WHERE - Itria Valley the Cradle of Marvels.
An international heritage.
The ‘Tenute Girolamo’ estate, located in Puglia, stretches across all the Itria Valley. This hilly area is characterized by karstic ups and downs and is situated between Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino communes in proximity of Alberobello. The immense karstic hills represent the main element that marks out all this area whose top point is: The Murgia of the Trulli. The sight then moves towards the bolo, the typical red soil with golden hues, cultivated by using a special technique in order to maintain the Valley of Itria’s soil both soft and rich. The Mediterranean climate, the high percentage of thermal excursion and the particular composition of the calcareous soil favours balanced vineyards which with the passion and dedication, the capacity and the commitment of the family Girolamo, have been transformed in excellent wines of highest quality.
The culture and the taste in the Trulli’s land.
In the urban area, we can also find the old manor farms and the ancient hill forts, places out of time, as maintained untouched throughout the Centuries. The main attractions however remain the Trulli, unique habitations amazingly built entirely from stones. Their typical ’ cone’ shape inspired for years the operas of many international artists, and the collective imaginary of an entire nation, so as to make this area a world heritage, protected by UNESCO. The Itria Valley is, in fact, a treasure of art and nature, enriched by architectural works carried out by its inhabitants.
A place of art and tourism.
The elegant centre of Martina Franca, located in an area from which is possible to admire the entire valley, has been founded in the X century, with the first constructions of the Monte San Martino village. The Harmonious composition of the buildings in the old part of the city and the exquisite artistic & intellectual spirit of the town has made it a point of reference for the tour operators from all over the World. The baroque influence has also been preserved throughout the time tanks to the precious commitment of the local people. Because of them it is still possible, yet today, to enjoy the wonders of the past.
Martina Franca: between history and tradition
A place that epitomize the beauty, decorated with whorls and little angel figurines, intricate alleys and white houses, where the elegant Churches melt together with the splendour of the rich balconies. All this is also due to Filippo I of Angiò, the prince of Taranto who, in the early years of the 1300s wanted to create a tax-free village, with a Public and not Feudal University, where everyone could study without considering the feudal relationships. Because of the carriage-free conditions done for whoever decided to live at Martina, to the village has been given the name of “Franca” which means “free”. The name of the city is however consecrated to the Patron San Martino, which protects the town and the people and is being celebrated on November 11 of each year. It is on this date that, during the traditional festival, the nouveau wines are being tasted.
