10 facts about Taranto you didn't know

Discover Taranto: 10 Astonishing Secrets You Never Knew About Italy's Enigmatic City of Two Seas

Get ready to dive into the hidden treasures of Taranto, folks! This ancient city in southern Italy's Puglia region is about to blow your mind with some jaw-dropping secrets. You might think you know Taranto, but trust us, you ain't seen nothing yet. From mythical dolphins to underwater springs, we're about to take you on a wild ride through this fascinating port city's lesser-known wonders.

Nestled between two seas, Taranto is a place where history and modernity collide in the most spectacular way. Picture this: a city with roots stretching back to ancient Greece, now home to Italy's largest naval base. But that's just scratching the surface, friends. Did you know, for example, that Taranto is the birthplace of a dance that was once believed to cure spider bites? Or that it's home to an underground network of tunnels that would make any secret agent drool? Buckle up, because we're about to uncover 10 mind-blowing facts about Taranto that'll make you see this Italian gem in a whole new light. Let's dive in!

1. The City of Two Seas

What if we told you that Taranto isn't just a coastal city, but a city literally split between two seas? That's right, folks! Taranto is uniquely positioned between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea), earning it the nickname "City of Two Seas". But here's the kicker - the Mar Piccolo isn't actually a sea at all! It's a saltwater lagoon fed by 32 underwater freshwater springs called "citri". These springs create a unique ecosystem that's perfect for cultivating Taranto's famous mussels and oysters. So next time you're slurping down some delicious Taranto seafood, remember - you're tasting the magic of two seas in one bite!

2. The Dolphin Rider

Hold onto your hats, because Taranto's origin story is straight out of a fantasy novel. Legend has it that the city was founded by Taras, son of Poseidon, who rode into the bay on the back of a dolphin. Don't believe us? Check out the city's coat of arms - yep, that's a guy riding a dolphin! But here's the real mind-bender: in 2015, a group of marine biologists discovered that the waters around Taranto are home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean. Coincidence? We think not! So keep your eyes peeled when you're by the water - you might just spot a descendant of Taras' legendary ride!

3. The Spider Dance

Ever heard of the Tarantella? This famous Italian folk dance actually originated in Taranto, but its backstory is wilder than you could imagine. Back in the day, people believed that the bite of the local wolf spider (Lycosa tarantula) caused a hysterical condition called tarantism. The cure? Dancing frantically for hours or even days! While we now know that the spider's bite isn't actually dangerous to humans, the tradition lives on. Taranto hosts an annual Night of the Taranta festival, where thousands gather to dance the tarantella until dawn. Who knew spider bites could lead to such a groovy tradition?

4. The Swinging Bridge

Brace yourselves for this one - Taranto is home to Europe's first and largest swinging bridge! The Ponte Girevole, or swing bridge, connects the old town to the new city and is a marvel of engineering. Built in 1887, this 89.9-meter-long bridge opens up twice a day to let ships pass through. But here's the coolest part - when it swings open, it creates a temporary island out of Taranto's old town. Talk about a city that knows how to pivot! If you time your visit right, you can watch this spectacular show of urban acrobatics. Just don't get caught on the wrong side when it swings!

National Archaeological Museum of Taranto

5. The Underground City

What if we told you that beneath Taranto's streets lies a hidden world? That's right, the city sits atop a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, some dating back to ancient Greek times. These hypogea, as they're called, were used for everything from storing goods to escaping invaders. The best part? Many of these subterranean spaces are open for exploration! You can wander through ancient cisterns, peek into medieval oil mills, and even visit a underground chapel decorated with Byzantine frescoes. It's like stepping into a time machine, right in the heart of modern Taranto!

6. The Golden Museum

Hold onto your jewelry boxes, folks, because Taranto's National Archaeological Museum (MArTA) houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Greek gold artifacts. We're talking about exquisite pieces dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, when Taranto was a wealthy Greek colony. The "Ori di Taranto" (Gold of Taranto) collection includes intricate diadems, delicate earrings, and necklaces so beautiful they'll take your breath away. But the real showstopper? A golden crown of oak leaves so perfectly preserved it looks like it could have been made yesterday. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!

7. The Mysterious Red Castle

Perched on the edge of the old town, Taranto's Aragonese Castle holds a colorful secret. Literally. Parts of this 15th-century fortress are made with a distinctive red limestone that's unique to the area. But here's the twist - no one knows exactly where this stone came from! Some say it was quarried from a now-lost site near the city, while others believe it was imported from far-off lands. The castle's blood-red walls have sparked all sorts of legends over the centuries. Today, you can explore its mysterious halls and imagine the secrets those crimson stones could tell. Who knew a castle could be a geological puzzle and a historical treasure all in one?

8. The Oldest Cathedral in Puglia

Calling all history buffs! Did you know that Taranto is home to the oldest cathedral in the entire Puglia region? The Cathedral of San Cataldo, dedicated to Taranto's patron saint, was first built in the 10th century on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. But here's where it gets really interesting - the cathedral floor is a patchwork of history. As you walk through, you're stepping on mosaics from different eras, including some spectacular Byzantine designs. It's like a timeline you can walk on! And if you look closely at the columns, you might spot some that were "recycled" from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Talk about upcycling!

9. The Dolphin Whisperers

Remember those dolphins we mentioned earlier? Well, Taranto isn't just content with having them around - they've gone and set up the first permanent research center for dolphins in the Mediterranean! The Jonian Dolphin Conservation group doesn't just study these amazing creatures, they also offer eco-tours where you can join researchers on their boats. That's right, you could be helping real scientists track and study dolphins in their natural habitat. How's that for a unique vacation activity? And who knows, maybe you'll discover you have a hidden talent for dolphin whispering!

10. The Mussel Capital of Italy

Last but definitely not least, let's talk about Taranto's claim to fame in the culinary world. This city isn't just good at producing mussels - it's the undisputed mussel capital of Italy! The unique conditions of the Mar Piccolo, with its mix of salt and fresh water, create the perfect environment for these tasty bivalves. Taranto mussels are so special they've been granted Protected Designation of Origin status by the EU. But here's the real kicker - Taranto produces a whopping 80% of all the mussels in Italy! So next time you're slurping down some delicious cozze tarantino, remember - you're tasting a piece of Taranto's aquatic legacy.

And there you have it, folks - 10 mind-blowing facts about Taranto that'll make you see this ancient city in a whole new light. From dolphin-riding founders to underground cities, from golden treasures to mysterious red castles, Taranto is a city that never stops surprising. So why not add it to your travel bucket list? Trust us, this gem of southern Italy has way more secrets waiting to be uncovered. Who knows what you might discover in the City of Two Seas? The adventure awaits!