| Manduria is one of the largest and busiest towns of the province of Taranto. Located on Taranto’s Murge, where the roads meet connecting the territories of Taranto, Lecce and Brindisi, Manduria is a thriving agricultural centre, known for the production of olive oil and wine. It was a fierce adversary of Taranto in ancient times and it has never lost its Messapico identity. The impressive Messapico walls (dating back to the 5th – 3rd century BC), with their triple circle stretching to the north-east of the town and clearly visible particularly near the Chiesa dei Cappuccini demonstrate this. Traces of the more ancient past can also be found in the archaeological park and various other remains; different necropolises excavated in the rock with semi-chamber tombs have been found around the walls.
The park spreads over the territory of Manduria, an ancient flourishing Messapian centre, and is delimited by two baileys. The Plinian Fountain, the monument symbol of Manduria, represented in the city coat of arms, is mentioned by Plinius the Old because of its continuous water supply to the area. The region presents traces of ancient human settlements dating back to the VI century B.C. In the park, it is possible to visit the small Church of St. Pietro Mandurino, of composite style. The necropolis is situated outside the walls and is the largest in the whole region. Its 1284 tombs date back to a space of time ranging from the VI century B.C. to the II century B.C.
Manduria is also rich in natural resources which are still uncontaminated, like its clear blue sea, with sea beds full of fauna, flora and archaeological artefacts. |