Taranto

Taranto, a coastal city in southern Italy's Puglia region, sits between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. This former Greek colony and current naval base has a rich history evident in its Doric columns and 15th-century Aragonese Castle. In Taranto, you can explore the National Archaeological Museum, taste fresh seafood at local restaurants, and use the city as a base to visit Puglia's beaches and historic towns.

A City Between Two Seas

Taranto's unique geography shapes its layout and daily life. The old town occupies an island between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea), connected to the mainland by two bridges. You can watch the Ponte Girevole, a swing bridge, open to allow naval ships to pass. From the waterfront, observe fishermen bringing in their daily catch or oyster farmers working in the Mar Piccolo.

Exploring the Old Town

Walk through the Città Vecchia, Taranto's old town, on the island between the two seas. Its narrow alleys and aged buildings tell stories of the past. You'll come across the 11th-century Taranto Cathedral, dedicated to San Cataldo. The cathedral's Baroque façade stands in contrast to its Byzantine-style dome, reflecting the city's architectural evolution over time.

Aragonese Castle

At the edge of the old town, you'll find the Aragonese Castle, built in the 15th century to defend against Ottoman attacks. Take a tour of parts of the castle, including the chapel of San Leonardo and sections of the fortifications. From the castle walls, you can see Taranto's two seas and the city's modern areas.

National Archaeological Museum

Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA) to see one of Italy's most significant collections of ancient artifacts. The museum displays Greek and Roman jewelry, including the famous "Ori di Taranto" (Gold of Taranto), as well as pottery, sculptures, and mosaics. Learn about the city's long history and its role in Magna Graecia through the exhibits.

Taranto's Culinary Scene

Taste Taranto's seafood-focused cuisine in local restaurants. Try "cozze alla tarantina," mussels cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, or "tubettini con le cozze," a pasta dish with mussels. For a quick meal, look for a "panzerotto," a fried turnover filled with tomato and mozzarella, which originated in this region.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

While Taranto itself is primarily a working port, you can explore beaches and natural areas in the surrounding coastline. Drive south to the beaches of Marina di Pulsano, with clear waters and sandy shores. For a more natural coastal experience, visit the Torre Colimena nature reserve, where you might spot flamingos and other wildlife.

Getting to Taranto

To reach Taranto, fly into Brindisi (about 70 km away) or Bari (about 100 km) airports. From these cities, take a train or bus to Taranto. If you're driving, use the SS7 highway that connects Taranto to both Brindisi and Bari. In the city, you can walk around much of the old town, while buses serve the newer areas.