What to see in Manduria: the Messapian Walls Archaeological Park, the Plinian Spring, the historic centre and the Primitivo DOP wine. Guide and directions from Taranto.
History
Manduria is the city of the Messapians and of the Primitivo, in the heart of the Tarantine Salento. It was founded by the ancient Illyrian people of the Messapians, who from the eighth century BC occupied the territory of today's Salento. The name seems to derive from "mand-Uria", "before Oria", because the city was an outpost between the Messapian centre of Oria and its rival Taranto.
Over the centuries Manduria faced wars with powerful Taranto, which attempted a siege in 338 BC. It then passed under Rome, the Normans and various feudal lords, taking its current name in 1789 by decree of Ferdinand I of Bourbon.
Such is its wealth of churches and convents that Manduria has been called "Sacred Manduria", second only to Lecce in Salento for its concentration of religious buildings.
What to see
The most important site is the Messapian Walls Archaeological Park, spreading over some 150,000 m² and holding the largest Messapian necropolis ever discovered — around 2,500 tombs dating from the sixth to the second century BC — and the triple ring of megalithic walls raised between the fifth and third centuries BC.
At the park's entrance lies the famous Plinian Spring (Fonte Pliniano), the city's symbol: a perennial spring inside a natural cave 18 metres across, reached by descending a stairway carved into the rock. Its name comes from Pliny the Elder, who described its prodigy in the Naturalis Historia: the water level remains constant, whether it is drawn or rain falls in. The park also holds the rock church of San Pietro Mandurino, with a frescoed Byzantine crypt.
The historic centre is a maze of alleys with Baroque palazzi, the Duomo (Mother Church) with its Gothic-Renaissance façade of 1532, and the monumental Calvary. But Manduria is above all the capital of Primitivo di Manduria DOP, one of the world's most appreciated reds, celebrated in the Museum of Primitivo Wine Civilisation.
Did you know…
- The Plinian Spring keeps its water level constant: the phenomenon already struck Pliny the Elder.
- Manduria's Messapian necropolis, with around 2,500 tombs, is the largest ever discovered.
- Primitivo di Manduria DOP is one of the world's best-known Italian red wines.
- The city's coat of arms depicts the Spring as a well with an almond tree sprouting above it.
Practical information
| Hours | The historic centre can be visited at any time. The Archaeological Park is generally open every day 9-13 and 16-20 (seasonal hours); check the official website. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Historic centre free. Entry to the Archaeological Park and museums for a fee. |
| Accessibility | The Plinian Spring is reached via a stairway carved into the rock; the historic centre has alleys and historic paving. |
| Getting there | From Taranto: about 35 km along the SS7ter towards Lecce. By train via the Ferrovie del Sud Est. |
Not to miss
★ PremiumGusto Primitivo
📍 Vicolo I Marco Gatti, 11, Manduria
Inside the Corte Borromeo Hotel, among the best gourmet addresses in the area.
★ PremiumAll'Hostaria
📍 Via Ferdinando Donno, 27/29, Manduria
Refined cuisine in an evocative courtyard, among the best restaurants in town.
★ PremiumTrattoria Moderno
📍 Via Mercanti, Manduria
Family-run, a warm atmosphere, one of the most authentic experiences in town.
★ PremiumZia Franca Experience
📍 Via per Maruggio, Manduria
Seafood cuisine by chef Franca, among the most recommended addresses in the area.
Addresses for guidance: names, management and hours may change. Always check before visiting.
Full listing
Indicative list compiled from public sources. To be featured among our partners, contact us.
Tips for your visit
- Descend to the Plinian Spring: the play of light from the skylight creates an evocative atmosphere.
- Pair the archaeological visit with a Primitivo tasting in one of the cellars.
- The coast's beaches (San Pietro in Bevagna) are just 15 minutes from the centre.
- Check the Park's hours on the official website: they change with the seasons.