Taranto Puglia, Italy Travel Guide
Step into Taranto and feel the warmth of the Southern Italian sun. This city, known as the "City of Two Seas," has a captivating experience, distinct from the popular, often crowded, spots in Italy. Taranto has an authentic slice of Puglian life, where maritime heritage and ancient history meet the everyday rhythms of a working port city. Travelers find a place where the grandeur of its past, as a powerful Greek colony, mingles with the strength of its present. This is not a city designed solely for tourists, and that is precisely its charm. You may walk through centuries of history, from the imposing Aragonese Castle to the narrow, winding alleys of the old town, imagining the lives that unfolded here.
Taranto'the geography of is perhaps its most significant defining feature, shaping its history, economy, and unique character. Situated on the Ionian Sea, the city boasts an uncommon configuration: it is effectively divided by water into distinct parts. This division creates a fascinating interplay between land and sea, influencing everything from the city's defense to its renowned mussel farming.
The city's core rests upon a narrow peninsula, which has been transformed into an island, known as the "Città Vecchia" or Old Town. This island is surrounded by two distinct bodies of water: the Mar Grande (Great Sea) and the Mar Piccolo (Little Sea).
Taranto, known in antiquity as Taras, holds the distinction of being the only Spartan colony ever founded. Started in the 8th century BC, it quickly grew into one of the most powerful and wealthy cities of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece), the collective name for the Hellenic colonies in The Mezzogiorno. Its strategic position between the two seas, with a naturally defensible harbor and fertile hinterland, allowed it to flourish as a major maritime and economic power. Taras was renowned for its purple dye (from murex shells), fine pottery, and philosophical school, attracting figures like Archytas, a Pythagorean philosopher, mathematician, and statesman. During this period, the city's influence extended across the Ionian coast, its treasury filled with riches, and its culture rivaled that of Athens. The "Ori di Taranto" (Taranto Gold), exquisite ancient jewelry discovered in local tombs and now housed in MArTA, speaks volumes about the city's wealth and artistic sophistication during its Greek zenith. This era laid the profound foundations of Taranto's identity, a heritage still visible in its archaeological treasures.
The prosperity of Taras eventually attracted the attention of the rising Roman Republic. After a series of conflicts, including the Pyrrhic War where King Pyrrhus of Epirus famously won "Pyrrhic victories" against Rome with the aid of Tarentine forces, Taras finally fell to Rome in 272 BC. Under Roman rule, it became Tarentum, a provincial city that maintained some of its Greek identity but was integrated into the vast Roman Empire. Its strategic port remained important for trade and military operations. Subsequent to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Taranto entered a period of decline and upheaval. However, its strategic location meant it remained a contested prize. It experienced a revival under Byzantine rule (the Eastern Roman Empire) from the 6th to the 11th centuries, serving as an outpost for Byzantine control in Southern Italy. This period saw the construction of new defenses and a renewed emphasis on its maritime connections. The Duomo di San Cataldo, Taranto's main cathedral, has Byzantine origins, reflecting this era.
Founded 8th century BC, a powerful Magna Graecia city.
Fell to Rome in 272 BC, became Tarentum, maintained strategic port.
6th-11th centuries, an Eastern Roman Empire outpost.
Important principality, rebuilt castle, long Spanish rule.
Naval power and industrial hub since 1861, now revitalizing.
With the unification of Italy in 1861, Taranto gained renewed strategic prominence for the newly formed nation. Its deep natural harbor suited a major naval base, and the Arsenale Militare Marittimo (Naval Arsenal) created in 1889, becoming a cornerstone of the Italian language Navy. This brought significant investment and a new identity to the city. During the 20th century, Taranto also became a major industrial hub, specifically known for its large steel plant, formerly Ilva and now Acciaierie d'Italia. This industrial development brought prosperity but also environmental challenges, shaping a complex modern narrative for the city. The iconic Ponte Girevole (Swing Bridge), inaugurated in 1887, a marvel of engineering, a direct response to the needs of the growing naval and commercial port, linking the old and new parts of a city constantly evolving.
In recent decades, Taranto embarked on an excursion of revitalization, aiming to balance its industrial legacy with its rich historical and cultural heritage. Efforts focus on restoring the Città Vecchia, promoting its archaeological treasures, and developing tourism. This ongoing transformation invites visitors to witness a city in dynamic transition, a place honoring its profound past while building a new future.
The iconic Ponte Girevole (Swing Bridge), inaugurated in 1887, an engineering marvel, responds directly to the needs of the growing naval and business port, linking the old and new parts of a city constantly evolving.
Image: The iconic Ponte Girevole, connecting Taranto's old and new towns.
To give a quick knowledge of Taranto before your visit, here are some facts and figures. These details offer a snapshot of the city's current state and its defining features, helping you understand its local context and what makes it a compelling destination.
Taranto holds a population of approximately 190,000 residents (2023 estimate for the metropolis proper). This makes it one of Puglia's larger cities, yet it maintains a distinct local feel, especially outside the busiest commercial areas. The population density creates a lively, lived-in atmosphere, where daily routines unfold alongside historical landmarks. Walking through its neighborhoods, you may observe the tempo of Italian life, from morning coffee rituals to the evening Passeggiata (stroll). This population size brings a good array of local services and amenities, yet it avoids the overwhelming crowds of Italy's more globally renowned tourist centers.
Home to a major Italian Navy base, a core part of the local economy.
Acciaierie d'Italia (formerly Ilva) is a significant part of its industrial history.
Traditional industries, especially the renowned "cozze tarantine".
Taranto has a range of attractions that showcase its diverse heritage.
