The semi-circular Piazza Maria Immacolata, or Piazza dei Portici, as it is also known, is one of the city’s most popular spots.  This lovely square was built in 1854, by the architect Davide Conversano.  Each of the arches of its arcade was designed to hold the stall of a vendor, on market day.  Now, tables of the cafés and the restaurants that line the piazza fill those spaces, making it an enchanting place to relax, and enjoy a bite to eat.  

The day soon became cloudy, and before long, the rain began to fall.  We went back to the apartment for umbrellas, and then, returned to our exploration, as this was our last day, and we did not want to waste it, simply because of a little bad weather.

The Parrocchia di Cristo Re dell’Universo dei Frati Minori is a modern church, dating from 1963.

We did not go inside the church, as it was Sunday, and there was a service going on.  So, we made do with some window shopping, along one of the nearby streets.

Over the years of traveling to Italy, one of the things I have learned is that when it rains, pavements and surfaces can get terribly slippery, as was the case with the street pictured below.  On wet days, one must choose one’s footwear carefully, and then, proceed to walk even slower!

The Casa a Corte Le Marangi dates from 1731, and was built as the residence of Domenico Le Marangi.  It is still a private residence today.

All around the city, small plaques were decorating the facades of buildings.  On these plaques were written quotes by Pablo Picasso, who was the subject of a temporary exhibit at the Palazzo Ducale, which was going to be our last destination for the day.  First, though, we needed to get some lunch, so we slowly made our way back to Piazza Maria Immacolata, and taking a seat in one of the restaurants that lined the square, we ate a delicious meal of mixed grilled fish!

There is nothing better on a rainy Sunday afternoon, than a long, relaxed meal!

 

Next up: We visit the Palazzo Ducale, and our time in Martina Franca comes to an end!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Martina Franca, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!