MESSAPIAN FORTIFICATIONS

Itinerary no. 8

- MANDURIA
Visit to the three imposing megalithic walls built in order to defend the town during the battles against Taranto. Along the fortifications, large parts of which have been preserved, it is still possible to admire the necropolis characterized by the presence of many tombs excavated in the rock. In the main square of Manduria is also a beautiful 18th century castle built by the family Imperiali from Genoa, as well as a quite well preserved historic centre.

- ORIA
It is one of the most important centres of Messapia, situated halfway along the isthmus between Taranto and Brindisi. It is therefore in a position that was certainly privileged in the past. The modern town is sited on three little hills and its historic centre, dominated by the imposing Swabian castle, still conserves most of the original Medieval structure. There are few remains of the ancient town. However, recent discoveries have allowed the creation of an open-air archaeological site where it is possible to observe a huge area of the Messapian town. The area is located on the two sides of a road, with kilns and big buried containers used for the storage of goods. Part of the walls, where it is still possible to see a sidegate to the walkway of the guards, is of great interest.



Itinerary no. 9

- MURO LECCESE
(see no. 1)

- VASTE
Over the last 10 years systematic archaeological excavations have clarified the defensive structure of the town. In the area of Melliche, outside the modern town to the north, is one of the town gates, crossed by a road, and a part of the fortification walls with square blocks and an inner filling of big stones. Another gate has been discovered on the eastern side of the centre together with another defensive structure, an antemural, built largely against the walls.

- OTRANTO
The recent discoveries in Via del Porto, that have brought to light the only known part of the Hellenistic walls of Otranto, are particularly interesting. The walls were built with big blocks with a staggered entrance gate and the entrance road to the town.

- CASTRO
In the charming little square of Belvedere, at the entrance to the Medieval citadel, near the 16th century fortifications, the excavations have brought to light an imposing fortification wall that used to surround the whole hill overlooking the splendid harbour inlet.