Taranto Between History and Coastal Landscapes

Taranto combines impressive history with a distinctive coastal landscape. On the island where the old town is located, the Castello Aragonese stands at the southernmost tip. At the same time, ancient remains, a cathedral steeped in tradition, lively rites, and the landscape along the east coast shape the destination’s different facets. This allows you to tailor your stay to your cultural interests, regional history, or maritime surroundings.

Castello Aragonese and Orientation Between the Old Town and New Town

The Castello Aragonese was inaugurated in 1492. It overlooks the Canale Navigabile and the Mar Grande roadstead. From the Castello Aragonese, the Ponte Girevole leads to the Borgo district of Taranto’s new town. This connection helps you mentally link the two urban areas without separating the site’s history from its present-day spatial layout.

Ancient Traces on Piazza Castello

Piazza Castello is home to Doric columns that belonged to a temple from the period of Magna Graecia. The temple is dated to the beginning of the 6th century BC. Only two columns and part of a third have survived. These few visible remains give the square a historical presence that is immediately apparent in the public space. The columns stand outdoors and can be accessed freely without an admission ticket.

Cathedral, Mosaic, and MuDi

The Basilica Cattedrale di San Cataldo is the oldest cathedral in Puglia. Inside, there is a medieval mosaic created between 1163 and 1165. The crypt is also one of the older features of the building and dates back to the 10th century. At this sacred site, you therefore encounter several historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the crypt’s earlier origins.

The permanent exhibition at MuDi offers another cultural perspective. It is divided into seven thematic sections and extends across three levels. Those who wish to explore Taranto not only through individual buildings but also through thematically organized exhibition areas will find a distinct focus here within the cultural experience.

Rites and Coastal Landscapes

The famous Holy Week rites in Taranto have been passed down from generation to generation and remain vibrant to this day. This religious tradition complements the visible evidence from antiquity and the Middle Ages with a tradition that continues into the present.

Along Taranto’s east coast, tall dunes, Mediterranean maquis, low rocks, and numerous bays shape the landscape. Together with the view from the Castello over the Canale Navigabile and Mar Grande, they create a coastal scene featuring a variety of natural forms. When choosing a hotel for a trip to Taranto, these contrasts can determine your focus: historic sites and sacred art, inherited culture, or the coastal landscape.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Taranto.