Discover Manduria: Wine, Archaeology and Churches

Manduria brings together several distinct cultural themes: Primitivo wine culture, archaeological collections, church architecture and places of remembrance. If you would like to focus on a particular theme during your trip, you can explore them individually: the wine museum brings together winemaking and tastings, the archaeological collection turns the spotlight on necropolises and settlement areas, and the churches offer insight into different phases of construction.

Primitivo Culture and Tastings

The Museo della Civiltà del Vino Primitivo presents the culture of Primitivo, from growing the vines to making the wine. The theme therefore covers both viticulture and wine production. The museum uses the underground wine cisterns of a 19th-century winery as exhibition spaces. Offerings include wine tastings and tastings of dishes from the local gastronomic tradition. If you plan to take part in a tasting, check the booking details before your trip.

Archaeological Collections

The Museo Archeologico “Manduria, Terra di Messapi” is housed in a former Augustinian monastery and displays archaeological finds from necropolises and settlement areas. The museum also documents the excavation of more than 1,200 tombs in the ancient necropolis. In this way, different find contexts come together: the collections include finds from necropolises and settlement areas, while the figure of more than 1,200 refers to the excavated tombs in the ancient necropolis.

Churches and Architectural History

The Chiesa Madre della SS. Trinità features a richly decorated Renaissance portal and a large rose window. In the 18th century, its interior was expanded from three to five naves. Its architectural history thus encompasses both striking exterior features and a change to the interior layout.

The Chiesa di San Pietro Mandurino consists of an upper chapel, believed to date from the 13th century, and an underground crypt dating from the 8th century. The different dates make it possible to consider the two parts separately. The church is currently closed to the public while work is underway to stabilise and enhance the site. Check its visitor status again before your trip.

Places of Remembrance in Manduria

The Museo Civico Manduria preserves memories of the First and Second World Wars in a former 18th-century Servite monastery. Two permanent exhibition rooms are devoted to the First and Second World Wars, respectively. A third room is used for temporary exhibitions, literary events, conferences and commemorative events. Permanent thematic rooms sit alongside a space for changing exhibitions and events.

The museums each have a distinct focus: the wine museum offers Primitivo culture and tastings, while the archaeological museum focuses on finds from necropolises and settlement areas. The Museo Civico, in turn, brings together remembrance of the two World Wars and a space for changing formats. These differences can help you organise Manduria’s cultural themes according to your own travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Castellaneta Marina, Lido Azzurro, Palagiano, Palagianello, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, Lizzano, Marina Di Ginosa, Uggiano Montefusco.

For the broader travel overview: Taranto.