Taranto Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Italian comune
About Taranto
Taranto was founded in 706 BC by Dorian Greek settlers, as the onlySpartan colonyoutside of Greece (the town is still called "the Spartan city"). A legend gives the credit of the city's foundation toTaras(Τάρας) who, according to Greek mythology, was the son of Poseidon and of the nymph Satyrion; after being saved from a shipwreck by riding a dolphin, sent to him by his father, an image visible on many ancient coins. The city, effectively namedTaras, became soon a commercial and militar power of theAncient Greek world, as well as the most important and inhabited centre of Magna Graecia. Its golden age finished in 272 BC, with the conquest by the Romans, that chose to favorBrindisias the main port of theRoman Empire. The town, now calledTarentum, fell in a period of decline and it was later
Top Attractions in Taranto
Explore the best things to see and do in Taranto:
- ★Aragonese Castle
- ★Athlets tomb
- ★Cathedral
- ★Church of San Domenico Maggiore
- ★National Archaeological Museum
- ★Spartan Museum
- ★Temple of Poseidon
- ★Via Marche necropolis
Where to Eat in Taranto
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Il Porto
- 🍴Ricci - Pizzaioli dal 1963
Where to Stay in Taranto
- 🏨Relais Histo'
Taranto Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: