Guided tour of the archaeological park of Manduria

Beginning of the visit

My guided tours of the Archaeological Park of Manduria will take you on a discovery of an ancient Messapian city, surrounded by moats and mighty megalithic walls between the 5th and 3rd centuries B.C. Manduria is rich in history and archaeological finds that testify to its glorious and tumultuous past.

Megalithic Walls and Necropolis

We will begin the route by exploring the remains of the ancient Messapian walls, arranged in a triple circle, still visible today.
These walls offer an impressive insight into the engineering skills of the Messapians.
We will continue with a visit to the large necropolis, where we can see the pit tombs, often of considerable size and covered with stone slabs.

History of Manduria

I will tell you the story of the sieges and conquests that marked Manduria.
The city was besieged by Tarentum with the help of Sparta’s king Archidamus, who lost his life under the walls in 338 BC. Later, the city was taken by Hannibal in 212 BC and then conquered by the consul Quintus Fabius Maximus in 209 BC, who sacked Manduria and took 3,000 prisoners.

Plinian Source

The highlight of the visit will be the Plinian Spring, a spring of water hidden inside a cave about 18 meters in diameter.
Pliny the Elder described this place in his work Naturalis Historia, having visited it or been told about it by others.
We will access the cave via a flight of steps, where we can admire the large skylight at the top of the vault.
Externally, at the skylight, there is a representation of the city’s civic coat of arms, an almond tree inside a well.

Additional information

My guided tours of the Archaeological Park of Manduria offer an unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and archaeology of this ancient Messapian city. Thanks to my continuing education and passion for history, I will be able to engage you in a compelling narrative rich in detail, making each visit a unique experience. The focus on personalization of visits allows the itinerary and explanations to be tailored to the specific interests of visitors, ensuring a tailored, high-quality experience. My punctuality and reliability ensure professional and impeccable service. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a journey through time among the treasures of Manduria, where every corner tells a story and every artifact is a testimony to a millennia-old civilization.
For more information and reservations, contact me to arrange the guided tour fee.
I will be happy to accompany you on this extraordinary cultural and historical adventure.