Taranto: A city founded by the Spartans. Cheese Festival in Taranto. The breath of antiquity

Italy… one mention of it is already dizzying. Many seasoned tourists revere her as a favorite European country. Still would! It has everything you need to just live and enjoy, travel and admire its beauty over and over again. History, amazing combinations of ancient and most modern architecture, unique places which have no analogues anywhere in the world. Plus the richest nature and the cheerful disposition of the Italians themselves. Yes, this is it - sunny and friendly Italy.

The province is a wonderful place to relax Taranto (Italy) in which it "feels" especially strongly. Founded ancient city of Taranto was already in 708 BC, then famous throughout the world for the Spartans. The period, you see, is impressive, even for the history of mankind. It is impossible to list all that, how much the silent walls of buildings and structures that have survived since then have seen in their considerable century. historical attractions Taranto and its largest museums quietly side by side with modern pubs, clubs and luxury hotels.

The southern sun is generous with its gifts, thanks to which, probably, the Italians are so friendly and cheerful, and Taranto and Italy so attractive to tourists. In summer, the air temperature in Taranto ranges from 23 to 28 degrees, in winter - from 6 to 12 degrees.

Breath of antiquity distant.

A touch of history guarantees a trip to this city. Special place among attractions Taranto belongs to the Archaeological Museum, which houses the most valuable exhibits from different times, starting from ancient times. Of interest to lovers of antiquities is the National Museum, which stores unique ceramic products of its kind. You should definitely visit the monastery of St. Dominic, built in the 14th century. With all the delights of Gothic architecture and the mysteries of the majestic monastery and everything city of Taranto you can meet right here. Also located within the province ancient castle, not to visit which is simply a crime.

Beach lovers.

Speaking of Taranto, one should not forget about its famous sandy and rocky beaches, of which there are many. The most popular of them bears the beautiful name of Scansano, seascapes who are simply mesmerized and dizzy. And cozy bays separated by a peninsula give diving enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport to the fullest. For less risky tourists (including children) there are other types of entertainment on the warm coast of the Ionian Sea.

Cheese Festival in Taranto.

The comfort of rest is guaranteed by local hotels with excellent rooms and appropriate staff. Arriving at city of Taranto in the period from August to September, you can become an eyewitness to an unusual event - the annual cheese festival. At the monument to the Navigator, near which most of the cheese shops are located, a free tasting is held at this time, as well as a sale of cheese. Products made in factories are considered fake here. For true gourmets from all over the world, this is just a holiday. Everyone also has the opportunity to go down to the cellars, where dozens of varieties of excellent cheese are waiting in the wings.

Every traveler should see this fabulous place with their own eyes. visit Taranto and in Italy in general - this is a real gift of fate!

The port city of Taranto September 19th, 2013

Taranto is the second largest city in Puglia. Descriptions of the city on the Internet are the most unpleasant. Dirty, dilapidated, criminal, typical city of poor Southern Italy. In short, the general opinion of travelers who have visited Taranto is unequivocal - there is nothing to do there. We stopped in Taranto for just one evening, and to be honest, it seemed to me that not everything was so bad there. On the contrary, it is a beautiful maritime city, but, of course, with this southern Italian flavor.

However, it must be noted that Old city Taranto really looks a little creepy. In previous notes about I already wrote that all the cities of this region necessarily have an old medieval city and a new regular part built in the 19th-20th centuries. Taranto is arranged in exactly the same way. Historically, it was like this: at first, respectable city dwellers moved from the “slums” medieval city in the well-appointed apartments of the New. But then, when life in Italy improved, the old quarters were slowly cleaned up, sewerage was installed, the houses were washed and painted, the sidewalks were paved with tiles. Local residents have laid out souvenirs on stalls and are waiting for tourists. But all this has not yet reached Taranto. The old city is dark, it smells of dampness and toilet. Many houses are abandoned, or at least look like they are.
That day, in the evening of which we ended up in Taranto, turned out to be too intense. In the morning we were in and. Then, at half past two, we returned to the coast of the Ionian Sea, where I ran the middle distance. And after that, instead of lying quietly and recuperating, led by a passion for exploring new places, we still “flopped” in Taranto.
The old city is on an island. On one side, the blue Ionian Sea, and on the other, big bay called Mare Piccolo. We parked at the very beginning of the island. Around there are yachts and colorful houses.

