An introdution about TARANTO
Bari is the capital of the region, which is divided into the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto. Other important centres are Alberobello, Gallipoli, Grottaglie, Martina Franca,Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, San Giovanni Rotondo.
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The official national language (since 1861) is Italian. In the northern sections, a dialect of the Neapolitan language called "Pugliese dialect" is spoken. In the southern part of the region, dialects of the Sicilian language called "Tarantino" and "Salentino" are spoken. In isolated pockets of the Southern part of Salento, a dialect of modern Greek called "Griko", is spoken. The Messapic language formerly spoken in the region was extinct by the 1st century BC due to the romanisation/latinization of the area which took place after the definitive conquest of the region by the Romans during the 3rd century BC (see Punic Wars).
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The province of Taranto includes 29 “comuni” with a population of 580000 habitants. The city is located on the Ionio Sea with a coast line of about 140 km. The city is known as “the city of the two seas” as it is landed by the “ Mar Grande “ on the south and the “ Mar Piccolo” on the north. The two seas are divided by two peninsulas, linked to the isle of the old town by the ancient Stone bridge and the modern Swing bridge.
Little Sea
Great Sea
the modern Swing bridge
Aragonese Castle
LOCAL INSTITUTIONS • IL COMUNE• THE MUNICIPALITY The emblem of the municipality is represented by a greek goddess riding a dolphin LA PROVINCIA-THE PROVINCE The emblem of the province of Taranto is represented by a scorpion that holds a crown of the Ionian Principality
The old city
The city of Taranto is situated in the Taranto Bay,named by the people from ancient times “the Small Sea�(Mar Piccolo)
Taranto nowadays
The promenade “Vittorio Emanuele II”
The “Windrose fountain” is the symbol of the close link between our City and the sea
“Peripato” Gardens
In the waters of the Mar piccolo there are underwater streams called “Citri” which make on the surface concentric rings of drinkable water. • The mixture of these waters with those of the sea create an optimal idro-byological condition for the cultivation of Mussels
The environmental itinerary follows the 140 km of coast with unique changing landscapes, from the golden sand beaches to the sea eroded rocks
• Martina Franca “capital” of the Taranto Baroque • Typical spontaneous buildings of the area are the famous trulli
The sea is the first important feature of the land and it is also the main source of food for the people
The main source of food for the local population is the fish:Calamari,Jumbo Prawns,Mussels,Mantis shrimp,European hake,Swordfish,Small fry,Anchovies,Scallops,Tuna fish,Sardines,Garfish
Every day, the fishermen are coming on the market with fresh fish, which is the most important ingredient in the local dishes together with pasta, grilled vegetables (tomatoes, aubergines, green pepper)