Francavilla Fontana, Puglia, Italy

Francavilla Fontana is located half way between Brindisi and Taranto in the Region of Puglia, Southern Italy. It comes under the province of Brindisi and is also part of the Salento peninsula, which makes up the "heel" of the Italian boot. The Adriatic Sea is to the east of Salento and the Ionian Sea to the southwest, so you are always less than 35 minutes from the sea. With the most beautiful sandy beaches being on the coast below Manduria.

14th September is the Festa for "Maria SS della Fontana",

patron of the town.
During the days around the Festa there are beautiful streets illuminations. concerts and fireworks.

See the full list of events for the Festa in 2022

2014's illuminations along Via Roma

band stand francavilla fontana festa 2015

illuminations and band stand going up for the Festa in 2015

Francavilla Fontana is also called the "Imperiali town" after the feudal lords that ruled the town from the end of the 16th to 18th century. The Imperiali Castle is the crown of the historic centre. It has recently been renovated and now houses the tourist information office and a museum. It has large rooms available for community events, weddings and art exhibitions. It was built in 1450, but it was the Imperiali Princes that changed it to today's appearance in the early 18th century with it's beautifully carved stone loggia balcony.

Imperiali Castle, Francavilla Fontana

A stroll around the historic centre reveals many churches and Palazzos with large carved stone doorways. The heart of the town is Piazza Umberto I with it's fountain and clock tower. This is where local people gather to drink coffee and eat ice-cream with their friends and family. During the festival week around the 14th September this piazza is decorated with lights and a band stand.

Piazza Umberto I, Francavilla Fontana

Piazza Giovanni XXIII, Francavilla Fontana

Villa Comunale is the park in Viale Vincenzo. Which is the road leading from Via Roma towards the Train Station. To the left as you enter the park gates is an open air amphitheatre.

Amphitheatre Villa Comunale, Francavilla Fontana

Francavilla Fontana was featured on the Rai 2 TV programme "Sereno Variabile". Click here to go directly to the page where I have put some screen shots from the programme.

The countryside around Francavilla is mainly flat and is used for growing olives, almonds, grape vines and vegetables. Some farms also keep horses, cows and sheep.

The weather in this region is usually very mild with day time temperatures in June, July and August being above 35C. Day time temperatures in winter are usually over 15C.