Taranto Old Town Città Vecchia
An island steeped in history, Taranto's Old Town blends ancient ruins, vibrant street art, and authentic local life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Taranto Old Town Città Vecchia
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An island steeped in history, Taranto's Old Town blends ancient ruins, vibrant street art, and authentic local life.
"A hidden treasure with an incredible underground art movement and unique atmosphere."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and alleys demand good footwear for exploring Taranto's Old Town.
🎨 Embrace the Street Art
The Old Town is a canvas for incredible graffiti and murals; look up and around!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Via Duomo
Heart of the Old Town
Wander this central street, a journey through history with ancient cathedral and remnants of Greek temples.
Aragonese Castle
Waterfront
Explore this ancient fortress, reputedly the oldest in the region, offering historical insights and sea views.
Street Art & Graffiti
Throughout the Old Town
Discover a vibrant underground art scene with striking murals and graffiti adorning historic buildings.
Doric Temple Columns
Near Via Duomo
Glimpse ancient Greek history with these impressive columns, a testament to Taranto's Magna Graecia past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unexpected Charm
Navigating the Island City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and alleys demand good footwear for exploring Taranto's Old Town.
🎨 Embrace the Street Art
The Old Town is a canvas for incredible graffiti and murals; look up and around!
🚗 Car Parking Tip
Locals offer car watching for a small fee in the Old Town car parks.
🏛️ History Around Every Corner
Discover ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval history as you wander.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and alleys demand good footwear for exploring Taranto's Old Town.
🎨 Embrace the Street Art
The Old Town is a canvas for incredible graffiti and murals; look up and around!
🚗 Car Parking Tip
Locals offer car watching for a small fee in the Old Town car parks.
🏛️ History Around Every Corner
Discover ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval history as you wander.
🌊 Enjoy the Sea Views
The island setting offers beautiful vistas of the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taranto's Old Town is a hidden gem, praised for its rich history, vibrant street art, and authentic atmosphere. While some find parts dilapidated, many appreciate its unique charm and the sense of discovery it offers. The local seafood, especially mussels, is a culinary highlight.
"Taranto,,, well what can a north European say about Taranto mindful of the good, the bad and the ugly,,,well for a start there is nothing bad to say about Taranto!
It is obvious why a sea port was established centuries ago where the modern day Taranto rests. Some say it is one of the oldest inhabited settlements on the Med. It's a natural sea port with huge sheltered bays behind elevated promentaries. The modern city is on the mainland and the old centro storico on an island, the two are connected by the famous iron bridge, the good.
Modern day Taranto is a bustling city, a large sea port, a base for Italy's navy and an important if controversial industrial complex, the xIlva steel works, the ugly.
There's also a highway linking Taranto and Puglia with Calabria on the way to Messina and ferries to Sicily.
Arriving at Taranto by road or rail is often in and around the train station and bus station area on the mainland. It's not the most appealing arriving and appears a little abandoned. You can walk over the road bridge or drive on to the island that makes up the centro storico. Local men will immediately offer to look after your car in the small car parks for a couple of euros.
The centro storico can be an easy and fascinating circular walk. As you walk along the bay side front looking landward the scene is pleasant enough however you'll be drawn to the buildings behind you. Tall buildings, dark in places, oddly a variety of colours in other parts, graffiti, shored up in places, apparently abandoned in parts and dilapidated in areas, they form an intriguing and somewhat dramatic scene. There are few streets amongst these buildings, just tight alleys too car for cars, hinting at their age in a time of carts rather than cars. The buildings can appear intimidating but there's little to suggest visitors should have concerns. More recently these buildings and homes were included in a government regeneration scheme along with mostly abandoned hill side villages where houses could be bought for euro on conditions related to investment and upgrading.
Along the promenade there are one or two fish stalls with limited offerings, an area undergoing some regeneration. You may catch a glimpse of a naval vessel as you turn and walk alongside the channel that separated the island from the mainland and the modern city. The historic iron bridge, for both pedestrians and vehicles links to two.
Here the scene changes as you look out across the beautiful Ionian Sea. Below the bridge sits the city's wonderful aragonese castle. 1000 years old and reputedly the oldest fortress in the region. It houses a museum. Starting to walk back through the centro storico you follow a narrow street that runs across the middle of the island, Via Duomo. Ancient remnants of a Greek Temple marked by columns at the start of the walk back past the ancient cathedral and parts of the university. At a small junction there's a cluster of bars, cafes and restaurants and as you continue there's the odd cafe here and there. Very quickly you drop down to the car parks and bridge over the sea to the train station.
Despite the shadow cast by the xIlva steel works Taranto is famous for it's mussels, including those sold in supermarkets and fish shop around the area, certified fit for consumption, raw, in half shells, delicious.
The steel works is massive, employing people from near and far. It's had a troubled past in recent years, some calling for it's closure due to pollution and health related dangers, others fighting to keep it open despite threats of closure and changes in ownership. Some say it's closure would be a catastrophic for the whole region, economically. Everyone knows someone that works there. The government is deeply involved.
South of the city the long Ionian coast with it's wonderful beaches stretches for many kilometres to Porto Cesareo and beyond.
Music and dance of course, whether in Taranto or elsewhere in the region if you have the chance to watch the trance inducing spider dance.
Taranto ⁉️
Blog,,,, Puglia reviews ricensioni"
Joe Herd (joe)
"Very nice old area of Taranto. It oozes history."
