Things to do in Taranto
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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…
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Castello Aragonese
Although Taranto’s medieval town centre is rundown, it is gradually being tastefully renovated and has a gritty and vibrant atmosphere. It is perched on the small island dividing the Mar Piccolo (Small Sea; an enclosed lagoon) and the Mar Grande (Big Sea). This peculiar geography means that blue sea and sky surround you wherever you go. Guarding the swing bridge that joins the old and new parts of town, the 15th-century Castello Aragonese is an impressive structure, currently occupied by the Italian navy.
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Museo Nazionale Archeologico
The superb Museo Nazionale Archeologico is one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums, and houses, among other ancient artefacts, the largest collection of Greek terracotta figures in the world. Also exhibited in this brand-new museum space 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.
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Beaches
Southeast of Taranto the coast begins to unfurl in one long series of sandy beaches and coves. The closest beach to town is the Lido Bruno but you'll need to head beyond that to get to the better beaches like the ones at Marino di Pulsano and Toretta. You can reach some of the closer beaches by public transport but you really need a car to get the best out of beachcombing.
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Centro Culturale Filonide
A fun place to visit is the Centro Culturale Filonide, an eccentric non-profit-making cultural centre located in a renovated 17th-century palace. Its painted salons are full of old furniture and interesting bric-a-brac that gives a fascinating glimpse into how grand the old town must once have been.
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Al Canale
Gaze dreamily out of the floor-to-ceiling windows over the canal, then turn your attention to the orgy of seafood you've ordered: mussels au gratin, grilled octopus, carpaccio of bream, pappardelle with scampi and grilled mixed fish. You'll barely be able to squeeze in the lemon sorbet at the end.
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Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore
After the Palazzo Pantaleo you won't feel like doing much more but you might wander past the Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore, with its high baroque double staircase, and head down to Piazza Fontana, once the commercial heart of the city but now a scruffy roundabout.
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Maggiore
After the Palazzo Pantaleo you won't feel like doing much more but you might wander past the Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore, with its high baroque double staircase, and head down to Piazza Fontana, once the commercial heart of the city but now a scruffy roundabout.
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Trattoria Gesù Cristo
Atmospheric family-friendly place southeast of the centre with a menu of seafood that really is the catch of the day (the owners run the fish shop next door). Go for a grilling with the simplest dish on the menu: freshly grilled fish with lemon.
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Cathedral
The 11th-century cathedral is one of Puglia’s oldest Romanesque buildings and is an extravagant treat. It’s dedicated to San Cataldo; the Capella di San Cataldo is a baroque riot of frescoes and polychrome marble inlay.
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Palazzo del Governo
Taranto's new town is a pleasant surprise. It has a truly urbane atmosphere, with sleek shopping streets shooting off the impressive palm-planted Piazza Garibaldi which is dominated by the gigantic rust-red 1920s Palazzo del Governo .
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Balzi Blu
A local favourite on the corso, serving some 300 different wines, plus excellent pizza with an exceptional crust made from 13 different types of flour. There are great views of the old city from the summer terrace.
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Pizzeria La Prima Luna
Ring to enter this furiously popular pizzeria. The candlelit tables and vaulted dining room are full of character and the atmosphere is as Neapolitan (read noisy) as the pizzas. Reservations are essential on Saturday.
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Giardini Comunale Peripato
A short walk down Via Cavour will bring you to the Giardini Comunale Peripato, a formal 18th-century garden that now makes a lovely city park complete with a children's play area and great views over the Mar Piccola.
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Gelateria del Ponte
A tiny parlour with mountainous tubs of ice cream piled high with real fruit and nuts, and even cake (the Tiramisu flavour is sublime). Indulge in the semifreddo fetta al latte or the torrone.
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Trattoria al Gatto Rosso
A relaxed and unpretentious trattoria with a real touch of class - heavy tablecloths, deep wine glasses and the like. It is located in the new town and is very popular with discerning businessmen.
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Caffè Italiano
Swish as you might wish, this is a Taranto hot spot, a classy cafe with excellent foccacie, coffee and ice cream, and outside seating on the pedestrianised street.
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Trattoria da Ugo
A deeply traditional Tarantine trattoria with a seafood-only menu, including grilled mussels, octopus with lemon and olive oil and fried prawns and squid. Superb value.
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Fishing Port
At Piazza Fontana you'll find the small fishing port where you can buy piles of ricci (sea urchins) or shiny-looking mussels harvested from the Mar Piccola.
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Casa del Libro
An independent bookshop selling books on Taranto, alongside maps and guides in Italian.
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Temple of Poseidon
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