Both shores of the island are occupied by narrow carriageways, where there was an endless traffic jam. At the same time, the lane for public transport is fenced with a curb so that especially nimble Italians certainly do not get out on it.

The facade of the old city, which looks out over the Ionian Sea, looks quite decent. Although there are abandoned houses here.

Naked girls bathe here on the embankment

Girls, like almost everything in this city, are very much affected by the passage of time.
Ships are visible on the raid

Also, such bulk carriers are not the first freshness.
Nautical themed graffiti on the walls

And the houses are decorated with anchors

However, the interior of the island is a real slum. The old city is really run down. There are no tourists here at all, and the locals do not particularly walk here. Even the ubiquitous Italian coffee houses are not here. However, I am sure that after some time they will restore order and beauty here.

From time to time, the streets open up into squares, and beautiful baroque churches stand in the squares.

They also drive cars along these streets.

At the end of the island closest to the New City, there are antique columns. They were excavated and installed in the last century. Near them, we suddenly ran into a group of cheerful Chinese with cameras.
Taranto is one of ancient cities Italy, it was founded by Greek colonists and was called from Taras. Although, of course, these columns

though ancient, but not ancient Greek, but Roman times. I wrote a little more about the history of Puglia.

From the second half of the 15th century, the Spanish kings of the Aragonese dynasty ruled in Puglia. From them in Taranto there was a huge castle with thick walls.

Behind these walls

there is a museum hiding, but it belongs to the naval department and inside the fortress is full of people in uniform.
Taranto is a real maritime city. It is a large port and one of the largest bases of the Italian Navy. Mare Piccolo - the inner Gulf of Taranto has been a convenient natural harbor since ancient times, where a large fleet could hide from bad weather and the enemy.

On the night of November 11-12, 1940, British aircraft, using torpedo bombers and bombers launched from the Illastrios aircraft carrier, attacked the port of Taranto. As a result, one battleship was sunk, two more battleships and one heavy cruiser were very seriously damaged. The British lost two aircraft. This was the first example of a successful attack by carrier-based aircraft on major ports enemy. The second such example was Pearl Harbor. In total, the Italians had 6 battleships, that is, in one night the power of the Italian Navy was halved.

The island on which Old Taranto is located was not always an island. Here, in 1480, a channel was dug for the passage of ships, connecting the Ionian Sea and the "Mare Piccolo". For some reason, I didn’t take a picture of the bridge across the canal, but it turns out to be famous, built in 1887 and is drawable. But he does not get divorced like ours. The spans of the bridge for the passage of ships are “bred” in a horizontal plane. I saw the same device in Liepaja, Latvia.

Behind the canal begins the New City. At that moment, we remembered that we left the iPhone on the charger on the dash of a parked car. But we were in criminal southern Italy, I ran back to the car. Nothing happened to the phone and car windows for an hour. And we re-parked it on the embankment now in the new city:

The central part of the New Town is clean, pretty and guarded by the police.

There was not much photography here. It was already getting dark.

On last photo monument to the inhabitants of Taranto who died during the First World War. The author is the Italian sculptor Cesare Bazzani. It is interesting that the monument was opened in 1930, but it was not finished, sculptural composition at the top of the stele was not installed. In the 30s, Italy fought so much that the government no longer cared about the victims of the First World War, and only in 1953 the monument was finished as the author intended. In the background is the church of Santa Maria del Monte Carmelo. The church seems to be from the 16th century, but was seriously rebuilt in 1937, and this is very noticeable.

