Making the most of Taranto
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Most cruise ships use Taranto port’s Sporgente pier, near imposing Castello Aragonese.
The cruise terminal is relatively near the city centre, approximately 2 to 3 kilometers from downtown Taranto. This is generally walkable, though taxis and shuttle services are available if preferred.
A printable map is available to take along.
Taranto, ancient Tarentum, lies on southern Italy’s inner heel. It is a port and important naval base with shipyards and other industries.
Modern Taranto retains an ancient heart on a shoreline famous for beauty, balanced between Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. In the northern city are calm Mar Piccolo waters; at its southern end Mar Grande bursts into the Ionian Sea’s Gulf of Taranto. Its Small and Big Sea create the secret of its glamour. The swing bridge joins past and present, città vecchia island and Taranto. Evidence of the glorious history of Taranto, colony of, is found mainly in the old town and National Museum…
Getting around
The old-town centre is an intriguing maze of narrow alleyways.
Wandering around Taranto is a very pleasant experience with lots of interest. In the heart of old Taranto, 11th century Cattedrale di San Cataldo holds the relics of the city’s patron saint Cataldo. Its façade is baroque, though the cupola shows clear Byzantine influence. Inside are a wonderful mosaic floor similar to Otranto cathedral’s, and San Cataldo chapel, preserving the relics and decorated with superb Paolo de Matteis frescoes dating from 1713.
King Ferdinand of Aragon built Taranto’s other great monument, Aragonese Castle, in the 15th century. It became a prison in the 18th century before passing to Italian Navy; now open to visitors, it is a leading attraction. Nearby, ponte girevole is a beautiful swing bridge on the canal that opens for the navy fleet. You may see locals watching, waving and cheering returning sailors.
Nearby places
Along the coast are many lovely places for a relaxing, fun vacation, whether diving into the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea or simply enjoying the sun on fine white sand. To Taranto’s north is Marina di Ginosa, a small coastal jewel where transparent sea water reflects blue sky and green pine forests.
Near Salento, Marina di Pulsano offers low cliffs, white inlets and clear waters in a beautiful landscape. South of the provincial capital, Marina di Leporano suits people who prefer a jagged cliff coast broken by small sandy beaches.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Italian is the language.
For emergencies, use nr 112.
Opening Hours and
In Italy, most shops and businesses open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm. Many close Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south days may start and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses work 9am-5pm for international dealings. Traditionally all but bars and restaurants close Sunday, though most towns have a morning pasticceria; in large cities and
Sunday opening is becoming more common in tourist areas.