Taranto | Where Ancient Greece Meets Modern Italy

🏺 A Living Museum As the only Spartan colony in Italy (founded 706 BC), Taranto's archaeological treasures rival Athens: • MArTA National Museum - Home to the legendary "Ori of Taranto" gold collection • Temple of Poseidon Ruins - Two surviving Doric columns from 6th century BC still guard the old city 🌊 The City of Two Seas Taranto's unique geography features: → Mar Grande: The deep blue "Big Sea" where cruise ships dock → Mar Piccolo: A nutrient-rich inland sea producing 30% of Europe's mussels 🍽️ Taste of Magna Graecia Must-try local flavors: • Cozze alla Tarantina (mussels stewed with tomato and pecorino) • Frisella - Twice-baked barley bread perfect with local olive oil • Pescheria District - Watch fishermen auction their catch at dawn ⚔️ Strategic Crossroads Key historical sites: • Swivel Bridge - Iconic 1887 engineering marvel connecting the old and new towns • Aragonese Castle - 15th-century fortress still used by the Italian Navy Pro Tip: Visit in May for the Sagra del Pesce seafood festival when the harbor comes alive with cooking demonstrations! #HiddenItaly #CoastalHistory #SlowFoodCapital #Puglia