Puglia: Francavilla-Fontana, Grottaglie & Oria

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The city center of Francavilla Fontana is really very gorgeous…..the town is gated and 3 of the 4 original (and rather grand) doors remain: Porta del Carmine (17^th century), Porta Borgo Croce (18^th century) and the 17^th century Porta Noa also known as Porta dei Cappuccini. The city is located just west of the port of Brindisi. It’s a market town and it’s rather grand to me. It’s a great place to do some exploring in this area….the most important monument in town is the 15^th century Palazzo Imperiale/Castello. The loggia and arcades are lovely and are decorated with carvings and delicate masonry work. The palace is made of sandstone and redstone. There are many elegant and gorgeous (and interesting) palazzi/famous/wealthy families in town: Bottari-Margarita/Carissimo, Forleo-Braida/Cafari, Basile/di Castri, De Fazio/Fanelli, Clavica/Clavica-Guarini, Barbaro/Forleo, Caniglia/Incalza, Sedile, Salerno, Formosi, Argentina and Pepe-Scazzeri — each have fabulous characteristics that you’ll enjoy seeing (and photographing). There are also many churches worth checking out. The Chiesa Matrice (18^th century) is right in the heart of old town. This church has a gorgeous façade. Next to the Matrice is the Chiesa della Confraternita dell’Orazione e Morte (dedicated to Santa Chiara). Inside are some lovely majolica paintings. The Chiesa dello Santa Spirito is a Baroque church with a lovely belltower/campanile (note the concave front). The Santuario di Maria Santissima della Croce built on an existing 7^th century church is considered Neoclassic and medieval. The annex of the church is the Convento Francescano with its 17^th century cloister. There are other churches too: Chiesa di San Eligio, Chiesa dell’Immacolata, Capella Santa Maria di Loreto/Arco Loreto among others. Check out the Museo della Civilt a Contadina with items, art and artifacts from the area. Outside of town there are unusual huge stone piles or "concoctions" called Specchie/Specchia. You’ll see them in the countryside between the towns as you travel. It’s a type of prehistoric and rural architecture that has confounded locals and architectural historians for a long, long time. Some believe they represent graves. They’re very interesting. Also check out the Masserie in the area.

Grottaglie is a medieval town with a 14^th century castle/Castello Episcopio….however, Grottaglie is also the center of artistic pottery in Puglia — pottery has been produced here for centuries…it is a refined and very collected pottery (worldwide fame). You’ll find plenty of artists and fabulous pottery here (and there’s a special section of town just for these ceramicists — near the castle — yes, those are pots and urns drying on the rooftops!). The town got its name from the caves and grottoes in the area….make sure you visit them. The castle/fortress with turrets is imposing and beautiful, today it houses the Museo Ceramiche. The historical center is quite interesting and you’ll find palazzi, ancient buildings, many churches and interesting colored houses — enjoy the stroll. The Chiesa Matrice is on the main piazza (Piazza Regina Margherita). This church dates from the 11^th and 12^th century and has an interestingly decorated portal and façade (Romanesque) and a Baroque interior with lovely paintings, reliefs and carvings. The colored cupola (of tiles) is a symbol of the town. Also on the square is the Palazzo del Principe (17^th and 18^th century). The Chiesa di Santa Chiara is a 16^th century church with a very pretty interior. Other churches to visit are: Santuario della Madonna di Mutata (a lovely façade and paintings inside), Chiesa del Madonna Carmine (15^th century church with a lovely façade), Chiesa e Convento di San Francesco di Paolo (a lovely Baroque interior), Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie and Chiesa di Santa Lucia.

Oria is a charming medieval town with a Norman castle/Castello Svevo built by Frederick II (13^th century). Oria was a walled town and many of the walls and gates of the city still stand. The Palomba Tower/Torre di Palomba is part of the old walls and is rather grand. You’ll enjoy the tour of the castle and the treasures inside. The cathedral is a Romanesque building with a Baroque façade (note the colored tiles on the dome). Inside you’ll find ancient frescoes. The town is perfect for a visit and has many charming aspects.