Puglia – Heavenly White Villages
View from outside our classroom of beautiful Martina Franca
I was bewitched by Martina Franca and her white village cousins on my first trip to the Valle D’Itria years ago. So taken with it that I made it our base for the first four days of the Caravan Travel Photography Workshop this June.
The Caravan travel photography workshop started in the hillside town in the Valle D’Itra of Martina Franca. If you love Baroque architecture you will love Martina Franca. Every door, archway and facade has been carved in stone with loving care and as the local mayor explained to us, even the most humble doorway is baroque.
A magical lampost, a blast of sunshine and a local.
Blue doors, white stone and ornate door frames.
I loved this window that I saw each day from my terrace just needed Sophia Loren to pop out of it.
A little boy comes out to see what I was up to.
This man is a local legend in Martina Franca. He runs the gorgeous Cafe Tripoli which is a historic cafe and at seventy something is up at 5am most days to serve coffee and charm his clientele. Love Vito!
More baroque streets in Martina Franca.
Whilst out scouting for the workshop I pulled into a beautiful Masseria above and found this handsome man working there.
A fab archway in Martina Franca
Ceglie Messapica getting ready for the big procession..
The locals at Bar San Antonio in Ceglie Messapica..
A flower lined street in the historic centre of Ceglie Messapica
A corner of Ceglie Messapica and the lady that in lucky to live there.
I adored this wall and the tea towel drying in the sun.
The basilica of San Martino in Martina Franca.. A baroque feast.
Hanging the washing out in Monopoli.
Waiting for the procession in Ceglie Messapica
I couldn’t resist these two.. All photos copyright Carla Coulson
Puglia was kind and gentle to us photographers, the locals opened their arms and hearts and showed us what true Southern Italian hospitality is all about.. Puglia Rocks!!
“Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There is no looking at a building after seeing Italy.” Fanny Burney
PS: If you love travel photography and would like to travel to this part of the world you might like to join me in Puglia in June 2015 at the Caravan Travel Photography Workshop.
Stunning collection of photographs, Carla and wonderful reminders of the fabulous Puglia workshop. If anyone reading this has the slightest doubt as to whether or not to apply for this travel photography workshop, DO IT! It was absolutely the best thing I ever did. I learned SO much, developed so much as a photographer, and also had the greatest time! And of course what an opportunity to learn from Carla Coulson!
HI Jilly,, thanks for your gorgeous and generous comment. Loved having you on the course and adore your brilliant photos.. Carla x
These photos are inspiring. I have to visit Puglia on my next trip. Thank you for always sharing Carla 🙂
HI Meredith, so pleased you like the pics.. There are so many great places to see.. Carla xx
Carla, these photos are wonderful!
HI Christina, sending you love, hope things are great for you.. Carla x
FANTASTIC!!! X
thanks….miss you guys.. Carla x
WOW WOW WOW………..been to PULGILA once.A campground of course as that is the only way the MARITO vacations!There was a big white town we went to for dinner one night!Of course, I cannot recall the name…….but it was STUNNING.This town is charming beyond belief with each door adorned………..LOVED your view of the balcony!!!!I would want to rip that off and bring it HOME!!
HI Contessa,
Gorgeous, still beautiful and you would look amazing coming down one of those noble palace stairways.. xx
These are stunning Carla! I really adore the black and white.
Glorious each and every one, love the tea towel, the little boy and all the locals. Great images and a fabulous caravan….xxx
I can see that I would fall in love with Puglia..great pics!
HI Mimmi,, yes it would be difficult not to love it.. Thanks for your kind words. Carla x
Love the way you capture magical Puglia Carla, and can’t believe that it will be part of my life. Many photos remind me of my town Galatina… Love the simplicity, love the detail… love the life that is lived…
Grazie xxx
Hi Katina, So thrilled you are on the way to Puglia.. I know you love the simple things which is the things that I love too.. Have fun .xx
This looks like a place where time has stood still.
Hi Loree, Puglia is magical and has that feeling exactly.. So feels like another time. x
Absolutely lovely photographs. Your amazing talent shows through each incredible photograph.
Hi Carla,
I’m addicted to your blog 🙂
Like your style and great images.
Carla you captured the essence of this beautiful place! I am sitting here with my coffee and my heart just yearns to visit there. You images are stunning.