GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION BERTHING AND CONNECTIONS HISTORY OF THE CITY ATTRACTIONS IN THE NEARBY AREAS AND IN THE CITY 5 REASONS TO VISIT TARANTO Marvel at history and culture Savour food and wine Discover traditions Adventure calling Relax on the beach PORT & CITY – RECEPTION & FOLKLORE
Geographical position
Taranto
is in a baricentric position, in beetwen Suez and Gibraltar, with respect to the East and West Mediterranean routes of cruise ships. It is about 1000 nautical miles from Suez.
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Berthing and connections
Length (m)
Draught
Operational space (m2)
Availability
Pier 1 - East Side
320
9,5
1,600
Available in the future
Pier 1 – West Side
330
11
13,000
Currently available
Quay 1
240
8,5
1,800
Currently available
Quay 2
290
10
9,000
Currently available
The Sant’Eligio and San Cataldo Piers are the areas within the port involved in the project of requalification of the waterfront. The Port System Authority’s objective is to provide Taranto with a new sea-culture, encouraging the union of the port, the city and the environment into a single experience. The Port System Authority has planned the construction of a Multipurpose Service Center on the Molo S. Cataldo as well as the renovation of the pier’s East side berthing quay. The intervention consists in the realization of a multipurpose building dedicated to the following activities: of the maritime culture: multi • Promotion purpose auditorium, meeting rooms, areas for exhibitions and educational activities; services; • Passenger “meet and services (information point, • lounge area,greet” bar, restrooms). 150 car parkings available. Works will be completed in July 2018. The Center will be ready for cruise season 2018/19.
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Berthing and connections Taranto – Grottaglie Taranto – Brindisi Taranto – Bari
Flights to Bari
The airports of Bari and Brindisi are located at 90 km and 75 km respectively from the Port of Taranto, providing daily flights to and from key centres in Italy and Europe. The Apulia airport network represents then, for location and infrastructures, one of the most interesting European and Italian realities. Its favorable position in the middle of a strategic area like the Mediterranean, makes it an essential asset inside continental transport networks.
Flights to Brindisi 5
Berthing and connections
20 km. 16 min.
The airport of Grottaglie, where the aircraft manufacturing company LEONARDO - on behalf of Boeing - operates, is about 20 km from Taranto and is connected to the seaport by a road that runs directly from the port’s Northern Gate. Grottaglie has a 3.2 km runway, thus offering scope for an additional mode of transport for passengers and goods handled at the Port of Taranto. The airport is ready for turn-around and charter flights, thus enabling Taranto to become a “home port” for embarking and disembarking cruise passengers.
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History of the city
Sparta and Taranto, mother and daughter The city of Taranto was founded in 706 BC By a young Spartan warrior named Falanto. Falanto, Arato's son, a young warrior who had to come back to Sparta during the long war for the conquest of Messene, along with the other young Parthenes, was denied the right of the land to them, and made an attempt to revolt, but failed. Thus, like in any other Greek city, the issue was resolved by making an expedition to a new land, probably well known and strategically important, with the promise that if the expedition did not succeed, Falanto and the Parthenes would have been awarded one fifth of the territories that had been conqueredy. Before leaving, Falanto, according to tradition, consulted the Delphi Oracle who prophesied: "When you see rain from the clear sky, you will overtake territory and city." During the crossing, the ship was wrecked. Falanto was rescued by a dolphin, hence the symbol of the city, and led to shore. After repairing the ship, along with the crew, he sailed again with the feeling that there was no purpose to his journey, until Falanto himself, exhausted, fell asleep on the knees of his wife Etra, who, discouraged by her husband's efforts, let off the steam with tears. Falanto, whose face was wet with the tears of Etra (clear sky), understood the sense of that prophecy that until then seemed like an puzzling enigma.
Kalamata
Thus, after having landed on the East coast at Saturo, the Spartans moved westward to found the ancient Taras. The hard laws imposed by Falanto were badly tolerated by the Tarantini who forced him to flee to Brindisi and find shelter among the same Japigi whom he had fought. Falanto, as a last gesture of love for the city he founded, following the prophecy, had his ashes spread in the agora of Taranto (ancient central public space in Greek cities), which would guarantee eternity for Taranto. The Tarantini, moved with feelings of regret, will honor him beginning with the coins that are decorated with Falanto on the horse of his savior dolphin.
