The 2 columns are what remains of the Temple of Poseidon or the Doric Temple. The Doric Temple…read moreruins are located in the modern Piazza Castello in the center of Taranto. It is the oldest temple in Magna Graecia and the only Greek religious structure still visible. The temple dates to the first quarter of the sixth century BC. It fell into ruin in the Middle Ages and parts of it were reused in the construction of other buildings

The sailors monument is right across the swinging bridge from the castle. Two bronze large Navy…read moresailers are standing at the waterfront. In 1974, it was commissioned by the commander of the fleet in Taranto during World War II.

Fourteen century Byzantine church holding a Sunday morning Service. Music was heard from the…read morestreet below.

We stayed in the south for a few nights. Only 30' away was Gallipoli, so we thought we should check…read morethis old town out. And what a great visit it turned out to be. Parked our car not far from the old town and crossed the bridge leading to the Centro Storico. The impressive Castello welcomes you when you enter this amazing historic town. Take the Via Antoniette de Pace or the smaller Via XXIV Maggio and head to the impressive Duomo, the Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata Vergine e Martire. The streets and lanes are quite narrow, so you have to step back a bit to appreciate the beauty of the Duomo. Countless shops and restaurants can be found. It's sure worth to get lost a bit in this maze - especially when you head a bit to the western part of the old town. That's where many locals have their homes. Less tourists, but just fun to wander the small streets. Also nice to walk around this peninsula. Amazing ocean views with the bluest and greenest water you could think of. Some good restaurants with ocean views (try the Trattoria Scoglio delle Sirene). Besides the big sights, the whole old town itself is a sight of its own. We loved it. Fantastic town, sure well worth a (longer) drive.