Daily European Hidden Gem: Taranto, Italy

Taranto, a sparkling seaside jewel in southern Italy, is often referred to as the "heel of Italy's boot." Here, the azure Mediterranean Sea embraces ancient city walls, as if time has stood still. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, soak in the weight of history, and savor local delicacies—each bite a tribute to this land. As the sun sets and the sea breeze brushes your face, romance and leisure intertwine into a picturesque scene. 🏰 Once the thriving Greek-Spartan colony of Taras, Taranto is now a city divided in two. The ancient historic center sits on a man-made island protecting the Mar Piccolo lagoon, while the modern new town boasts wide boulevards laid out in a grid pattern. The contrast is striking: the compact old town is home to a sturdy Aragonese castle, while the larger new town is vibrant, comfortable, and economically prosperous. Taranto is often overlooked by tourist itineraries, surrounded as it is by modern industry—including a massive steel plant—and serving as Italy’s second-largest naval base after La Spezia. Yet, it houses one of the finest museums in Italy’s Magna Graecia region, preserving the glorious history of ancient Greece and Rome. For this reason alone, it’s worth a visit. ✈️ During World War II, the famous Battle of Taranto took place here, where British 🇬🇧 carrier-based aircraft attacked Italian naval ships 🇮🇹 stationed in Taranto’s harbor. This operation later served as a blueprint for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. #Italy #ItalianTravel #SchengenVisa #EuropeTravel #Europe #Medieval #Mediterranean #Vacation #OffTheBeatenPath #Castle