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History of the city
Taranto, the ancient cradle of Magna Graecia Taranto was known in ancient Greek world for being home to great “Athlete of Taranto”, a man in his 30s who won prestigious prizes in the “Panathenaic Games” which took place in Athens. His glory was so great that his tomb was enriched with engravings and vases celebrating his victories. Items from his burial site are displayed in the Archaeological Museum. The acropolis of the colossal city of Magna Graecia hosted numerous monuments and masterpieces, along with theatres, temples and schools which are now part of the rich and great heritage left by the Greeks over the centuries. The massive Doric columns are the remains of a temple facing the sea, dedicated either to a God or a Goddess – it is still uncertain whether it was Poseidon or Aphrodite. As in many cities in the Magna Graecia, the great Goddess Persephone was worshipped also in Taranto. A great statue depicting the Goddess can be admired in the Archaeological Museum.
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Attractions in the nearby areas and in the city
Matera
Gioia del Colle
- Motor Vehicle -
Martina Franca
30 minutes
Salento Coastline
45 minutes
Grottaglie
Manduria
1’ 10’’ minutes
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Attractions in the nearby areas and in the city
National Archeological Museum MarTA 2,5 km – 32’
Piazza Fontana 800m – 10’
Doric Columns (Poseidon Temple) 1,9 km – 24’
Saint Domenico’s Church 1,1km – 14’
Villa Peripato 2,7 km – 35’
Diocesan Museum 1,4 km – 19’
Municipality 1,9 km – 24’
Shopping center 2,8m – 36’
The Dome (Cathedral of Saint Cataldo) 1,5 km – 20’
Swing bridge Aragonese Castle 2 km – 26’
Seafront 2,5 km – 32’
Churh of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2,6 km – 33’
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5 Reasons to visit Taranto With its 3000 years old history, the city will take you on a tour from the times of ancient Greece to the Renaissance. Just a hour’s drive from Taranto, discover one of the most ancient cities in the world, Matera, where ancient cave houses are now being renovated and made into fancy boutique hotels. Taste Mediterranean flavors and fish based specialties in the small restaurants in the Old Town of Taranto. Take a tour in the nearby villages centuries-old olive groves and vineyards where extra virgin olive oil and delicious DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and IGT (Typical Geographical Indication) wines are made. Discover how artisans still craft beautifully decorated vases, dishes and lamps in Grottaglie. This century old art is still alive in the village where a handful of workshops are open to visitors and display colorful creations. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, especially in Taranto! Well not fish but actually mammals. Go on boat tours to spot dolphins in the gulf of Taranto. For trekking lovers, the gravine (ravines) of the valley of Itria are the place to go.
Crystal blue water and white sand, dotted by lavender and the typical “Mediterranean shrub”.
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Marvel at history and culture
The Aragonese Castle Overlooking the Ionian sea, Taranto’s famous Aragonese Castle was built in the 15th century on the site of a previous norman-swabian-angevin fortification, by the King of Naples Ferdinand of Aragona, in the shape of a kite with five round towers at the corners of the fortress. One of the towers was demolished in 1884 to make way for the new Swing Bridge. One of the most famous places in the castle is the Chapel of St. Leonardo where the marriage of Princess Marie D’Enghien and King of Naples Ladislao I d’Angiò The Magnanimous was celebrated. The book placed near the altar tells the story of the brave princess, who defended the city against the attack of King Ladislao, who wanted to conquer Taranto. Wanting to grant the safety of the inhabitants of Taranto, she took the brave decision to marry Ladislao, thus ending the siege of the city, but forcing herself to an unhappy marriage. The Castle was later used as a jail and then as a Navy barracks. Today, there are guided tours of the Castle every day and also many events and exhibitions going on throughout the year. www.castelloaragonesetaranto.it
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Marvel at history and culture
The Old City of Taranto Lying on an island at the meeting point of two seas (the open sea, Mar Grande, and a wide bay with two inlets, Mar Piccolo) the Old City of Taranto is one of the hidden gems of the South of Italy. Its architecture tells the story of different conquerors – Greek, Byzantine, Norman, Spanish – which ruled over Taranto in the centuries, each leaving its traces in the stone maze of narrow streets and tall buildings. The highlights of a walk in the Old City are many: the Aragonese Castle; the famous swing bridge - which rotates and opens in the middle to allow ships to pass through; the two magnificent Greek columns (once part of a temple dedicated to the God of the sea, Poseidon, or to a feminine deity) , and the many churches. One of the oldest is S. Domenico Maggiore, the church from where on Holy Thursdays the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows (L’Addolorata) sets out. The heartfelt rite has been celebrated since the 17th century. Thereabouts stands the Cathedral of Taranto, dedicated to Saint Cataldo, the patron of the city. Strolling along via Duomo, the heart of the Old City, visitors will savour the slow paced lifestyle of the citizens, taking their time to enjoy a gelato or pizza just out of the oven. Restaurants and small fish shops, selling the most famous and delicious product of the sea of Taranto, the cozza (mussel), bustle with life in the beautiful ancient Piazza Fontana, where an 18th century clock tower and old buildings surround the central fountain. www.comune.taranto.it
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Marvel at history and culture
Taranto: Cathedral of San Cataldo In the heart of the old city stands the magnificent cathedral of San Cataldo dedicated to the patron saint of the city, it is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Apulia. The cathedral has a unique atmosphere with its large floral mosaic and beautiful frescos. In the large chapel there are unique examples of marble art, with statues of the Saints in large niches. Under the cathedral lies the Crypt, decorated with fascinating frescoes from the 12th century, depicting San Cataldo, Santa Maria Magdalen and Maria Egiziaca. Here some of the Archbishops of Taranto are buried.
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Marvel at history and culture
The Archaelogical Museum of Taranto - MARTA The National Archaeological Museum was founded by Royal Decree in 1887 and has just recently enlarged its already rich collection. The Museum traces in a detailed and fascinating way the story of the city, which is one of the oldest and most important Greek colonies, founded in 706 B.C., covering a wide chronology (prehistoric and proto-historic periods, Greek Period, Roman Period, until the Middle Ages). When entering the museum, the visitor is immediately welcomed by the thoughtful glance of the Herakles by Lysippus. On the first and second floor, exhibits from the Greek Period are displayed, including the sarcophagus of the athlete discovered in 1959, tools used by athletes in competitions, and red and black vases. The rooms dedicated to the Age of the Roman Empire abound with fascinating statues, rich furnishings and colourful mosaic floors from the homes of wealthy Romans. However, the main attraction of the museum is the “Room of Gold” which houses the most impressive collections of ancient gold jewellery in all of Italy. An incredible display of beautiful bracelets, elegant earrings and precious artifacts shows the evolution of the “gold-work” in the city between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. www.museotaranto.org
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Marvel at history and culture
MUDI – Diocesan Museum The innovative and rich Diocesan Museum is a box of tresures set in the heart of the Old Town. Its white façade, when it is drenched in the light of the sun setting in mar Grande, turns to a warmer orange-yellow hue The collection hosted in the Museum is as fascinating as the building itself: organized in different sections, each dedicated to a particular aspect of Christian religion (Liturgy, the figure of Christ, the Saints, the Holy Virgin, etc.) it gathers the most extraordinary items which populated Christian life in the past centuries. Among its most precious pieces are the golden and silver articles from the famous Treasure of San Cataldo, the ancient Golden Cross, which according to the legend was found on the Saint’s buried corpse, Flemish style ivory crucifixes, and a rosary case of statues in gold-plated silver with a topaz cross. But the real highlight are the ancient holy relics: among these is a fragment of stone on which Christ’s tears dropped when he cried in Jerusalem, safely kept in a Neapolitan engraved silver cross, and San Vito’s blood, which becomes liquid on June 15th. The Museum houses also an impressive number of paintings from different ages depicting Saints and their lives, the Passion of Christ, and the Holy Virgin.