G Kom
"Dirty area , scary people, disgusting streets in this old town
Never again"
r g.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taranto Old Town (Città Vecchia) is located on an island connected to the mainland by two bridges. You can drive across the Ponte Punta Penne or Ponte Metallico. If arriving by train or bus to the mainland station, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the bridges leading to the Old Town.
Parking is available in designated areas, often managed by locals who offer to watch your car for a small fee. Be prepared for narrow streets and limited spaces.
Yes, you can easily walk across the bridges connecting the mainland to the island of Città Vecchia. It's a pleasant way to get your first views of the area.
The best way to explore Taranto Old Town is on foot. Its narrow, winding streets are best navigated by walking, allowing you to discover hidden courtyards and street art.
While buses serve the mainland of Taranto, within the Old Town itself, walking is the primary mode of transport. Local buses may run to the edges of the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Taranto Old Town (Città Vecchia) is a living neighborhood and is freely accessible to the public. There are no entrance fees to wander its streets.
As it's a residential area, there are no official opening hours. You can visit at any time, though daytime and early evening are generally recommended for safety and atmosphere.
Yes, guided tours are often available, especially during peak seasons or special events, focusing on history, archaeology, and street art. Check local tourism initiatives like Taranto Grand Tour.
The Aragonese Castle often has a small entrance fee for its museum and tours. It's advisable to check current prices and opening times before your visit.
Many archaeological remnants, like the Doric Temple columns, are visible from the streets. Access to specific underground sites or museums may require tickets and guided tours.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Via Duomo, the Aragonese Castle, the Doric Temple columns, and the vibrant street art that covers many buildings. The Cattedrale di San Cataldo is also a key landmark. 
While some areas might appear dilapidated, most visitors find the Old Town safe. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in quieter alleys.
The atmosphere is a unique blend of ancient history, local life, and a burgeoning street art scene. It can feel authentic and a bit raw, offering a contrast to more polished tourist destinations.
Absolutely! The narrow streets, historic architecture, colorful buildings, and striking street art provide endless photographic opportunities.
The Old Town showcases history from Magna Graecia (Spartans founded it) and the Roman Empire, through medieval times, to its present-day character.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a mix of traditional trattorias, cafes, and bars scattered throughout the Old Town, offering local Puglian cuisine.
Taranto is famous for its mussels (cozze). Look for dishes featuring fresh seafood and local Puglian specialties like orecchiette pasta.
Some establishments along the waterfront promenade may offer views of the Mar Grande, providing a lovely dining experience.
Prices can vary, but you can generally find affordable meals at local trattorias. Expect mid-range prices for seafood specialties.
While seafood is prominent, many Italian restaurants offer vegetarian pasta dishes and vegetable-based antipasti. Vegan options might require specific requests.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the narrow, atmospheric alleys, the colorful facades, the impressive street art, and the views from the waterfront promenade. The Aragonese Castle and the Doric Temple columns are also key subjects.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the historic architecture and street scenes. Midday can be harsh, but good for vibrant street art colors.
Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for public areas. However, always be respectful of private property and residents.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for street scenes and architecture. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the narrow alleys. Don't forget a smartphone for quick snaps of street art.
Focus on details: textures of old walls, laundry hanging from balconies, local life, and the interplay of light and shadow in the alleys. Look for unique street art pieces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that the terrain can be uneven, so strollers might be challenging in some alleys. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider shorter exploration periods to keep younger ones interested. The waterfront areas offer open spaces for a break. Look for local events like the living nativity scene during holidays for added family fun.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Engage with locals, try the delicious seafood, and get lost in the historic alleys. The vibrant street art scene offers plenty to photograph and contemplate. Safety is generally good, but as with any solo travel, staying aware of your surroundings is always recommended.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Dedicate ample time to wander, perhaps with a local guide who can illuminate the rich historical layers. Don't miss the remnants of the Doric Temple and the atmospheric churches. The contrast between ancient ruins and contemporary urban art makes for a uniquely compelling experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Taranto's History
+1The city's strategic importance continued through Roman times and the medieval period, with various rulers leaving their mark. The Aragonese Castle, a formidable fortress overlooking the sea, dates back to the 15th century and is a testament to its defensive past. Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town feels like stepping back in time, with layers of history revealed at every turn.
Today, Taranto's Old Town is a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient heritage and contemporary life. While parts may appear weathered, this authenticity is part of its charm. The city is also undergoing regeneration efforts, aiming to highlight its historical significance and artistic vibrancy, making it a truly unique destination for history enthusiasts.
The Vibrant Street Art Scene
From large-scale murals depicting local life and mythology to intricate stencils and tags, the street art is diverse and captivating. Exploring the Old Town becomes a treasure hunt, with new pieces often discovered around unexpected corners. This artistic expression not only beautifies the area but also reflects the spirit and creativity of its residents.
Many local businesses and artists are actively involved in promoting this art scene. Events and projects often highlight the street art, making it an integral part of the visitor experience. For photographers and art lovers, Taranto's Old Town offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture unique and thought-provoking urban art.
Culinary Delights of Taranto
Beyond mussels, expect a feast of fresh seafood, reflecting the city's coastal location. Local trattorias serve up grilled fish, octopus, and other oceanic delights. Puglian staples like orecchiette pasta are also a must-try, often served with robust vegetable sauces or hearty meat ragùs. The region's olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, is of the highest quality and enhances every dish.
When exploring the Old Town, keep an eye out for small cafes and bars that offer local pastries and coffee. For a truly immersive experience, seek out family-run restaurants where traditional recipes are passed down through generations. Enjoying the local cuisine is an essential part of understanding the culture and soul of Taranto.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit