Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo shape Taranto in different ways: the city lies between the two arms of the sea, while its coastlines reveal wide beaches, coves and traces of a long history. Those interested in culture will find evidence from different eras – from temple remains of Magna Graecia to museums, churches and an Aragonese fortress. Nature is also part of the character of the city and its surroundings.
Coastlines and nature between the seas
Wide beaches line Taranto’s western coast. The eastern coast has a different character: high dunes, Mediterranean scrub, low cliffs and numerous coves alternate along the shore. This contrast makes the coastal landscape a distinctive part of the city’s attractions, alongside its historic buildings.
Mar Piccolo has been a site of large-scale mussel farming for centuries. The seascape is therefore also linked to a local food tradition. Around the Cheradi Islands in Mar Grande, dolphins, other whales and dolphin species, colonies of seahorses and pink flamingos are among the wildlife described in the area. The approximately seven-hectare WWF Palude La Vela Oasis, a protected wetland on Mar Piccolo, is also located near Taranto. It is home to resident and migratory bird species, including herons, flamingos, ospreys and the rare black-winged stilt. The species found there vary by season.
Archaeology and architectural history
The Colonne del Tempio Dorico are the surviving remains of a Magna Graecia temple dating from the early 6th century BC. The columns are outdoors, free to visit and have no set visiting hours. The San Domenico monastery dates in its present form to the mid-14th century. Its cloister also preserves the foundations of a Greek temple built in the 6th century BC on the acropolis of the Greek colony of Taranto.
The Castello Aragonese stands at the southernmost tip of the island where Taranto’s old town is located. It has a square layout and a large courtyard inside. The fortress was inaugurated in 1492 and preserves its four named towers: San Cristoforo, San Lorenzo, dell’Annunziata and della Bandiera. Visits are possible only as part of free guided tours, which must be booked in advance. Check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.
The Basilica Cattedrale di San Cataldo is considered the oldest cathedral in Apulia. In its central nave, Greek and Roman columns and capitals stand alongside traces of a medieval floor mosaic; above them is a magnificent wooden coffered ceiling decorated with gold. Beneath the main altar is a 10th-century crypt with frescoes from various periods. The columns, cloister and cathedral each offer a different perspective on Taranto’s ancient and religious history.
Museums: from prehistory to local traditions
The MArTA exhibition traces the history of Taranto and its surrounding area from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages. The museum displays one of the largest collections of Magna Graecia artefacts, including the famous gold finds from Taranto. The MuDi, the Museo Diocesano di Taranto, is located in the old town behind the Basilica Cattedrale di San Cataldo. Its permanent exhibition is arranged across three levels in seven thematic sections and displays more than 350 works. These include silver and gold objects, most of which come from the so-called Tesoro di San Cataldo.
The historic centre is also home to the Museo Etnografico Alfredo Majorano, housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Pantaleo. Its themes range from Tarantism to local traditions. Objects relating to the sea and land, traditional occupations, play and religious devotion offer different perspectives on everyday life and the region’s cultural life. The Museo Dal Mare has a different focus: it offers interactive workshops and educational activities about seafaring and navigation for adults, children, students and other interested visitors. Check in advance which workshops are currently available.
Bridges, routes and planning your visit
The Ponte di Pietra, also known as the Ponte Sant’Egidio Maria da Taranto or Ponte di Porta Napoli, is a 115-metre-long stone bridge with three arches. Built in 1883, it offers views of Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande. City buses stop a short distance away; check the routes before setting out. The Ponte Girevole was inaugurated in 1887 and is operated from inside the Castello Aragonese – another link between the city’s history and its harbour landscape.
The Colonne del Tempio Dorico have no set visiting hours; as conditions in public spaces can change, it is a good idea to check shortly before your visit. Bus routes 27 and 354.A03, as well as R train services, serve the MuDi. Here too, it is advisable to check connections before travelling. If you would like to explore Taranto’s history beyond the city, the Parco Archeologico di Saturo is located nearby on the Ionian coast. Two trails there reveal the history of Saturo from the 2nd millennium BC to interventions in the present day.
A living religious tradition
Among the distinctive recurring events is the pilgrimage of the Confraternity of the Carmine. It has existed since at least the 16th century and, since the period immediately after the Second World War, has been the only tradition of its kind preserved by Taranto’s confraternities. The pilgrimage begins at 3 p.m. on Maundy Thursday: members walk barefoot to the churches of the Borgo and the Città Vecchia, returning to the Carmine Church around midnight. Check the times and route before travelling, as the annual schedule is decisive.
Taranto can therefore be explored through a range of interests: coastal landscapes and nature, archaeological remains, or the art and traditions of its museums. Your choice of focus may also depend on whether you want to book a guided tour, are interested in a particular workshop or would like to witness a pilgrimage.
Discover more destinations
Martina Franca, Avetrana, Mottola, San Pietro In Bevagna, Torricella, Marina Di Pulsano, Sava, Maruggio, Manduria, Taranto, Pulsano, Palagiano, Leporano, Ginosa, Marina Di Ginosa, Crispiano, Uggiano Montefusco, Specchiarica, Castellaneta, Talsano, Massafra, Lido Azzurro, Lizzano, Castellaneta Marina, Grottaglie, Librari, Palagianello, San Giorgio Ionico, Torre Columena, Monteparano, Laterza, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, Lido Chiatona-stazione di Palagiano, Monteiasi, Monacizzo, Marina di Lizzano, Roccaforzata, Faggiano
For the wider travel overview: Apulia.
