Taranto is a coastal city with a large commercial and military port. It is known for its Aragonese castle and its magnificent Baroque cathedral.
Taranto is a city located in southern Italy in the Puglia region. Due to its location, the town is called the city of two seas because it stretches between the large sea – Mar Grande and the small sea – Mar Piccolo.
Taranto is located at the other end of the country’s southern continent, on its eastern flank, on the Golfo di Taranto, its name, the wide gulf of the Ionian Sea separating Italy from Greece.
SIGHTSEEING
Cattedrale di San Cataldo, Taranto
One of the most interesting monuments of Tarentum is the impressive Romanesque-Rococo Cathedral of St. Catalda (Cattedrale di San Cataldo). The temple acquired its current appearance (including the baroque façade) during the last major reconstruction carried out in the 18th century.
Inside the cathedral, attention is drawn to the beautiful Baroque chapel of St. Katalda (Cappellone di San Cataldo) where the relics of Saint are kept. Catalda.
Castello Aragonese, Taranto
If you want to immerse yourself in a wonderful historical journey, be sure to visit Castello Aragonese. This magnificent fortress, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo, will amaze you with its architectural beauty.
The origins of Castello Aragonese date back to the Greek occupation in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. Over the years, the castle has been transformed. And the current structure dates back to the end of the 15th century.
National Archaeological Museum of Taranto-Marta
National Archaeological Museum – Marta: Take a guided tour of the museum to discover its magnificent collection of valuable artifacts. Exhibits are arranged by type of material with vast rooms of marble sculptures, monumental tombs, soft stone carvings, necropolis pottery and gold artifacts.
Also see impressive mosaics and epigraphs from public and private buildings. Here you will find two Roman and Greek histories.
Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio
Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio was built between 1967 and 1970 following the design of the architect Gio Ponti. The structure refers to the maritime tradition of the city, representing a “sail” that is reflected in the water of the three pools in front of the entrance, symbolizing the sea.
Parco Cimino
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, I recommend going to Cimino Park among nature. Take a romantic walk with your loved one, admire the landscape, the pine forest and breathe some fresh air. There is also a place for sports enthusiasts here.
Its location allows us to enjoy a panoramic view of Mar Piccolo. Reached by a wooden walkway along the south shore, it is very evocative, but is also suitable for races and competitions such as the world steeplechase SPARTAN RACE, which took place here.
Baia delle Zagare Beach
In Toranto, a beach that is really worth seeing up close is Baia delle Zagare Beach. It is located in the town of Mattinata in the province of Foggia, not far from Tarento.
Here you will find picturesque views, plenty of light sand, warm, turquoise water and great conditions for all seaside activities. You can rent beach equipment here and eat in one of the restaurants around.
Taranto is a coastal city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, it is also home to several beautiful beaches that attract tourists from all over the world.
Let’s explore more charming beaches:
- Spiaggia Lo Scanno is a quiet beach known for its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere, characterized by turquoise waters and sandy terrain. It offers several facilities for visitors, including toilets, changing rooms, showers and free kayaks for 30 minutes.
- Spiaggia di San Vito is a sandy beach with clear, shallow waters that reach far from the shores, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the city and its sunsets.
- Spiaggia di Porto Franco is a stunning beach close to the city, characterized by a small cliff face and flat rocks leading to a shallow, sandy seabed. It offers a range of amenities, including a well-equipped resort, bars and grocery stores. Lido Bruno is a charming beach known for its natural beauty and charming cove, often visited by large crowds despite its small size.
- The beach on San Pietro Island is a picturesque place known for its beautiful sunsets and thriving bee population, evidence of a perfect and unpolluted ecosystem.
So I invite you on a trip to Tarento, the maritime city attracts not only with its beaches but also with historical buildings and monuments that house an archaeological museum.