As always, it turned out to be a problem to have dinner. Everything opens in Puglia very late, at 8 and even 8:30. We had to settle for some "fast food-like" bistro. We went to dinner at our hotel in Castallaneta di Marina.
The next “Italian series” about the city

Taranto- the magnificent "City of the Two Seas", the pearl of Puglia, in the past one of the richest and most beautiful colonies Ancient Greece.

The provincial capital, with a population of almost 200,000 inhabitants, Taranto is located in the northeastern part of the Ionian Gulf of the same name and is divided into two parts: one of them is located on the mainland, and the other, ancient, is located on an island that separates the open sea (Mar Grande) from the internal lagoon (Mar Piccolo).

Taranto. Photo flickr.com

During the heyday of Ancient Greece, the Old City of Taranto did not lie on an island, but on a peninsula. Didn't exist at the time a stone bridge(Porta Napoli), there was no shipping channel. The peninsula was an Acropolis (i.e. a fortified city) where many temples and government offices were located. People lived where it is now new town.

The ancient maritime city of Taranto is now one of the most important military and commercial ports in Italy. The city is full of charm and evidence of history. Its streets are reminiscent of the ancient splendor of luxury; special atmosphere. In the historic center of the city, you will discover the magic of narrow streets and small squares, which is even more enhanced in the evening, when in the light of lanterns reflecting from the water surface, everything seems as beautiful as in a publicity photo taken by the famous surrealist photographer.

Taranto. Evening port. Photo flickr.com

How to get to Taranto

By plane

The closest airport to Taranto is Grottaglie Airport (20 km). In addition, it is possible to get to Taranto from the airports of Palese (95 km) and Brindisi-Casale (70 km).

You can order flight tickets.

By car

By taxi

For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend. It is possible to pick up and order a taxi through a convenient service: you just need to choose where and where you need to get from. Here you can from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, at the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

By train

Taranto is associated with all major Italian cities by rail.

Main railway lines passing through the province of Taranto are:

Rome-Caserta-Bari-Taranto

Milan-Bari-Taranto - Crotone - Villa San Giovanni

Taranto - Martina Franca - Bari

Taranto - Martina Franca - Lecce

By bus

Taranto is easily accessible by bus from any major city in Italy (Rome, Lecce, etc.)

Companies that serve Taranto:

Autolinee Scoppio-Etna (Sicily-Taranto)

On the ship

Taranto is connected to all major Italian ports and is easily accessible by ferry or yacht.

Where to stay in Taranto

1. Histò San Pietro Sul Mar Piccolo - Via Sant "Andrea, Circummarpiccolo, 74100 Taranto, Italy

The San Pietro Sul Mar Piccolo was named after a small beautiful sea Mare Piccolo, the view of which opens from the windows.

2. Hotel L "Arcangelo - Piazza Fontana 33, 74123 Taranto, Italy

Hotel L "Arcangelo is located on central square V historical center city of Taranto, just 400 meters from the Church of San Cataldo. Buses stop close to the hotel and railway station Taranto can be reached in 5 minutes. Taranto Marina is a 10-minute walk away.

3. Albergo Del Sole - Piazza Fontana 45, 74123 Taranto, Italy

Aragonese Castle is 1 km from the hotel, while San Cataldo Cathedral is a 5-minute walk away.

4. Hotel Saraceno Al Faro - Via della Pineta 3/5, 74123 Taranto, Italy

The hotel is housed in an 18th-century farmhouse with an original stone doorway. The terrace offers panoramic views of the Mare Piccolo and Taranto.

5. Hotel Europa - Via Roma 2, 74123 Taranto, Italy

The 4-star Hotel Europa is located on the strip that connects the Great and Small Seas in Taranto, at the intersection of Via Roma and Corso Due Mari. It offers views of the drawbridge, the Aragonese castle and the marina.

Taranto: a brief history

The first settlements in the area in which the city of Taranto then arose date back to the second millennium BC.