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Marvel at history and culture
The Sassi of Matera About an hour’s drive away from Taranto lies the ancient Cave city of Matera. The city is one of the oldest human settlements in the world, having been populated since 10.000 B.C.. The Sassi are the ancient nucleus of Matera, a system of caves and stone mazes dug into the cliff. The Sassi are divided into two areas: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Sasso Caveoso is the area where the caves houses have been preserved in the centuries, whereas the Sasso Barisano cave houses have been recently renovated. Here the monks from the Ancient Byzantine Roman Empire migrated from the persecution and found their new home, building many beautiful small churches carved in stone. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993. Many of the caves and ancient buildings have been transformed into restaurants and cave hotels where visitors can stay and experience what it was like to live in the Sassi of Matera many centuries ago. The Sassi were made world-famous in 2005 when Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” was shot there. Before Mel Gibson, Pier Paolo Pasolini was fascinated by Matera and chose the city as the location for shooting his film “The Gospel according to St Matthew”. Matera has been awarded European Cultural Capital for the year 2019 and the city is curating a programme of installations, activities and events that shall have a lasting impact on its social and cultural life. www.sassiweb.it
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Marvel at history and culture Mura Messapiche archaeological park Manduria, an ancient Messapic town, was surrounded by moats and massive megalithic walls between the fifth and third centuries BC., the ruins of which can still be visited. The exhibition “Oltre le Mura” (Beyond the Walls) shows the excavations of 1200 tombs brought to life by Nevio Degrassi from 1955 to 1960. Manduria was besieged by Taranto in vain, with the help of Archidamus, King of Sparta, who in 338 B.C. died under its walls. The name of “Fonte Pliniano” originated from Pliny the Elder who describes it in his work “The Natural History” (Naturalis Historia). The water source is hidden inside a cave with a diameter of 18 meters which can be entered through a staircase. this enchanting place is surmounted, at the centre of the vault, by a large skylight; outside the skylight there is the representation of the coat of arms of Manduria: the almond tree inside a water well. The small church, on the north-western side of the park, has a chapel full of depictions of saint hermits venerated by Basilian monks. In the apse of the lower floor the fresco of Saint Peter Apostle can be admired. http://www.parcoarcheologicomanduria.it
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Savour food and wine
Fishing tourism Fishing tourism excursions offer a unique and charming opportunity to experience life at sea and are at the same time a chance to learn fishing techniques. During the excursion a stop is made to enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Cheradi Islands, an ideal area for fishing, and finally there is a moment dedicated to cooking the fresh catch and tasting the flavors of the Taranto cuisine. Octopuses, squilla mantises, caramote prawns, sargos, congers, gilt head breams are hauled onboard as our fishermen do everyday‌and are cooked on the spot to be eaten on the fisher boat. Live the emotions of being at sea, fishing, and tasting good food!
