Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
C2
A1
Sights
Although Taranto's medieval town centre is rundown and has a gritty undertone, it's
gradually being tastefully renovated. It is perched on the small island dividing the Mar
Piccolo (Small Sea; an enclosed lagoon) and the Mar Grande (Big Sea). This peculiar geo-
graphy means that blue sea and sky surround you wherever you go.
Museo Nazionale Archeologico
( 099 453 21 12;
www.museotaranto.it
; Via Cavour 10; adult/child €5/free; 8.30am-7.30pm)
In the
new town is one of Italy's most important archaeological museums, exploring ancient
Taras. It houses, among other artefacts, the largest collection of Greek terracotta figures in
the world. Also on exhibit are fine collections of 1st-century-BC glassware, classic black-
and-red Attic vases and stunning jewellery such as a 4th-century-BC bronze and terracotta
crown.
MUSEUM
Cathedral
CATHEDRAL
(Via del Duomo)
The 11th-century cathedral is one of Puglia's oldest Romanesque buildings
and an extravagant treat. It's dedicated to San Cataldo, an Irish monk who lived and was
buried here in the 7th century; the Capella di San Cataldo is a baroque riot of frescoes and
polychrome marble inlay.
Castello Aragonese
CASTLE
( 099 775 34 38;
www.castelloaragonesetaranto.it
;
Piazza Castello; by appointment 9am-noon Mon-
Fri)
Guarding the swing bridge that joins the old and new parts of town, this impressive
15th-century structure was once a prison and is currently occupied by the Italian navy.
