Manduria​

Latest page update: 19 May 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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Discover

Discover Manduria
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.​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Manduria
  • Centro Storico di Manduria lies gently inland from the Ionian coast, its streets winding among baroque façades, noble palaces, and narrow alleys paved in pale limestone. The town radiates understated elegance, with glimpses of sunlit courtyards and wrought-iron balconies draped in flowers. Small piazzas reveal ancient wells and artisan workshops. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and quiet beauty intertwine.
  • Chiesa Madre di Manduria stands majestically in the heart of the town, its baroque façade adorned with sculpted columns and delicate stone carvings. Inside are gilded altars, sacred paintings, and fine woodwork. The church has long anchored Manduria’s spiritual and cultural life. It remains a cherished emblem of faith and artistry.
  • Fonte Pliniano lies hidden beneath Manduria, a subterranean spring that once supplied the ancient city with water. Carved into stone, it’s linked to legends told by Pliny the Elder. Visitors descend to see cool waters glimmering in the dim light. The fountain stands as a symbol of Manduria’s ancient heritage.
  • Piazza Garibaldi serves as Manduria’s social heart, bordered by historic buildings, cosy cafés, and lively market stalls filled with local produce. The square hosts festivals, concerts, and gentle conversations under Salento’s wide skies. Cobblestones and noble façades create an elegant backdrop. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Manduria.
  • Guided historical and wine tours in Manduria lead visitors through baroque streets, archaeological sites, and vineyards producing the town’s renowned Primitivo wines. Local guides share tales of ancient Messapic walls, noble families, and local traditions. Tours often include tastings of robust Primitivo wines, cheeses, and regional delicacies. Exploring reveals Manduria’s blend of deep history, fine winemaking, and authentic regional spirit.
Manduria Tours and Activities
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

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Manduria

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