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Savour food and wine
Olive oil and wine trails and tours As visitors can see, Apulian landscape is characterized by vineyards and thousand-years-old olive trees. It is therefore no casualty that the most famous typical products of the region are quality wines and olive oil. During the wine and oil tours wine producers will welcome visitors in their cantine (wineries) to offer a sample of their products, be it Negramaro, Primitivo, or Verdeca (and many more). In the frantoi (olive mills) the process involved in producing the oil will be explained and of course there will be an invitation to savour the produce, even with typical bread and cheese. Every trail includes the possibility to visit wine and oil museums, wine bars and guest houses which accomodate tourists from all over the world. www.tipicipuglia.it
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Savour food and wine
100 Farm estates and the Green Road In the province of Taranto there are 100 farm estates, many of which offer a unique chance for visitors to enjoy the experience of staying at one of these beautiful residences and also savour the wonderful food and wine that they produce. In addition, they provide courses on how to prepare traditional dishes of Apulian cuisine for tourists, both international and national. Furthermore, they also stage many events and festivals throughout the year. The Green Road Project leads the visitor on a journey to discover the localities in the province of Taranto through various tours, each of them exploring a different aspect of the area - religion, gastronomy and archaeology. www.centomasserie.it www.greenroad.it www.galcollinejoniche.it
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Discover traditions
The pottery of Grottaglie and Casa Vestita The small city of Grottaglie just outside Taranto is famous for its beautiful ceramics and pottery workshops. In fact, you can say that Grottaglie is at the heart of the most important ceramic producing district of Italy. Strolling along Via delle Ceramiche (“Potter’s Row”) which takes up most of the city center, people admire the colorful display of many different ceramics shops. Casa Vestita, home to ceramics artist Mimmo Vestita, is set in the heart of Potter’s Row in Grottaglie (its address is via Crispi 63/a), among the workshops of ceramic artisans. The garden is carefully tended to by the owner, beautifully decorated with columns and vases, hanging gardens and prickly pears dotting the courtyard. It is open on occasion to host exhibitions on local pottery. Through the garden visitors can access to a beautiful discovery, made by Mimmo Vestita during renovation works on his house: the ancient Crypt of Saint Barbara, an exceptionally well preserved medieval church dating back to the 13th Century, which has just recently been restored. Underneath the circle with a cross inside, just above the altar, there is a large and beautifully colored wall painting of Christ. Two saints, Saint Nicolas and Saint Barbara, are represented on the smaller side apses. The painting style is typical of Apulian art in this period. www.comune.grottaglie.ta.it
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Discover traditions
Taranto: The Procession of the Holy Mysteries Taranto, whose traditions are held dear, has always been famous for its religious events. For centuries on every Friday the city has been participating in the Holy Procession of the Mysteries. Figures dressed in the typical dress of the “perdone”, white sash with a white hood and only two holes for the eyes, walk slowly along the funeral music, played by the band for the death of Christ. Some other devotees, dressed in a suit, carry the heavy and beautiful statues of Christ and the Holy Virgin on their shoulders. The statues represent various moments of the Passion of Christ, and the pain, both physical and spiritual, is painted on their features. For spectators it’s a beautiful choreography, for the devotees it is the most sublime divine manifestation.
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Discover traditions
The valley of Itria The Itria Valley is located in the heart of Apulia less than 30 km from the city of Taranto. It is an extensive karst depression at the bottom of the Murge, which is the most significant highland area in Apulia. The Valley, which includes the towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino and Fasano, is characterized by the presence of numerous caves including the famous Grotte di Castellana. The whole area is a blend of rolling hills intertwined with fertile valleys and it is divided into small plots bordered by the typical dry stone walls, built with rocks that in ancient times have been mined from the land to make way for pastures and crops. Ancient olive groves, (fine extra virgin olive oil is produced in the valley), stretches of forest and Mediterranean scrub alternate with numerous vineyards, where wines of excellent quality is produced. The valley is famous for its thousands of Trulli Houses, small limestone dwellings with cone shaped roofs, held together without mortar. Originally Trulli were temporary shelters for shepherds and farm tools; they eventually became permanent residences for farmers. Today most of them are being finely restored and transformed into luxury holiday houses and small charming hotels, One of the best examples of this type or architecture is Alberobello, a village entirely made up of Trulli. www.galvalleditria.it
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Discover traditions
