Manduria, Medieval settlement in Province of Taranto, Italy.
Manduria is a municipality in the Province of Taranto in southeastern Puglia, located 79 meters above sea level. Rectangular stone walls surround the old town, which sits among vineyards and olive groves.
The Messapians founded this place as a fortress against the Greek city of Taras in the 4th century BC. Spartan king Archidamus III fell here in 338 BC during a clash with local forces.
The name derives from the Messapian people who once lived here and used the settlement as protection from Greek neighbors. Today, wine cellars attract visitors who want to taste Primitivo di Manduria, a robust red wine made from local grapes.
Buses connect the town regularly with Taranto, which lies 35 kilometers to the west. The old town is best explored on foot, as many alleys are too narrow for cars.
The Fonte Pliniano is an ancient well that Pliny the Elder mentioned in his writings, and its water level never changes. An old almond tree grows in the center, thriving despite the surrounding water.
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