In the eighth century BC, the ancient Greeks founded the city of Taras, named after the son of Neptune, god of the sea. Taras was one of the most prosperous, beautiful and rich cities of Ancient Greece.

In 272 BC Taras passed into the possession of the Roman Empire. In 927 BC Taras was almost completely destroyed by the Saracens - the settlement was literally "raised from its knees" by the Byzantines, who left a strong imprint on the culture and development of the city. During the Byzantine period, the city saw Norman, Swabian and Angevin domination, during which Taranto was elevated to the rank of the capital of a huge principality. After the arrival of the Aragonese dynasty, Taranto was part of the Kingdom of Naples (1799) until the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Large industrial facilities were built here, making Taranto the capital of the European steel industry.

What to see in Taranto

Three faces of Taranto...

Taranto is divided into three regions - the oldest of them is located on an island between two bays (Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo). It is here that you can enjoy the oldest evidence of the most important world cultures that dominated this land.

Taranto. Old city. Panorama. Photo flickr.com

Part of the city, which is located in the east of the mainland - modern Taranto, in fact, belonging to the nineteenth century.

Finally, a small triangle of land, located northwest of the Old Town, is an industrial area that was formed after the Second World War.

by the most interesting place for the tourist, of course, is the Old Town of the medieval type, with narrow streets and picturesque architecture.

The old city, as already mentioned, is a small island surrounded by two "seas", Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. At the bottom of the island you can see an old fishing village where fishermen still live. Every day on Garibaldi Street, in the old town, you can buy the freshest seafood of excellent quality - fish of all kinds, as well as mussels and oysters, which are bred in local nurseries.

Taranto. Fountain Square. Photo flickr.com

Wealthy families have long lived in the upper part of the Old City. Here you will find numerous palaces with beautiful frescoes that offer views of Mar Grande and the Keradi Islands. Everything in the Old City - palaces, churches, monuments - is a mixture of different eras and styles, far from each other, but, like in a book, telling the history of this city.

You can start visiting the city from the street ViaDuomo which will guide you along the path between narrow streets and lanes. At the beginning of the street you will meet a facade ( portal) fourteenth century Church of San Domenico Maggiore. A little further along the same street you can admire two giant columns, preserved from ancient Greek temple sixth century BC, possibly dedicated to Poseidon. Next, head to Aragonese castle(Castel Sant'Angelo), which guards the waterway that connects Mar Grande with Mar Piccolo.

Aragonese castle. Photo flickr.com

The castle consists of a massive building with four cylindrical towers and bastions. Inside is the chapel of St. Leonardo. The first core of the castle was built back in 916, when the Byzantines began construction impregnable fortress to protect against attacks from the Saracens and the Republic of Venice. In 1486, Ferdinand II of Aragon commissioned the architect and military engineer Francesco di Giorgio Martini to expand the castle and give it the current structure in order to improve medieval towers and make them suitable for placing cannons. The castle was rebuilt and expanded in the sixteenth century - only its towers retained their original appearance.

Taranto. Cathedral of San Cataldo. Interior. Photo flickr.com

Behind the city bridge is a modern city that offers the visitor a walk along a beautiful promenade surrounded by a garden. Here is located Villa Peripato, restored to its ancient splendor, full of colors and colors. Between Corso Umberto and Piazza Garibaldi is National Archaeological Museum , famous and very popular, thanks to the richness of the exhibition material.

Another attraction for tourists is excursions on small boats that pass under the majestic drawbridge. Ponte Girevole.

Drawbridge. Photo flickr.com

And now some details...

Cathedral of San Cataldo

Built in 1071, this cathedral has three naves, modified in different periods and now representing different architectural styles. The facade of the Duomo was completed in the Baroque style in 1713. The most beautiful structure of this church is undoubtedly the Baroque chapel commissioned by the Archbishop Caracciolo.

