A beautiful city in the popular Italian region of Apulia remains vastly unexplored by foreign tourists despite its stunning architecture, lovely beaches, and charming landscapes. Taranto, situated on the picturesque Ionian Sea , boasts a rich history that makes it a must-visit location. It continues to function as a significant commercial port and serves as the primary naval base in Italy.
The city's main attraction is the Castello Aragonese, which travel experts at Pompeii Tours and Tickets have voted as the best landmark to visit this summer. Officially known as the Castel San Angelo, it was constructed on the site of older fortifications dating back to Greek occupation in the third and fourth centuries BC. Today, the fortress is open for public tours and is a popular destination for tourists.
The fortress features wide and short halls, a characteristic element of Norman culture, and spherical halls and internal walkways. For those interested in delving into Taranto's rich history, the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto is touted as one of Italy's most significant archaeological museums. Dedicated to the archaeology of ancient Taranto - formerly known as Taras - there are numerous artifacts to admire, including the world's largest collection of Greek terracotta figures.
The city also houses an 11th-century cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo, an Irish monk who lived and was buried here in the 7th century. Located in one of Apulia's oldest Romanesque buildings, it is a popular tourist spot for those visiting the city. Thanks to the local fishermen, fresh seafood is a staple in most restaurants in the city.
The unique blend of fresh and seawater in the bay provides an ideal environment for cultivating shellfish like mussels and oysters , a practice that dates back to the third century BC in Taranto. Other locally grown products such as artichokes, eggplant , tomatoes, olives and onions also feature prominently on menus. The city is also preferred by some due to its less crowded atmosphere, with many choosing to visit more popular cities and towns nearby.
The northeastern part of Taranto is home to the factory of steel company Ilva and the port, where visitors can board sailboats to Isola di San Pietro, located right in the middle of the Taranto Gulf. Just west of the port is a lengthy stretch of stunning white sand beaches, including Castellaneta Marina and Marina di Ginosa..
