Taranto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taranto Tarde  (Neapolitan)
Comune
Comune di Taranto
From the top, left to right: San Francesco de Paola Bridge and the Taranto Cathedral; City hall and the Aragon Castle; and the Palace of Government
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Apulia
Province	Taranto (TA)
Frazioni	Talsano, Lido Azzurro, Lama, San Vito, San Donato
Area
• Total	249.86 km2 (96.47 sq mi)
Highest elevation	431 m (1,414 ft)
Lowest elevation	3 m (10 ft)
Population  (31 August 2017)
• Total	198,585
• Density	794.785/km2 (2,058.48/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Tarantino Tarentino
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	74121, 74122, 74123
Dialing code	(+39)099
Patron saint	Saint Catald of Taranto
Saint day	10 May

Taranto is a city on the coast in Apulia, Southern Italy. It is the main city of the province of Taranto. The city is an important port and a major Italian naval base.

Spartans founded Taranto in the 8th century BC. It was one of the most important cities in Magna Graecia (Greater Greece). It became a powerful center for culture, economy, and military. Many famous thinkers, leaders, writers, and athletes came from Taranto. By 500 BC, it was one of the largest cities in the world. It had about 300,000 people. The rule of Archytas for seven years was its most successful time.

Later, during the Norman period, Taranto became the capital of the Principality of Taranto. This area covered most of the "heel" of Apulia.

Today, Taranto is the third-largest city in southern Italy. It has big factories for steel and iron. There are also oil refineries, chemical plants, and naval shipyards. Taranto will host the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

Discovering Taranto: A City of Two Seas

Taranto naval base for the Italian Regia Marina's First Squadron, 1930s

Taranto was founded in 706 BC as a Greek colony by the Spartans. The old city was on a peninsula. The modern city is built over the ancient Greek one. Only a few old ruins remain, like parts of the city wall and two temple columns.

The Greek settlers from Sparta called the city Taras. The Romans later called it Tarentum. They connected it to Rome with an extension of the Appian Way.

The Bays of Taranto: Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo

The city has two bays, which is why it's called "the city of the two seas." The islets of S. Pietro and S. Paolo protect the Mar Grande (Big Sea). This is where the commercial port is located. Many dolphins and other sea creatures live near these islands.

Another bay, Mar Piccolo (Little Sea), is formed by the old city's peninsula. This area is good for fishing. In the late 1800s, a channel was dug. This allowed naval ships to enter Mar Piccolo. The old Greek city then became an island. It is connected to the mainland by bridges. The islands and coast are strongly protected. Mar Piccolo is a very important naval port.

Taranto's Role in World Wars

Taranto's natural harbor made it a key home for the Italian navy. This was true before and during the First World War. In World War II, Taranto became famous for the Battle of Taranto. In November 1940, British planes attacked the Italian naval base here. This was the first time planes launched from a ship attacked other ships in history.

The Origin of "Tarantula"

The city's name is where the word "tarantula" comes from. This is also true for "tarantella" and "tarantism." In ancient times, people bitten by the local Wolf Spider, Lycosa tarentula, would dance quickly. They believed this would sweat out the spider's venom. This dance became known as the Tarantella. The wolf spider's bite is not deadly to humans.

In geology, the Tarantian Age of the Pleistocene Epoch is named after Taranto.

Geography and Climate of Taranto

Taranto and harbor from ISS, 2017

Taranto is on the Ionian Sea. It is about 14.5 meters (48 feet) above sea level. The city is built on a flat area. The Murgia plateau surrounds it to the north and east. Taranto is known as the "city of two seas." It is bordered by the Big Sea and the Little Sea.

Understanding the Big Sea and Little Sea

The Big Sea is often called the Big Sea bay. This is where ships anchor. A cape separates it from the Little Sea. This cape leads to an artificial island. This island was the center of the original city. It connects to the mainland by the Ponte di Porta Napoli and the Ponte Girevole bridges.

The Little Sea is like a lagoon. It has some issues with water flow. The Ponte Punta Penna Pizzone bridge divides it into two parts. The Galeso river flows into the first part.

The two seas have different winds and tides. Their underwater springs have different salt levels. This creates perfect conditions for growing Mediterranean mussels. These are known locally as cozze.

Taranto's Climate Overview

Taranto has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and mild, rainy springs. Sometimes, cold air from the north and east can bring snow in spring. The city gets about 425 mm (16.7 inches) of rain each year.

Summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). In November 2012, a strong tornado hit Taranto's port. It damaged the Taranto Steel Mill and injured workers.

Taranto's Rich History

Doric columns from the Temple of Poseidon in Taranto, legacy of its Greek origins.

Taranto was founded in 706 BC by Dorian Greek immigrants from Sparta. Its founders were called Partheniae. They were sons of unmarried Spartan women and free men. These sons had to leave Greece. Their leader, Phalanthus, was told by an oracle to settle in Taranto's harbor.

The Partheniae arrived in Apulia and founded the city. They named it Taras after the son of the Greek sea god, Poseidon. Another story says Heracles founded the city. A popular legend shows Taras being saved from a shipwreck by a dolphin sent by Poseidon. This dolphin became the symbol of the city. Taranto grew powerful and became a major trading city in Magna Graecia.

Wars with Rome and Loss of Independence

Taranto's independence ended as the Romans expanded. Taranto won the first of two wars against Rome. They were helped by Pyrrhus, king of Greek Epirus. Pyrrhus surprised Rome by using war elephants in battle. Rome won the second war in 272 BC. This cut Taranto off from Mediterranean trade.

Ancient Art and Coinage

Like many Greek city-states, Taranto made its own coins. These silver coins, called Nomos, showed the city's symbol: Taras riding a dolphin. The other side showed a hippocamp, a horse-fish creature.

Taranto was also a center for making decorated Greek pottery in the 4th century BC. Many of the famous South Italian Greek vases were made here. These vases were often large and detailed. They were used for burials. The artists' names are not known today. Scholars give them nicknames based on their art.

The Taranto Prize: A Cultural Event

The Taranto Prize was a cultural event held every two years. It took place between 1947 and 1951. It was started by young veterans returning from World War II. They wanted to promote peace and culture in the city. The event had sections for literature and painting. Famous artists like Pier Paolo Pasolini and Giorgio de Chirico took part. The theme of the competition was the sea.

City Finances: A Recent Challenge

In 2006, the city of Taranto declared bankruptcy. It had debts of €357 million. This was one of the biggest financial problems a city had ever faced.

Getting Around Taranto

The two leaves of the 1887-built Ponte Girevole turning to open the waterway for a large ship

Train Travel

The Taranto railway station connects the city to many major Italian cities. You can travel to Rome, Naples, Milan, Bologna, Bari, Reggio di Calabria, and Brindisi.

Air Travel

Taranto-Grottaglie Airport is 16 km (10 miles) from Taranto. However, it does not have regular flights for passengers. The closest airports with commercial flights are in Brindisi (about 70 km away) and Bari (about 90 km away).

The Famous Swing Bridge

The Ponte Girevole (swing bridge) was built in 1887. It crosses the canal that connects the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande. The bridge is about 90 meters (295 feet) long. When the bridge opens, it separates the two parts of the city.

Taranto's Environment and Changes

In 1991, Taranto was named a high environmental risk area. This was due to pollution from factories, especially the ILVA steel plant. Most of Taranto's pollution comes from factories. In 2005, a report showed that the ILVA plant was responsible for 83% of Italy's dioxin emissions.

However, things have improved. Dioxin and carbon emissions have decreased. Animals that had left the area have returned. These include swallows, cranes, dolphins, seahorses, and even coral reefs.

Exploring Taranto's Main Sights

Palazzo del Governo facing the Lungomare, which was inaugurated in 1934 by Benito Mussolini

Taranto has many historic places to visit.

Aragon Castle

The Aragon Castle was built between 1486 and 1492. King Ferdinand II of Aragon ordered its construction. It was meant to protect the city from attacks by the Turks. The castle was designed by the artist and architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It replaced an older Byzantine fortress. The castle is now owned by the Italian Navy and is open to visitors.

Ancient Greek Ruins

You can still see remains of ancient Greek temples. Some are from the 6th century BC. Two Doric columns from a temple dedicated to Poseidon are visible in Piazza Castello.

Modern Landmarks

The Promenade (lungomare) is named after King Victor Emmanuel III. It offers views of the Mar Grande and the commercial port. The Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio was built between 1967 and 1971. It is an important modern building designed by Gio Ponti.

Other notable sites include the Fountain of the Rosa dei Venti, the Monumento al Marinaio, and the Navy Yard. There are also archaeological sites like the Cripta del Redentore. Many 18th and 19th-century palaces can be found in the city.

