Taranto

Situated on the Ionian Sea, where the waters shimmer with mythology and history, Taranto is one of Puglia’s most historically significant and visually striking cities. Known as the “City of Two Seas”, it straddles a narrow strip of land between the Mare Grande (Great Sea) and the Mare Piccolo (Little Sea), and was once the most powerful city of Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek colonies of southern Italy.

Though often overlooked in favor of its more polished neighbors, Taranto offers an authentic, complex, and deeply rewarding travel experience, blending ancient ruins, baroque churches, vibrant local culture, and some of the freshest seafood in Italy.

Map of Taranto

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A Glorious Past: Taranto in Ancient Times

Founded by the Spartans in the 8th century BC, Taranto (known as Taras in Greek and Tarentum in Latin) became the wealthiest and most powerful city in Magna Graecia. With its natural harbors, strong fleet, and cultural achievements, Taranto rivaled Athens and Syracuse as a hub of philosophy, art, and commerce.

Evidence of this golden age remains today in its museums, archaeological sites, and layout. The city fell under Roman control in 272 BC and continued to flourish, then saw successive rulers including Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish, each adding a layer to its complex cultural identity.

The Old City (Città Vecchia): Where Time Stands Still

Taranto's historic heart, located on an island between the Mare Grande and Mare Piccolo, is the Città Vecchia, a maze of narrow alleys, crumbling noble palaces, medieval churches, and panoramic views.

Key landmarks include:

Castello Aragonese: A 15th-century fortress built by the Aragonese and later reinforced by Napoleon, offering guided tours and spectacular sea views.

Cathedral of San Cataldo: The oldest cathedral in Apulia, blending Byzantine, Romanesque, and Baroque elements. It houses the relics of Taranto’s patron saint.

Church of San Domenico Maggiore: Perched dramatically above the sea, this church features Gothic architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Underground Taranto: A network of hypogea, cisterns, and crypts beneath the old city that reveal layers of Greek and Roman occupation.

Walking through the Città Vecchia is like stepping back in time, raw, real, and surprisingly beautiful in its worn grandeur.

The National Archaeological Museum (MArTA)

One of Italy’s greatest cultural treasures, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto (MArTA) is a must-see for history lovers. The museum houses one of the richest collections of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts in Italy, including the famous Ori di Taranto, delicate, exquisitely crafted gold jewelry from the 4th century BC.

Visitors can also explore mosaics, ceramics, statues, and funerary objects that reveal the city’s former splendor. MArTA is not just a museum; it’s a window into one of the Mediterranean’s greatest ancient civilizations.

The City of Two Seas: Maritime Beauty and Bridges

Taranto’s unique geography has shaped its culture and economy for millennia. The city lies between two natural bodies of water connected by a narrow canal and iconic swing bridge, the Ponte Girevole. This engineering marvel opens to allow naval ships to pass between the two seas, making it a symbol of Taranto’s ongoing relationship with the sea.

The Lungomare, or seafront promenade, offers gorgeous views, perfect for sunset strolls, while the Mare Piccolo, surrounded by mussel farms, is a calm, protected lagoon known for its marine biodiversity.

Taranto and the Sea: Mussels, Sailors, and Naval Pride

Taranto has always been a maritime city, and that tradition continues today. It is home to the Italian Navy’s Southern Command, and the Arsenale Militare Marittimo, a naval shipyard that has shaped the local economy since the 19th century.

But the city is just as proud of its culinary heritage, especially its mussels. Known as “Cozze di Taranto”, these black mussels are grown in the nutrient-rich waters of the Mare Piccolo and are considered some of the best in Italy.

Try them raw with lemon, steamed, in pasta, or in the classic "zuppa di cozze", a spicy mussel soup traditionally eaten during Holy Week.

Food and Wine in Taranto

Taranto’s cuisine is a fusion of sea and soil, with strong flavors, ancient recipes, and an emphasis on local produce. From hearty land dishes to delicate seafood, the variety reflects the city's dual nature.

Must-try dishes include:

Cozze tarantine: Mussels served raw or cooked

Riso, patate e cozze: A traditional Apulian bake of rice, potatoes, and mussels

Polpo alla pignata: Octopus slow-cooked in terracotta pots with tomatoes

Fave e cicoria: A rustic mix of fava beans and bitter greens

Panzerotti: Fried dough pockets filled with tomato and mozzarella

Pair these with Primitivo di Manduria, a bold local red wine with roots in the region, or with crisp white Greco from nearby vineyards.

Festivals and Local Traditions

Taranto’s traditions are deeply rooted in its religious and maritime past. Some of the most evocative events include:

Holy Week Processions (Settimana Santa): Perhaps the most moving in southern Italy, with slow, candlelit processions and haunting chants, dating back centuries.

Festival of San Cataldo (May): Celebrating the city’s patron saint with processions, fireworks, and a sea parade.

Città Vecchia Summer Nights: Cultural events and performances in the old town’s squares and courtyards.

These festivals offer insight into the city’s spiritual and communal heart, where faith, music, and history converge.

Day Trips and Natural Escapes

While Taranto itself is full of sights, it also serves as an excellent base to explore southern Puglia and northern Basilicata.

Nearby destinations include:

Grottaglie: Famous for its traditional ceramics and artisan workshops

Martina Franca: A stunning baroque town in the Valle d’Itria

Ginosa and Laterza: Towns with cave dwellings and beautiful ravines

Lido Silvana and Marina di Pulsano: Beaches with clear turquoise water, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea

Why Visit Taranto?

Taranto is a city of contrast and character, a place where ancient temples meet industrial shipyards, where Greek legends live in museum glass, and where every alley, statue, and seafood dish tells a story. It's not polished or packaged, but it’s authentic, intense, and endlessly interesting.

For those who want to explore real Italy, off the beaten path yet steeped in grandeur, Taranto is a powerful and unforgettable destination. Come for the archaeology, stay for the sea breeze, and leave with a deeper understanding of Italy’s incredible southern soul.