Despite being Puglia’s second-largest city, Taranto often slips under the radar of travellers, overshadowed by its industrial reputation. Yet it is a city rich in beauty and history. Dubbed the ‘City of the Two Seas’, it is situated between the Ionian Sea (called Mar Grande – the Great Sea) and a lagoon-like basin called Mar Piccolo (the Little Sea).
It was founded in 706 BC by the Spartans, who made it their only colony outside Greece, giving the city a fascinating past that unfolds in every cobblestone and ancient ruin you stumble upon. Today, a swing bridge connects Taranto’s storied heritage with the energy of its modern district, blending ancient tales with contemporary life.
