Capital of its province and a major Magna Graecia settlement, Taranto commands one of southern Italy’s finest natural harbours, a geographic advantage that shaped the ancient city’s prosperity and survives in its heraldry today.
At a glance
Taranto is Puglia’s second-largest municipality and Italy’s sixteenth by population. The city occupies a peninsula formed between a vast inner port and the open sea, a configuration praised by the ancient geographer Strabo for its defensive and commercial advantages. Ships could be towed across the narrow isthmus connecting port to sea, enhancing trade and military mobility.
History
Founded as a Magna Graecia colony, Taranto flourished as one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most important Greek settlements. The city’s symbolic coat of arms—officially recognised on 20 December 1935—draws directly from this golden age. The heraldic image of a young sea god riding a dolphin derives from coins minted during Taranto’s heyday, when such imagery represented divine protection and maritime power.
Earlier heraldic versions existed: a 1589 coat of arms depicted an adult man crowned on a dolphin, holding a trident and a shield with a scorpion. That scorpion symbol itself replaced an even older arms, traditionally attributed to Pyrrhus, and now serves as the emblem of the Ionian province.
What you see
The harbour, described by Strabo as having a perimeter of 100 stadia and enclosed by a large bridge, remains the city’s defining feature. The isthmus separating the inner port from the open sea is low enough that ancient mariners could haul vessels across it—an engineering advantage that impressed contemporary observers and sustained Taranto’s role as a trading hub.
Cultural significance
Taranto’s identity is inseparable from its Magna Graecia heritage and its exceptional port. The city’s coat of arms represents continuity between ancient maritime glory and modern civic identity, preserving an image from classical coins in twentieth-century heraldry. This symbolism underscores Taranto’s enduring connection to the Greek world that founded it.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Municipio, 1, 74121 Taranto
- Coordinates: 40.4719563, 17.2358195
- Phone: 099 4581111
- Official website: www.comune.taranto.it
Practical information
Taranto serves as capital of its province and a major transport hub for the region. Opening hours and admission fees for civic sites are not listed; contact the municipality directly or check the official website.
Getting there
Taranto lies on Puglia’s Ionian coast. You can reach the city by rail, road, or sea. The municipality office is located at Piazza Municipio for further local information and assistance.
See the place
Sources & resources
- Official website: www.comune.taranto.it
- Cultural Heritage Online
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