The 11 essential things to do in Taranto

The South of Italy and the beautiful region of Puglia make you an eye? So enjoy it to visit Taranto!

In the Puglia region is the city of Taranto. Thanks to its greatness and history, it is the most important city in the province of Salento. Its historic heart – the Città Vecchia – separates the Mar Grande (the Ionian Sea in French) from the Mar Piccolo. This former Spartan town, founded in the 8th century BC, has even been the capital of Grande-Grèce.

According to legend, Taras – the son of Poséidon and a nymphe – would have landed in the port of the city on the back of a dolphin sent by his father to rescue him. This story explains why the original name of Taranto is that of the progeny of the God of the seas.

His strategic location allowed him to be a military and commercial power. From this glorious past, there are only the monuments scattered throughout the city. Prepare to discover them with this article dedicated to the must-sees of Taranto.

1. The Old Town – Città Vecchia

To visit Taranto, start with its historic heart. The Città Vecchia is the oldest district in the city. It is connected to the rest of the city thanks to the famous Girevole Bridge. In spite of some buildings that are a little debrief, this neighborhood still has a lot of cachets.

You can see some emblematic monuments such as Castello Sant’ Angelo, the doric temple, the chiostro St Domenico and the duomo Saint-Cataldo. Do not hesitate to explore the many typical streets such as the Via Duomo or the Via Cava to impair you with the history of the city.

2. The new city – Borgo Nuovo

After your getaway in the old town, place in the newest neighborhoods! Most of the buildings built in Borgo Novo were built in the early 19th century, instead of ancient buildings. Every corner of the street is a life loss. So get ready to meet people and many businesses.

Visiting Tarente also makes it possible to meet a dark part of Italian history. The Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III allows to observe buildings of the fascist period. You will discover the Palazzo del Goberno – inaugurated in 1934 by Mussolini – the Palazzo delle Poste and the Banca d’Italia former “ casa del fascio ".

3. Château Aragonais

No way to visit Tarente without discovering its most emblematic building. Built at the end of the 15th century at the request of Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Aragonese castle is built on an ancient Byzantine construction. This will to erase this Ottoman passage comes from the fact that the Turks massacred the city of Otranto in 1480.

Currently, the monument belongs to the Italian Navy and can be visited. Moreover, access to the bastions allows you to enjoy a breathtaking view of the port and on the Girevole rotating bridge. For the little anecdote, the castle served as a prison for Alexander Dumas’ father.

4. National Archaeological Museum

The visit of the MArTA – located in the Borgo Nuovo – allows you to dive into the history of the city. From Paleolithic to the Middle Ages, to the messapic religion practised in this region of Italy in the 8th century BC. Moreover, the statue of Zis, a Messiaan divinity is a vestige.

You can also admire the jewels discovered in the area during archaeological excavations. Made between the 4th and the 1st century BC, they bear the name of “Tale Ori”. History lovers will know what to do in Tarente.

5. Religious buildings

Many religious monuments are to be visited in Taranto. In priority we recommend the Duomo San Cataldo, which would be the oldest Cathedral of Puglia. Built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style, the building has since been the object of some works, like the façade refreshed in the 18th century.

Inside, it is the baroque style that wins! The floor is dressed in Norman mosaics that make their effect. As for the chapel, it houses the relics of Cataldo, the patron saint of the city.

Among the other religious buildings in the city, the cloister and the church of San Domenico in Romano-Gothic style are worth a visit.

6. The Underground Taranto – Museo Ipogeo Spartano

The city founded by the spartans has an interesting basement both historically and archaeologically. It consists of several hypogees serving either sepultures or storage places.

For those who want to know everything about these catacombs, there are guided tours on this theme. You will then discover Palazzo Beaumont Ipogeo Bellacio, one of the must-sees of the old town of Taranto.

7. Doric Temple of Poseidon

Just in front of Sant’Angelo Castle are two Greek columns. This is all that remains of an ancient Greek temple built in the fifth century BC. He would be one of the oldest in Grande-Grèce.

The last vestige of the Città Vecchia testifying to a place of Greek worship, he has long divided thoughts. If the inhabitants still believe it dedicated to Poséidon, the archaeologists have discovered statues represent yet... A woman! As to who, there again several assumptions. It could be Persephone, Artemis, or Héra.

You will have understood it, only for its mystical and mythological side, this temple is one of the must-sees to visit in Taranto during your stay!

8. The palaces

Beyond the temples, Taranto is also known for its palaces! Among the most famous of Città Vecchia, Palazzo Beaumont and Palazzo Pantaleo.

The first, built in the 17th century, is known for its hypogea. The second he saw the day in the 18th century and belonged to an aristocrat. It now houses the "museo ethnografico majorano" in tribute to local culture.

9. The beaches

Take the south direction of Taranto. Here you can choose: wild beaches or landscaped beaches! In any case, you will enjoy the soft sand and crystal clear waters. Among the most popular are the beach of Tramontone, southeast towards Capo San Francesco. And closer, there are the beaches of Marechiaro, Praia a Mare, Lido Bruno and Lama.

10. Jonian Dolphin Conservation

Jonian Dolphin Conservation Environmental Protection offers excursions to observe dolphins in the Ionian Sea. On board a catamaran you can see these cetaceans evolve in their natural environment.

This association for the protection of dolphins and cetaceans is located in the Molo Sant’ Eligio, Città Vecchia. So enjoy your stay in Taranto to go to sea to see the dolphins!

11. Isola di San Pietro (Chradi Islands)

Nestled in the Gulf of Taranto, the Cheradi Islands form a small archipelago of two islands, the main of which is Isola di San Pietro. In the summer it is possible to discover them the time of a boat trip to the day. If you are interested in this trip, check the schedules of the boats on the AMAT site and book your ticket.

Once on site, the Cheradi Islands and their beach surrounded by pines promise a fierce parenthesis of the most pleasant.

How to get to Taranto?

By plane

The best solution to reach Taranto is the plane. To book your flight, feel free to use a comparison such as Ulysses which will indicate the best rates according to your dates.

You'll have a choice between two airports. Brindisi, closest to Taranto (75 km) or Bari, slightly further (100 km). To reach the first city, you must make a stopover in Rome or Milan. While the second is connected to Paris (2h20 flight).

We advise you to rent a car to carry out the last kilometers that separate you from your resort.

By train

It is possible to reach Tarente by train from other Italian cities, with usually a train change in Bari.

By bus

Several companies like Marozzi or Autolinee Marino offer Taranto from different cities of Puglia. Don’t hesitate to ask about their websites to find out about the times and rates. Then the AMAT bus network will take you to the four corners of the city.

Where to stay in Taranto?

Are you looking to stay on your trip to Taranto? Whether in the historic center Città Vecchia, close to the Borgo Nuovo, or near the beaches, you will find hotels, guest rooms, Airbnb or camping.

To discover the best offers, use a hotel comparison to find the solution that best suits you.

What are you waiting to visit Taranto?