The arch of Santo Stefano is the triumphant entrance that introduces the admirable historic centre
of Martina Franca. It is the symbol par excellence of the Baroque present in Martina Franca, it was
part of an ancient defensive system dating back to the Middle Ages. The round arch is supported by
two parasts with composite capitals that support the entabulation and a well-crafted cornice. At the
top stands out the sculpture of San Martino equestre, at the corners rise two volutes twisted like
serpentines and crushed by the classic torches, typical elements of the eighteenth-century
decoration of Martina Franca. The equestrian statue of San Martino was placed on the highest point
of the arch, almost to protect the city, to remember the miraculous intervention of the patron saint,
when on June 16, 1529, according to legend, he intervened with an immense cavalry, and it is told, also
with Sant'Antonio da Padova, to save Martina Franca from the siege of the Cappelletti, mercenary
soldiers, captained by Fabrizio Marramaldo. In fact, a little before the acre we can see a church
dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Under the arch, on the right wall, there is a plaque in memory of
the visit of St. John Paul II in 1989; while in front, on the left wall, there is another plaque that celebrates
the anniversary of the seven hundred years of the refoundation of the city, which took place on
August 12, 1310 thanks to King Philip I of Anjou. The arch also assumes a symbolic value of welcome
and civic representation, also because it is a testimony to the mediaeval and urban design that the
city has carefully preserved. A curiosity about this topic is that during twilight its stones take on an

almost golden yellowish colour that reflects the sunlight.