Manduria​

Latest page update: 2 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
The town of Manduria is situated with the Salento region of Puglia in the Province of Taranto. It has a population of around 31,000 residents and lies 35 kilometres east of Taranto itself.

​Places of interest nearby include Avetrana, San Pancrazio Salentino, Campomarino and Oria. The recommended accommodation for Manduria is the Hotel San Paolo​.
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Manduria • Puglia • Salento • Historic Town
Manduria is a town located in the southern part of Puglia, within the Province of Taranto. Positioned inland, it sits between the Ionian coast and the fertile plains of Salento, an area renowned for its agriculture. Manduria is famous for its wine production, particularly for the renowned Primitivo di Manduria, a robust red wine that has earned the town a prominent place in Italy's wine-making history. The town itself boasts a historic centre filled with traditional architecture, charming streets, and important landmarks.

Visitors to Manduria can explore its historical sites, including the 16th-century Church of San Pietro, the Romanesque-style Cathedral of Manduria, and the nearby ancient Messapian ruins, which date back to pre-Roman times. The town’s archaeological museum houses significant findings from the surrounding area, shedding light on its rich ancient history. Manduria also offers opportunities to taste local wines, with numerous wineries in the region providing tours and tastings. The surrounding countryside, with its vineyards and olive groves, provides a peaceful backdrop for those looking to enjoy the rural beauty of the Salento region.

Manduria’s location makes it ideal for visiting other attractions in the region. To the east, the coastal town of Porto Cesareo is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. To the south, the town of Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet, offers stunning coastal views and a historic lighthouse. The city of Lecce, with its Baroque architecture and cultural heritage, is a short drive to the northwest, while the charming seaside town of Gallipoli, with its old town located on an island, is just a little further to the west.​
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Archaeological Sites: The town is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Messapian Walls and the Necropolis of San Pietro in Bevagna, which features ancient tombs and ruins.
  • Wine Culture: Manduria is famous for its Primitivo wine, a robust red wine known for its intense flavors. Visitors can explore local wineries, participate in wine tastings, and learn about the wine-making process.
  • Historic Centre: The town's historic centre is a charming area with narrow streets, white-washed houses, and historical buildings, including churches and palaces.
  • Fonte Pliniano: This ancient Roman well, named after the historian Pliny the Elder, is an interesting historical site with connections to ancient waterworks.
  • Beaches: Manduria is not far from the Ionian Sea coast, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  • Local Cuisine: Manduria offers a taste of authentic Apulian cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias, where visitors can savor regional dishes and seafood specialties.
  • Festivals and Events: The town celebrates various traditional festivals throughout the year, allowing tourists to experience local customs, music, and cultural events.
Comune di Manduria
Province: Taranto

Region: Puglia

Population: 29,773​ (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 197 km²

Elevation: 79 metres​

​Close by: Avetrana, San Pancrazio Salentino, Campomarino, Oria

​Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Paolo

Manduria​​  Gallery

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