Taranto: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Taranto is a significant coastal city in Puglia, southern Italy, with a rich history dating back to its founding as a Greek colony in the 8th century BC. The city is positioned between two seas - the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo - and has historically been an important naval base and commercial port.

Taranto's cultural heritage reflects its Greek origins and subsequent influences from various civilizations, including Romans and Byzantines. The city is home to important archaeological sites and museums, particularly the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA), which houses one of Italy's most significant collections of Greek and Roman artifacts. The old town, situated on an island between the two seas, preserves medieval architecture and historic churches, while the modern city extends onto the mainland.

Taranto maintains its importance as a cultural and economic center in the region, though it has faced environmental and economic challenges due to its industrial development in the 20th century.