Castellaneta, Rudolph Valentino’s birthplace The town of Castellaneta is strongly connected with the history of cinema. Here the world famous silent film star Rudolph Valentino, nicknamed “Latin Lover” for his charismatic beauty, was born in 1895 and spent his early years. His brilliant career, alluring charm and tragic death have made his figure “immortal”. Castellaneta celebrates his memory with a statue representing him in his most famous role, the “sheikh”, and a dedicated museum, rich with panels telling the story of his life and film interpretations in detail, and the way he subversed the male beauty sterotypes of the time. Here is also exhibited Valentino’s bed, an item which brings visitors closer to the more private part of his life. Castellaneta has still a lot more to offer to its visitors. The town is located at the edge of the deepest gravine (ravines) in the region of Puglia. A natural landform narrower than a canyon, the gravina of Castellaneta is dotted with churches carved in rock and historical traces of ancient settlements, dating back to the prehistoric age. The town is also a popular destination for anyone who enjoys seaside and sunbathing: the coastline is 9 km long and equipped with bathing establishment, exclusive resorts and top restaurants. www.fondazionevalentino.it castellaneta.gov.it
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Adventure calling
Dolphins in the Gulf of Taranto Dolphins have been a historical symbol of the city of Taranto. They have a role in legends about the foundation of the city and often are associated to the figures of Taras, Falanto and Arione, who have all met dolphins, even centuries apart from each other. Even today dolphins abound in the Gulf of Taranto. It is a privilege to see them lapping against the side of the boat and leaping out of the water like acrobats, a privilege that only people who live in Taranto or visit the city can enjoy. The Jonian Dolphin Conservation is a scientific association that has been carrying out expeditions aboard the catamaran “Taras” with the objective to study dolphins in the Gulf of Taranto since 2009. The Association organizes tours to watch dolphins swimming and splashing about cheerfully in the waters not far from the city. …according to ancient Greek folklore, it is of good omen to see a dolphin. www.joniandolphin.it
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Adventure calling
Spartan Race Taranto has hosted the competition at its park overlooking the sea, in the area of Cimino. The race is inspired by the tough physical exercise that Spartans had to endure in order to train themselves for war. The participants share the belief in discipline and most of all in mutual support, as many of them help each other getting up if they fall during the race, or if they have any difficulty. Many people from Taranto and from all over the world have taken part in the competition.
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Adventure calling
The gravine of the Jonian area The National Park of the Gravine (ravines), established in 2005, spreads over 13 municipalities in the province of Taranto (among which are Laterza, Castellaneta, Mottola, Massafra, Palagiano, Grottaglie, Martina Franca, etc.) and extends over an area of about 28.000 hectares. Nowhere else in Europe visitors can enjoy such a concentration of natural beauty, archaeological sites, karst landscapes and historical stone settlements, in the same location. The “gravine� are deep rocky ravines which were once the bed of now extinct rivers. Their dips and heights allow the flourishing of extraordinarily rich natural habitats, featured by beautiful species of flowers (such as wild orchids) and trees. Gravine are the ideal environment for climbers, but also for anyone who enjoys a good trek. The ancient rocky settlements in Ginosa, Crispiano, Mottola, Laterza, Statte, Castellaneta, Massafra, Palagianello boast some beautiful religious architecture, such as churches and crypts carved in stone, which were often decorated with wonderful icons of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Saints and Martyrs. The most stunning examples of these paintings on rock can be found in Massafra and Mottola. www.parcogravine.it
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Relax on the beach
The Salento coastline Taranto’s coastline (which forms a significant part of the Salento Jonian coastline) is characterized by gorgeous beaches with soft white sand and crystal clear blue water and spectacular rocky and rugged foreshortenings with picturesque miniature cliffs scattered around. The beaches along the Jonian coast are connected by a series of sand dunes which are an area of environmental importance as they allow the flourishing of various species of plants, known as the “Mediterranean bush”. The coastline is dotted with watchtowers (“torri” in Italian) and fortifications dating back to the Middle Ages and beyond: Torre Sgarrata, Torre Colimena, Torre Saturo, Torre Dell’Ovo, etc.
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&
CITY
PORT RECEPTION
FOLKLORE
Cruise calls at port of Taranto - 2017 • 15th MAY : 1213 passengers • 29th MAY : 1220 passengers For the reception of cruise passengers, this Port System Authority has prepared a tensile structure that offers shelter for the walk from the cruise ship to the shorex buses and shuttle
service. Passengers
are
welcomed
by
English speaking
personnel of this Authority as well as students, who provide city.
information
on the
Cruise
passenger
have
been
welcomed by pizzica dancers in the city. This famous traditional folk dance, known as the pizzica, part of the family of the
tarantella,
originated the Middle Ages.
during
According to legend, sometime during the 13th century, Taranto suffered through an epidemic of poisonous tarantula spiders; the common cure was believed to be uncontrolled dancing to frenetic music. The healing dance became known as pizzica tarantella. Today this dance is practiced by many who want to reconnect to their origins.
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Cruisers’ first impressions
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