Basilica of St. Martin, Minor basilica in Martina Franca, Italy
The Basilica of St. Martin is a Baroque structure with a 42-meter-high facade featuring niches that hold statues of saints and display symmetrical proportions. Inside, three naves contain twelve altars arranged throughout, with marble collections including a polychrome altar and Evangelist statues that together shape the richly decorated space.
Construction began in 1747 under architect Giovanni Mariani as a replacement for an older Romanesque church and was completed in 1763. The shift from medieval to Baroque design marked the town's turn toward a new architectural style that dominated the period.
The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament displays ornate carved details that reflect how the community venerates sacred relics housed within its walls, a practice rooted in centuries of local devotion.
The basilica welcomes visitors throughout the year and you can explore the three naves and their furnishings at your own pace. Guided tours offer deeper insight into the artwork and allow you to learn about the finer details of decoration and craftsmanship.
The sanctuary was enriched in 1645 with a sacred relic brought to the city and approved by the highest religious authority, reflecting the trust placed in the congregation. This gift shows how important the place became to the community's spiritual identity.
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