The Historic Old City

Via Cava in Old City. The painted red arched door of the old, multi-storied palazzo is an example of the street art that since 2013 became a feature of Old City

The Old City, or Città Vecchia, is where the Greeks built their main settlement. Its street layout is from 967 AD. The Byzantines rebuilt it after it was destroyed. The main streets are straight, but the side streets are narrow and winding. This was to slow down any invading armies.

The Old City is on an artificial island. It includes the Aragon Castle and Doric Columns. You can reach it from the New City by crossing the Ponte Girevole or the Ponte di Porta Napoli. The Old City is divided into four sections called pittaggi.

Life in the Old City

In 1746, everyone in Taranto lived in the Old City. This led to houses being built taller. Today, about 1000 people live there. Many old palaces from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found. These were once homes for noble families and religious leaders.

The de Beaumont-Bonelli-Bellacicco palace houses the Spartan Museum of Taranto. This museum extends underground into a network of ancient tunnels.

Churches and Art in the Old City

Churches include the San Cataldo Cathedral (10th century) and San Domenico Maggiore (1302). Near the San Agostino church, parts of an ancient Greek temple were found.

Since 2013, two artists have decorated old buildings and walls in the Old City. Their street art has become a unique feature of this historic area.

Education in Taranto

Taranto has many schools for different interests. Some of the high schools include Liceo Scientifico Battaglini, Liceo Archita (the oldest), and Liceo Quinto Ennio (focused on Literature). There are also technical schools like ITIS Righi and ITIS Pacinotti for IT.

Population Changes in Taranto

Advert for beer in the Tarantino dialect.

The Tarantino Dialect

The city is known for the Tarantino dialect (dialètte tarandíne). This dialect is part of the Neapolitan language. Because of Taranto's long history, the dialect has been influenced by Greek, Latin, French, and other languages.

Sports in Taranto

• Taranto F.C. 1927 (Football)

Hosting the Mediterranean Games

Taranto will host the 2026 Mediterranean Games. This will be the fourth time Italy has hosted these games.

Taranto's Delicious Cuisine

Taranto's food uses local products. Vegetables like artichokes, eggplants, and tomatoes are common. Seafood such as shrimps, octopus, and sardines are also very important. Most famous are the local mussels.

Olive oil and bread from the area are also key ingredients. Some foods have special protected names. These include Terre Tarentine PDO olive oil and Clementine del Golfo di Taranto PGI fruits. Popular street foods include tarallini, panzerotti, and pucce.

The Famous Mussels of Taranto

Tarantinian mussels cooked in a pan

Mussels are a very important part of Taranto's food. They are grown in the Big Sea and especially in the Little Sea. The unique taste of Taranto's mussels comes from the special water conditions in the Little Sea. Underwater springs called citri bring fresh water. This helps plankton grow, which the mussels eat.

In ancient Greek and Roman times, writers praised Taranto's mussels. Today, mussel production has moved to safer parts of the Little Sea. This ensures the mussels are safe to eat. Some traditional dishes are mussels alla puppitegna (with garlic, olive oil, and parsley) or impepata (with pepper). You can also find spaghetti or Tubettini with mussels.

Sister Cities

Taranto is connected with these cities around the world:

• Sparta, Greece (since 2015)
• Brest, France (since 1964)
• Donetsk, Ukraine (since 1985)
• Alicante, Spain (since 2010)
• Islamabad, Pakistan (since 2010)

Notable People from Taranto

Many famous people have a connection to Taranto. Some were born here, others lived or worked in the city.

• Archytas (428-347 BC): A philosopher, mathematician, and military leader.
• Aristoxenus (c. 375 - after 335 BCE): A philosopher and writer on music.
• Leonidas of Tarentum (3rd century BCE): A poet.
• Livius Andronicus (с. 284- с. 205 BCE): A poet.
• Cataldus (с 7th century): An archbishop and Taranto's patron saint.
• Bohemond of Taranto (c. 1054 -1111): A key military leader during the First Crusade.
• Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816): A famous composer.
• Roberta Vinci: A professional tennis player.
• Quentin Tarantino: A film director whose family name comes from the city.
• Diodato: A singer who represented Italy in Eurovision 2020.

Images for kids

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  The comune of Taranto (red) within its province.

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  The view of the Little Sea from the Appian Way

See also

In Spanish: Tarento para niños