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Taranto Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Puglia
Taranto is located on the beautiful Ionian Sea in Puglia and is known as “the city of the two seas”. This unique city is surrounded by the bays of Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, creating a stunning natural setting amongst its historical sites. With a history shaped by its strategic Mediterranean location, Taranto offers a wealth of sights and experiences for travellers. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, enjoying a stroll along the seafront, or savouring delicious local dishes, Taranto promises an enriching and delightful holiday.
About the area
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Taranto is a coastal city full of fishermen and mussels, but it is also a huge naval port, full of warships and submarines. Its tormented history marked by various dominations from the Greeks to the Normans and the French, has left a legacy that makes the town well worth a visit. Added to this is its unique setting and shape, as it is positioned around two large bays: the Mar Grande, where the commercial port is located, and the Mar Piccolo, flanked by the old town centre. As Puglia’s second largest city, Taranto offers an intriguing blend of history, culture, and maritime charm.
Things to do in Taranto
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- Discover the Cattedrale di San Cataldo: Wandering around Taranto is a very pleasant experience and there is lots of interest to see. The Cattedrale di San Cataldo, right in the heart of old Taranto, dates back to the 11th century and houses the relics of the city’s patron saint Cataldo. The façade of the cathedral is baroque though the cupola shows clear Byzantine influence. Inside is a wonderful mosaic floor, while the chapel of San Cataldo, where the saint’s relics are preserved, is adorned with a superb series of frescoes by Paolo de Matteis dating from 1713.
- Visit the Aragonese Castle: Taranto’s other great monument is the Aragonese Castle, built by King Ferdinand of Aragon in the 15th century. During the 18th century the castle became a prison before eventually passing to Italian Navy. Today it is open to visitors and is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions.
- Stroll through the old town: The old town centre is a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways, many of which only allow access in single file. Echoing with the voices of fishermen returning from their arduous days at sea, these streets provide a charming and unusual setting for visitors. Fish markets rub shoulders with hidden architectural gems and cafés and bars spill out onto the pavements. In the background, if you listen carefully, is Taranto's very own soundtrack, provided by the Music Conservatory. This archetypal southern atmosphere is reinforced by the numerous seafood restaurants serving up delicious local specialities such tubettini con le cozze (pasta with mussels).
- Explore the National Archaeological Museum: If you’re interested in history, we recommend a trip to the National Archaeological Museum, home to numerous Greek, Roman and Apulian artefacts such as the Ori di Taranto, a collection of gold objéts d’art that bear testimony to the city’s glorious past.
- Watch the swing bridge in action: Experience Taranto’s beautiful canal with its ponte girevole, a swing bridge that opens to allow naval ships to pass, a favourite spectacle for both locals and visitors.
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