Cathedral of San Cataldo. Photo flickr.com

Church of San Domenico Maggiore

Built in 1300 on the ruins of the Byzantine church of St. Peter, the church captivates the eye of visitors beautiful staircase(attached during the Baroque period), from which on Holy Thursday begins a colorful religious procession beautiful. The ancient portal and magnificent windows of the temple are very beautiful.

Church of San Domenico. Photo flickr.com

doric temple

This temple was built at the time when Taranto was flourishing city Ancient Greece. Today, only two columns of the column and the base of the third of those that once supported the vaults of the temple remained from the temple. The Doric temple was about 50 meters long, with 17 columns on one side and 7-8 on the other.

Doric columns. Photo flickr.com

National Archaeological Museum

Founded back in 1849, this museum houses many halls from prehistoric finds from the Paleolithic Age through the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages. There is also an exceptional collection of exhibits belonging to the Greek period in the history of Taranto: burials, ceramics, a rich collection of jewelry from the Hellenistic period.

Maritime Museum

In this vast museum dedicated to marine life, you will be able to see thousands of exhibits belonging to the biozone of the Ionian coast, as well as representatives of tropical fauna: algae, crustaceans, mollusks, mammals, etc.

There is also a huge collection of instruments for the study of underwater depths.

Dungeon of Beaumont-Bonelli-Bellachico

Address: CorsoVittorioEmanuele, 39

Taranto is a city riddled with ancient dungeons, catacombs and interesting tunnels. Only authorized persons can access them. As for the Beaumont dungeon, anyone can visit it.

This dungeon tells the story of Taranto from its founding until the eighteenth century. The dungeon is located on three levels with a total area of 700 square meters, 14 meters below street level. The outer walls of the dungeon were created by the Byzantines, while the wall that separates the structure from the sea is probably the work of ancient Greek civil engineers.

Dungeon Bonelli. Photo flickr.com

Embankment of Taranto

Built on the Mar Grande, Taranto's waterfront is surrounded by many beautiful buildings nineteenth and early twentieth century: Prefectural Palace, Post Office and Central Bank. The embankment is planted with palm trees, pines and oleanders, and at the very entrance to the embankment there is a beautiful semi-circular terrace facing the sea.

Embankment of Taranto. Photo flickr.com

Keradi Islands

Despite the fact that these islands are very close to the coast and the military base, the archipelago has retained amazing cleanliness and natural beauty. The Keradi archipelago consists of two islands called San Pietro and San Paolo. Earlier, before the development of the city, there was also a third small island, Nicolicchio, but nothing remained of it. According to legend, the hero of myths, Daedalus, lived here, and the apostle Pietro (Peter) also lived for some time.

Keradi Islands. Sao Paulo Island. Photo flickr.com

Sea holidays in the province of Taranto - Campomarino di Maruggio

if you love sea vacation and heading to Taranto, the portal "Italia in Russian" advises you not to miss the beaches of the beautiful resort of Marina di Maruggio, which is located 40 kilometers from Taranto. This resort is recognized as one of the best places for a seaside holiday in all of Italy. The beaches of Campomarino regularly receive a blue flag, and in 2013 this resort was voted the best beach resort in the world! (according to Vanity Fair).

Holidays Taranto

April

Procession dedicated to Madonna Addolorata. Procession "Perdoni"

At midnight on Good Friday, at the door of the church of San Domenico, in the old city, the Carmelite monks appear, barefoot, in white robes with crowns of thorns on their heads. They carry the statue of Madonna Addolorata through the streets of the city to the sounds of "trocola", a special wooden instrument with a characteristic sound.

"Perdoni". Photo flickr.com

Feast of the patron saint of the city of San Cataldo

The statue of the saint, after the blessing of local religious ministers, is carried through the streets of Taranto, after which it is erected on board a navy ship and organized in a solemn procession in the coastal waters of the Taranto Canal. The procession is accompanied by colorful fireworks and the sound of ship sirens. On the evening of May 10, various shows, performances by folk groups and art exhibitions are organized in the Old Town.

