To reach the historic centre of Martina Franca, you should use the Santo Stefano (St. Stephan) gate. Also known as the Arch of St. Anthony, it's one of four gates that traditionally gave access to the city. Along with the city walls, it was built in the 14th century, and has been renovated many times until 1764, when military defense was considered no longer necessary, leaving it as a Baroque-style archway. It honours San Martino (Saint Martin), the patron saint of the city, in the stonework above the arch. According to the legend, San Martino miraculously intervened with a large cavalry to save Martina Franca from a siege of soldiers led by Fabrizio Marramaldo in 1529. Don’t miss the sculpture of him sitting proudly on his horse at the highest point of the archway.