began in 1975.
- Being the home of the historic Basilica of St. Martin, a church dating to 1747.
- The presence of A.S. Martina Franca 1947, a football club founded in 1947.
- Its role as a cultural hub in southern Italy with a rich historical and religious heritage.
- The town's location in the province of Taranto, contributing to the regional identity of Apulia.

## Body

### History and Founding
Martina Franca has a long-standing history as a town in the Apulia region. It is part of the Italian comune system, which is the foundational unit of local governance in the country. The town's identity is deeply tied to its religious and cultural institutions, such as the Basilica of St. Martin, which was established in 1747. This structure remains a central part of the town's historical and architectural landscape.

### Cultural and Religious Landmarks
The town is home to several significant sites:
- **Basilica of St. Martin**: A religious edifice with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
- **Festival della Valle d'Itria**: An annual classical music festival that began in 1975, making Martina Franca a notable cultural destination.
- **A.S. Martina Franca 1947**: A football club founded in 1947, representing the town in regional and national competitions.

### Geography and Location
Martina Franca is located in the province of Taranto, within the Apulia region of Italy. The town's coordinates are approximately 40.7° N and 17.333333333333° E. Its location in southern Italy situates it within a historically and culturally rich area, contributing to its identity as a significant regional center.

### Community and Sports
The town is also known for its community engagement through local organizations:
- **A.S. Martina Franca 1947**: A football club founded in 1947, which plays a central role in local sports culture.
- **Martina Franca railway station**: A key transportation hub connecting the town to broader regional networks.

### Related Entities and Institutions
Martina Franca is associated with several institutions and events:
- **Basilica of St. Martin**: A religious and architectural landmark.
- **Festival della Valle d'Itria**: A major cultural event that has elevated the town's profile in classical music.
- **A.S. Martina Franca 1947**: A football club representing the town in sports.
- **Martina Franca railway station**: A transportation node that connects the town to broader regional and national networks.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Martina Franca is approximately 49,029, with historical figures including 48,786 and 46,900. The town's population data reflects its role as a stable and historically significant community in southern Italy.

### Digital Presence and Infrastructure
Martina Franca's official website is [https://www.comune.martinafranca.ta.it/](https://www.comune.martinafranca.ta.it/), which serves as a digital hub for civic information and engagement. The site provides resources for residents and visitors, including local news, administrative services, and cultural updates.

### Governance and Civic Engagement
Martina Franca is a comune, or municipality, within the Italian administrative system. It is responsible for local governance, including public services, infrastructure, and civic engagement. The town's leadership is responsible for maintaining public facilities, organizing cultural events, and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

### Sports and Cultural Contributions
The town's contributions to sports and culture are significant:
- **A.S. Martina Franca 1947**: A football club that plays a central role in local sports.
- **Festival della Valle d'Itria**: An internationally recognized classical music festival that has been held in Martina Franca since 1975.

### Conclusion
Martina Franca is a town with deep historical roots, cultural significance, and a growing role in regional Italian life. Its contributions to music, sports, and civic engagement make it a unique and important part of the Apulia region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. Italian National Institute of Statistics
5. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
6. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
7. GeoNames
8. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
9. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
10. Quora
11. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
12. Seismic classification in Italy
13. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)