July

Festival of Liver and Regional Dishes (Carnevale del fegatino)

This event is dedicated local gastronomy and celebrates, first of all, a traditional dish Taranto - "fegatino" (pieces of liver fried on a skewer). The show is enriched with tastings of other local products, band performances, music concerts, parades in carnival masks and a host of other entertainment.

Cheese Festival (Sagra di Formaggio)

From August to September, the famous regional cheese festival takes place in the city. Everyone can see the process of making cheese in the cheese factories of the city and the province, as well as try a variety of types of cheeses made according to centuries-old family traditions.

Cheese Festival. Photo flickr.com

What to try in Taranto

IN local cuisine fish and seafood, cooked or served with vegetables, prevail.

The most popular and delicious dishes of Taranto are "Tarantello" and "arraganate" mussels. "Tarantello" is a special type of sausage made with a mixture of minced tuna, with hot spices. Mussels "arraganate" - mussels stuffed with breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic, parsley and tomatoes, baked in the oven.

Also be sure to try the seafood risotto, grilled octopus, and cavatelli with mussels, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and beans.

Taranto from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Taranto.

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Taranto, located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, is beautiful in its contradictory nature. On the one hand, this is the city of old fishing boats and farms breeding the famous Tarantine mussels. On the other hand, it is an important commercial and naval port with many ships and submarines.

The history of Taranto, full of glorious and tragic events, left behind a rich legacy worthy of at least a fleeting acquaintance. The city stands in the northeastern part of the bay of the same name and is divided into two parts: the modern one is on the mainland, and the historical one is on small island located on the path between open sea Mar Grande and the inner lagoon of Mar Piccolo. Thanks to this, Taranto received the poetic name "the city of two seas."

How to get to Taranto

The most convenient way to get to Taranto is via Bari or Brindisi. Aeroflot and Alitalia fly from Moscow to Bari with a connection in Rome. From Bari airport to the main railway station of the city there is a train, departure every 30 minutes, journey 20 minutes; shuttles will also take you to Bari Centrale. There you need to transfer to the train to Taranto, the trains run every 1-1.5 hours and spend 1 hour 20 minutes on the road.

There are also no direct flights from Moscow to Brindisi, the same airlines fly via Rome. From Brindisi airport, shuttles go to the Central railway station of the city, from where trains and buses run (once an hour, travel time 1 hour). You can check the schedule and buy tickets at the office. carrier's website (in English).

Search for flights to the city of Bari (nearest airport to Taranto)

Transport

Public transport in Taranto is 25 bus routes connecting central part with suburbs. But an ordinary tourist can easily do without it - the most important sights are within walking distance from each other. The city has a developed network of bike rental offices - a bike is ideal for moving along the narrow port streets. Parking in the center is paid, the cost is relatively low. But a small number of parking spaces and the need to circle the neighborhoods in search of them are unlikely to improve the holiday mood. Taxi can be called from any cafe or hotel - a trip within the city costs a fixed 6-10 EUR. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Taranto Hotels

There are enough hotels in Taranto for every taste and budget. The most tourist-friendly hotels are located in the Old Town, but they do not differ in price from options on the mainland. A room in a luxurious five-star hotel with a swimming pool in the vicinity of Taranto costs from 270 EUR. Four-star hotels in the Mar Piccolo area offer accommodation for 80-95 EUR per night. A standard room in a 3 * hotel will cost 70-75 EUR, in a guesthouse - 50-60 EUR. Locals rent apartments for a day for 80-100 EUR. There are no hostels.

Cafes and restaurants

Most of the dishes prepared in the restaurants of Taranto bear a Greek influence - the city belonged to the Hellenes for a long time. Locals, like the Greeks, love fresh bread with olive oil, wine, and stewed lamb meat. Restaurants also offer seafood dishes.

The main culinary attractions: "tubbetti con le cozze" - pasta with mussels, "tarantello" - tuna with herbs, "capocollo" - pork neck roll.

Dinner in a typical trattoria in New Taranto costs an average of 15-20 EUR per person, and a restaurant by the sea - 20-30 EUR. Fast food in the city is represented by McDonald's and cafes specializing in "panzerotti" - deep-fried pies with various fillings.

As gastronomic souvenirs from Taranto, you can bring Vincotto grape sauce, local onion jam, marmalade, “chime di rapa” (turnip tops sauce), canned anchovies and mussels.

Attractions Taranto

Exploring the sights of Taranto usually begins in the Old Town, it is located on a small island at the neck of Mar Piccolo. If you go there from the east, your eyes will immediately fall on the powerful walls of the fortress of Sant Angelo, or the Aragonese castle (Piazza Castello, 4). This citadel was built at the end of the 15th century on the site of old Byzantine fortifications to control the navigable canal. Under the Habsburgs, the castle served as a prison, and today it belongs to the Italian Navy. The territory of the fortress is allowed only as part of excursion groups, which are formed at the entrance to the fortress.

To the right of Sant'Angelo, Via Duomo runs deep into the island. After 500 m between the houses standing close to each other, it leads to Duomo Square, where Cathedral San Cataldo (Piazza Duomo). This is one of the most beautiful temples throughout Puglia, the symbol of the Old City. The baroque facade of the cathedral is decorated with niches with statues of saints, numerous figures of angels.

The luxury of the interior of the three-aisled temple is emphasized by the abundance of frescoes and fragments of medieval mosaic decor. You should definitely go down to the crypt of the cathedral - its low columns and paintings of the 13th century perfectly convey the medieval atmosphere.

At the western end of the Old Town stands another remarkable church of San Domenico Maggiore (Via Duomo). Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque-Gothic temple houses amazing icons by Marco Pino, which are over 400 years old.

The main museum of Taranto is the National Archaeological Museum of. website in English). It houses one of the largest archaeological collections in all of Italy. The main pride of the museum is the famous Taranto Gold, whose collection includes rings with seals, bracelets, tiaras, ship-shaped earrings, nutcrackers and other items made of gold and precious stones.

An important industrial center, where metallurgical, oil refining and cement enterprises are located.
Taranto is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea and has an excellent geographical position.

According to legend, Taranto was founded by Phalantus, the Greek semi-legendary leader of the Spartans, dissatisfied with their status and position. In a conspiracy, they were exposed and sent to found a colony on the Italian shores.
But their ships were wrecked, and Falanta was saved by a dolphin, bringing him to the ground. This touching legend is reflected on the ancient coins and coat of arms of the city, which depict a man balancing on a dolphin.
The Delphic oracle predicted to Phalantus that he would capture the city when he felt rain coming from a clear sky.
But it was not so easy to capture the city, and when Phalant had already despaired, his wife Ephra (whose name in Greek meant “clear sky”) began to console him, after which she burst into tears and Phalant realized that the prediction should soon come true. The next day he captured the barbarian city, which was named Taras.
Taras quickly became rich and famous city Greater Greece. Aristocrats and rich people, philosophers, writers, titled athletes settled here, even a branch of the Pythagorean school was located, which indicates the high cultural level of Taras.
In 125 BC. Greek Taras, modern Taranto was conquered by the Romans, but it always remained a stronghold of the "anti-Roman coalition." Echoes of those distant times can still be heard in their speeches.
In the Middle Ages, the city often changed its owners, passed from the Lombards to Byzantium and back, in 846 Taranto was occupied by the Saracens, and in 1063 the Normans came with Robert Guiscard.
1301-1463 - the period of prosperity of the Tarant principality.
17th century - century of decline under the rule of the Bourbons.
In 1860 Taranto became part of the united Italy.
During the Second World War, the Italian fleet was based in the port. Here, in 1943, the British Navy landed soldiers. During the hostilities, the city was badly damaged.
Now Taranto Big City that has preserved the historical and cultural heritage.
The historical center is located on a narrow strip of land, washed on one side by the Ionian Sea, and on the other by the waters of the lagoon. Because of this, they call the city of "two seas": the Big and the Small.

