Southern Italy is flanked by the ancient colonial city, Taranto. Having its foundation laid around 706 BC, this spartan established city was one of the biggest colonial empires of that time. This rich history is backed by the architectural wonders one come across in Taranto. It’s just an overwhelming feeling to see some of these inspired structures and imagine the magnitude of the colony and their power back then.
When in Taranto, how can you miss going on a history tour? Let us help you wander through the narrow lanes of this ancient city and be spellbound by the grandeur presented in its structures. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Taranto!
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1. Castello Aragonese
A striking architecture from the Renaissance military times, Castello Aragonese today, is a military governed castle in south Taranto. Naval officers will guide you through the place doubling up as a guide and providing all information of historical relevance without charging you any fees for the tour. This castle was built originally in the 13th-century and still stands tall with its main feature being the massive walls. You need to sign a disclaimer against damage before entering.
Castello Aragonese
Address: Piazza Castello | C/o Swing bridge Città Vecchia, 70123, Taranto, Italy
Phone No.: +39 0997753438
Website: Castello Aragonese (in Italian)
2. Taranto Cathedral - Duomo of San Cataldo
Built in around the 11th-century, Duomo of San Cataldo is an old church in the Centre of Old City. Mosaic floors, beautiful nave, intricate wall frescos and inner roofs make the pretty interiors of this oasis. This is one of the most visited tourist places in Taranto and is a must visit for all.
Taranto Cathedral - Duomo of San Cataldo
Address: Piazza Duomo, 74100 Taranto TA, Italy
3. Spartan Museum of Taranto - Hypogeum Bellacicco
Ancient History lovers, alert! The Spartan Museum of Taranto - Hypogeum Bellacicco is that place which will tell you stories of the Spartan age like they happened just yesterday. Walls of museum rooms show a continuity of history, beginning from the Greek level of city walls to the Roman, Normand, and so on. One of the rooms has an underground passage through the old City-walls directly to the seashore. The guides wonderfully take you on the tour of the entire place and explain the significance of all the exhibits. It’s indeed a magical experience to see structures dating back more than 2,000 years.
Spartan Museum of Taranto
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 39, 74100 Taranto TA, Italy
4. Ponte Girevole
Ponte Girevole is the popular bridge that divides Taranto into the Old City and the New City. This bridge was an outcome of the military genius in the 18th-century and was originally built into two arms that rotated independently of each other around a vertical pivot placed on a spatula. Today it has kept the same mechanism but only to work on electric motors. The bridge occasionally opens to make way for large military ships passing by towards the nearby dock.
Ponte Girevole
Address: Ponte S. Francesco da Paola, 74100 Taranto TA, Italy
Website: Ponte Girevole (in Italian)
5. Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III
A sea-front walkway bordered with lush greens is Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III. Head here for serene walks to enjoy the sea-views under shady-cool conditions. They also have numerous shops where you can grab an ice cream. This promenade provides the ultimate chill vibe coupled with panoramic sea views.
Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III
Address: Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, 12, 74123 Taranto TA, Italy
6. Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Taranto still remains one of the most important ports in southern Italy. Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia Taranto is a monument that depicts the love of this city towards the sailors. It’s situated a few meters away from the Ponte Girevole standing tall in front of the castle. This place for locals is pure nostalgia. It reminds them of the early times when the ships and sailors would come in huge numbers. One can have a nice breezy evening stroll around this area.
Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia
Address: Corso Due Mari, 74123 Taranto TA, Italy
7. Tempio di Poseidon
Tempio di Poseidon or the Temple of Poseidon is the oldest Greek temple outside Greece. It dates back to about the 6th-century BC. All that’s left of the structure today are two wonderful Doric columns, proudly standing on a high ground of the Old City in Taranto. It’s easy to imagine the glorious structure back in the day which has such rich Spartan history. The temple was so huge that it could be visible from a long distance from the sea. It is now restored and preserved as an important part of history.
Tempio di Poseidon
Address: Piazza Castello, 74123, Taranto, Italy
Website: Tempio di Poseidon (in Italian)
8. San Domenico Maggiore Church
San Domenico Maggiore Church will greet you with a grand entrance. The criss-cross stairs are just out of an old-school movie. One can find beautiful little alcoves on the inside which make for stunning views. But the church remains popular for its magnificent facade overlooking the street. There is regular service that takes place here too.
San Domenico Maggiore Church
Address: Via Duomo 1, 74123, Taranto, Italy
Contact: +39 099707733
9. Piazza Ebalia
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Who doesn’t love water fountains? Add the sea-front to it and you have a perfect place to chill with your loved ones reminiscing about your old memories. Piazza Ebalia is on the Lungomare and boasts of a nice fountain, panoramic water view, and a bright environment. Head here for those insta-worthy pictures and to observe those fiery sunsets!
Piazza Ebalia
Address: Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, 74123, Taranto, Italy
Website: Piazza Ebalia
10. Ponte Punta Penna Pizzone
A humungous bridge was opened to the public in the late 70s to facilitate fast commute to the suburbs in the north from the southernmost parts of the city of Taranto. Ponte Punta Penna Pizzone is a state-of-the-art and technologically advanced structure. Just riding on this stretch can provide the most enthralling views of the city and the sea.
Explore fascinating history
Today, when the world is advancing at a pace no one can catch up to, it is quite flattering to visit a city like Taranto, where the ancient architecture and history is so evident in all its structures. This city teaches us that no matter how far we go, it’s the ancient roots that define and glorify us!
History
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