Palazzo Pantaleo

Carry on down Via Duomo and take a left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Here you'll find the Palazzo Pantaleo , the temporary home of the city's archaeological collection. We say 'temporary' but the edited selection of artefacts on display has actually been here for seven years now. Still, it's certainly worth the visit as it exhibits the most sophisticated works of Magna Graecia that you're likely to see anywhere in Puglia.

Particularly fine are the ceramics, which Taranto precociously developed in its potteries during the 4th century and sold throughout the Greek world. There are lots of Corinthian and Laconian ceramics, but the best pieces are the superb black-and-red Attic vases, most of them decorated with mythical stories showing thick-thighed heroes and thin-legged horses. Right at the end of the exhibit you'll come to the highlight of the show, the gold jewellery, which is mainly of Tarentine workmanship of the 4th century BC. There are earrings, belts, a delicate crown of laurel wreathes and rings with engraved bezels and scarabs - it's a stunning collection. The most famous piece is a bronze nutcracker in the shape of two clasped hands, the bronze arms adorned with gold spiral bracelets.