Francavilla Fontana: History, Archaeology and Regional Destinations

History along the ancient route of the Via Appia

Francavilla Fontana is located 35 km west of Brindisi along the ancient route of the Via Appia. This historical connection complements buildings and archaeological displays where you can learn about different periods and forms of cultural heritage. The focus is on Castello Imperiali and the MAFF located inside it; further palaces, a museum and a castle are located in the surrounding area.

Castello Imperiali and MAFF

Castello Imperiali was built by the Orsini del Balzo in the 15th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Imperiali princes converted the Castello into an aristocratic residence. These two construction phases make it possible to trace the building's historical development.

The MAFF – Museo Archeologico di Francavilla Fontana presents the history of Francavilla Fontana and the Piana brindisina. To do so, it displays archaeological finds from Francavilla Fontana, Ceglie Messapica, Mesagne and Brindisi, as well as specially created illustrations and 3D reconstructions. The period depicted ranges from the Paleolithic to the modern era. This provides you with a broad chronological framework that connects local history with finds from several places in the Piana brindisina.

The MAFF is located on the first floor of Castello Imperiali. Access is via the staircase in the courtyard or an internal lift. Both entrances are relevant for finding your way around the site.

Palaces, museum and castle in the surrounding area

In the immediate vicinity of Francavilla Fontana is Palazzo Imperiali, a palace. The surrounding area also contains Palazzo Blasi, a palace, the Museo della Ceramica, a museum, and Castello Episcopio, a castle. These four destinations broaden the view of architectural and cultural history by representing different types of buildings. If you plan your stay thematically, you can consider these names separately from Castello Imperiali and thus take several historical facets into account.

Park, arch, mountain and beach

There are also several destinations in the surrounding area offering different landscape impressions. Giardini Pubblici, a park, is located in the immediate vicinity of Francavilla Fontana. The Parco Archeologico delle Mura Messapiche, a natural arch, is located in the surrounding area. Monte Trazzonara, a mountain, and Spiaggia Librari, a beach, are located in the wider regional area.

The range is decisive when selecting your excursions: Giardini Pubblici and Parco Archeologico delle Mura Messapiche belong to the immediate or general surrounding area, while Monte Trazzonara and Spiaggia Librari are part of the wider regional area. This distinction helps you avoid grouping the destinations into a single locality.

Palazzo del Sedile

An agreement between the municipality and the Pro Loco was valid until the end of the year. It assigned the association responsibility for the entire Palazzo del Sedile, required it to organise cultural activities and was intended to ensure that citizens could use the building. Palazzo del Sedile is therefore associated with building management, cultural events and the intended use by citizens.

Further places for regional orientation

Carovigno, Oria, Cellino San Marco, Mesagne, Erchie, San Pietro Vernotico, Villanova and Rosa Marina

For the higher-level travel overview: Brindisi.