This townhouse in the historic centre of Manduria retains a range of original architectural features, including stone vaults, fireplaces, niches, arches and a small private garden. A Latin inscription above the entrance reads “Deus meus et Dominus meus” (“My God and my Lord”).
The building is arranged mainly on the ground floor, with several split levels connected by stone steps. The rooms feature barrel vaults in dressed stone, cross and star vaults, round and pointed arches, wall niches and built-in stone benches.
The main hall is a tall room with exposed stone walls and a moulded cornice. A large window with iron bars and wooden shutters is set above a stepped stone seat. An arched doorway and several openings connect the hall with the adjoining rooms.
Several rooms retain fireplaces. One has a stone fireplace with a substantial lintel beneath a vaulted ceiling, while others have fireplaces with tall masonry hoods. One room retains traces of its original sky-blue finish, together with wall niches and an arched hearth.
Large wooden carriage doors open into another vaulted room. From here, a stone staircase leads to the upper rooms, while an arched opening gives access to a lower level. A quantity of original dressed stone blocks is stored on the property and could be reused during the restoration.
The small internal courtyard garden is enclosed by high stone walls. It is currently overgrown and could be redesigned as a private outdoor space. Stone steps lead from the garden to the roof terraces, which have masonry parapets and traditional chimneys overlooking the rooftops of the old town.
The property requires complete restoration, including plasterwork, floors, windows, doors and building services. Some walls show signs of damp and smoke staining. The original stone construction, vaulted ceilings and surviving architectural details provide the basis for a restoration in keeping with the character of the building and the requirements applying to Manduria’s historic centre.
Updated floor plans and measured areas are currently being prepared by a surveyor.
Following restoration, the property could be used as a private residence, second home or small guesthouse, subject to the relevant approvals and any required changes of use.
Manduria is an ancient Messapian city and is known for Primitivo wine. The historic centre is within walking distance, with its squares, churches and wine bars. The Ionian coast and the sandy beaches of San Pietro in Bevagna are around 15 minutes away by car. Taranto is approximately 40 minutes away, Lecce around 50 minutes and Brindisi Airport around 50 minutes.
