Taranto

Taranto is a city and commune in southern Italy, the capital of the Province of Taranto in the Apulia region. It lies on a peninsula projecting into the Gulf of Taranto on the Ionian Sea, with a historic old town on the island side connected to the mainland by bridges. The port serves as a major commercial and naval hub.

Historically, Taranto originated as Taras, a Greek colony founded in the 8th century BCE as part of Magna Graecia. It grew into a leading maritime power, renowned for its navy and coinage, and played a role in early Roman conflicts. Over the centuries the city passed under Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, and Aragonese rule before joining the Kingdom of Naples and, much later, the unified Italian state.

In the modern era Taranto developed around one of Europe’s largest steel plants, the Ilva works. The industry has shaped the city’s economy and urban landscape but has also prompted environmental remediation and public health debates.

Landmarks include the Castello Aragonese at the tip of the peninsula and the Cattedrale di San Cataldo; the National Archaeological Museum preserves artifacts from Taranto’s ancient Greek past. The city also participates in regional cultural traditions, including music and dance of Apulia.

Taranto is connected by road and rail to Bari and other centers, and its port handles cargo, ferries, and cruise traffic, linking Taranto to domestic and international routes.