Taranto. Apulia. Italy.

The historic center is not large and a couple of hours is enough to get around everything, the three main streets run in parallel, and between them a maze of intertwined lanes.

Taranto. Apulia. Italy.

Via Duoma leads to a small area where Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Catald, who came to in the 7th century. from Ireland.

Cathedral.

He was a friend of another, more famous Saint Patrick. Saint Cathald lived in a monastery in Ireland, but decided to visit the Holy Land, but returning home from Jerusalem, his ship was wrecked near the walls. Here he performed several miracles, including saving the city from plague and floods, for which he fell in love with local residents and they chose him as their bishop. It seems that when the coffin of Saint Cathald was opened, they found a golden Celtic cross and a staff of Irish oak, decorated with typical Celtic carved emblems.

Cathedral.

The cathedral is dedicated not only to Saint Catald, but also to Mary Magdalene. The current cathedral was erected in the 10th century, later it was remodeled, but part ancient construction preserved. In 1713, the baroque façade was completed, it is decorated with angels and the figure of St. Cathalda. Inside, the church and crypt were covered with frescoes, of which only traces remain today. Fragments of a 12th-century mosaic have been preserved on the floor.
The relics of Saint Catald are kept in the chapel bearing his name. The chapel, built in 1151, is decorated with marble, and the dome is covered with frescoes from the life of the saint.

Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele ancient and rich palazzos are located here, the nobility liked to settle here.
All palaces have impressive dungeons, one might even say that the entire center, like cheese with holes, is dug by underground passages and rooms. They appeared in the Greek period, the Spartans pulled limestone out of the ground to build houses. Dungeons were used for various purposes in subsequent centuries.
Now most of closed for visits, but you can visit dungeons of the Palace de Beaumont Bonelli (De Beaumont Bonelli) located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 39.
(guided visits only, by appointment) [email protected])
The underground part of the palace descends 14 meters underground and occupies about 700 square meters. meters. You can imagine the scale of ancient works and immerse yourself in the underworld.
www.filonidetaranto.it/visiteguidate.html

Dungeon of the Palace de Beaumont Bonelli.

Palais de Beaumont Bonelli - does not look so impressive.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele leads to ruin Doric Temple of Poseidon from which two columns have been preserved. This ancient temple Great Greece.

From here you can see Aragonese castle, which was erected in 916 to protect against attacks by the Saracens and the Venetians. In the future, the castle was rebuilt several times. In 1481, the first navigable canal was dug for additional protection of the castle; it was narrower with crumbling banks. Almost at the same time, the castle was expanded, towers were added to it.
Now it is one of the most impressive and beautiful castles Italy.

It houses military services that conduct free tours of the castle on their own. (About the time you need to check with the guard at the entrance).

The mechanism of the lacy bridge is hidden in the round tower of the castle.
Drawbridge, or the bridge of St. Francis from Paola connects the new city with the old one, it was built in 1887 through a navigable canal that connected the Great and Small Seas.

Not far from the castle along the coast and Corso Vittorio Emanuele passes palio- a rowing competition in which 10 blocks of the city participate. The Palio is dedicated to the feast of Saint Catalda and takes place on May 8, two days before the holiday, the second part of the Palio is on the third Sunday of July.

rounding historic island and turning to via Garibaldi, we find ourselves in the fishing district of the old. Here, along the long promenade, fishermen stretch their nets with their catch, and the nearby streets are full of restaurants and shops offering fresh fish and seafood.

Taranto. Apulia. Italy.

Colourful, noisy and odorous fish market, where they sell all sorts of sea monsters, but they say that oysters from are most valued.

Taranto. Apulia. Italy.

Deserves a special word Archaeological Museum of Taranto, where one of the best collections relating to Ancient Greece is presented. (corso Umberto I, 42)

Taranto. Apulia. Italy.