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West of Lecce in Taranto and Brindisi Provinces |
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Tour West of Lecce in Taranto and Brindisi Provinces Manduria  50 kilometers from Lecce in Taranto province, Manduria is an interesting town with an ancient history. In addition to a medieval ghetto and later buildings in the town centre, it has an extensive series of ancient ruins from the Messapian civilisation, including well-preserved sections of the ancient walls which protected the town from the 5th century BC onwards against Greek invasions. The archaeological area also contains Pliny’s Well, recorded as maintaining the same level of water however much water is drawn from it. South of the town, the countryside - known today mainly for its vineyards – reaches the sea in a series of sandy beaches that stretch westwards towards Taranto. Grottaglie and Francavilla Fontana  Grottaglie’s name comes from its limestone caves and grottoes. It has a Romanesque church, the Chiesa Matrice, and the church of the Carmine contains a fine 16th century carved Nativity. Outside the town is a 17th century sanctuary containing a medieval fresco. The area has earlier remains, from Messapian walls to Roman tombs. Today the town is best known for its pottery.
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