Plan a CruiseTaranto is a significant port and naval base located on the "inner heel" of southern Italy, uniquely positioned between the calm Mar Piccolo and the expansive Mar Grande of the Ionian Sea. Cruise ships typically dock at the Sporgente pier, which is conveniently close to the impressive Castello Aragonese. The city blends modern life with a rich ancient past, especially evident in its old town, which was once a Spartan colony and a capital of Magna Graecia. The iconic swing bridge connects the historic "città vecchia" island to the newer parts of Taranto.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise port is situated approximately 2 to 3 kilometers from Taranto's city center, making walking a feasible option for many passengers. The walk allows you to reach key attractions like the Aragonese Castle and the old town directly. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis and shuttle services are generally available at the port. Specific costs for these services are not provided, but they offer a quick way to reach the downtown area and its main sights.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, focus on Taranto's historical core:
- Taranto Old Town (Città Vecchia): Explore the captivating maze of narrow alleyways on the island. This area is rich in history and offers a pleasant wandering experience.
- Cattedrale di San Cataldo: Located in the heart of the old town, this cathedral dates back to the 11th century. While its facade is Baroque, the cupola shows clear Byzantine influence. Inside, admire a beautiful mosaic floor and the chapel of San Cataldo, adorned with superb frescoes from 1713 by Paolo de Matteis.
- Aragonese Castle: Originally built by King Ferdinand of Aragon in the 15th century, this historic fortress later served as a prison and is now managed by the Italian Navy. It is open to visitors and is one of Taranto's most popular attractions.
- Ponte Girevole (Swing Bridge): This famous swing bridge connects the old town island to the mainland. It periodically opens to allow naval vessels to pass, an event often watched and cheered by locals.
- National Museum: While not detailed in the reference, the National Museum is noted as a key place to discover Taranto's glorious history as a colony of Sparta and capital of Magna Graecia.
- Coastal Beaches (Further Afield): For those interested in venturing beyond the city, the surrounding coastline offers beautiful beaches. Options include Marina di Ginosa to the north (known for clear waters and pine forests), Marina di Pulsano near Salento (low cliffs, white inlets), and Marina di Leporano to the south (jagged coastline with small sandy beaches). These locations would require arranging transport (e.g., taxi) and may be better suited for longer stays due to travel time.
Dining & Shopping
While specific restaurants or shops near the terminal are not mentioned, Taranto's city center will offer dining and shopping opportunities. Standard Italian shop opening hours are typically Monday to Saturday, from around 8 AM to 1 PM and then again from about 4 PM to 7 PM. Note that many shops may close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings. In southern Italy, opening and closing times might be an hour later. Most businesses, apart from bars and restaurants, traditionally close on Sundays, though large cities and tourist areas are seeing more Sunday openings. Pasticcerias (pastry shops) often open on Sunday mornings.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR).