Today, let's do something different. I mean, spend the whole day in the city of Taranto that sits right on Ionian Sea coast. Because of its situation, it's an important commercial port and it also serves as the main Italian naval base. We are on a lucky day. Without having got a prior information, we notice an unusual movement in the city: the farewell of an Italian battle ship to its 30-year life of activity, which implies the extraordinary opening of the swing bridge.
Entering Taranto under the swing bridge, the only bridge in Italy that pivots other than rises.
Steel and iron foundries, oil refineries and chemical works also play an important role in the economy and landscape of the port city. Europe's biggest steel mill that is the major employer in Taranto is often blamed for the unusually high rate of cancer in the area.
The XV century defence castle that overlooks the sea is nowadays the office of the Navy.
Right opposite the castle, two well-preserved Doric columns, remains of a Greek temple, remind us Taranto’s past as a Greek colony.
Taranto is divided into the 'new town' and the 'old town'.
The old town centre is a maze of narrow alleyways, many of which only allow access in single file. Images such as the ones we see below, showing crumbling buildings, graffiti are a bit shocking, aren't they? Don't you think the old city looks like the apocalypse after a war? Don't you feel sorry for the people who live there?
Let's walk along the seafront promenade and give a look at the stone mermaids on the breakwaters... I don't hear any of them singing, do you? If they are not singing, perhaps they are waiting for Triton, the messenger of the sea...
If you feel like having a look at he slideshow, you will realize how the time spent in Taranto that is also called the capital of Magna Grecia, was worth the day, not to mention the delicious local specialities we had for lunch...
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What a terrific day in this seaside town! You had nice weather, witnessed an 'historical event', wandered, and enjoyed good food! Perfect.
ReplyDeleteYes, the wall 'art' is rather violent, I prefer the flower pots, lol.... and some of the older homes are in dire need of repairs, hopefully they will not crumble from the weather and the age! Nice day!
Hi Monica! How good to have had you following me all the way through the city... Thanks!
DeleteThe sea looking so calm made me think of a picnic. Beautiful photos and I see what you mean by the graffiti,yikes! Thank you for another journey to see new places.
ReplyDeleteHuggles.
H Shayna! The quiet sea and its colour were awesome! Although it was sad to see the condition of the old city, this retained some relics of the Past that gave it charm...
DeleteHugs back at you!
Another fascinating leg of your journey!! How fortunate was your timing, to see the old warship arriving!! An interesting mix of old and new in that town. Yes, the old town needs some renovation, however some of the graffitti was quite artistic!! Once again the food looked VERY good!!
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch! When good luck is on our side, it can make the difference between visiting a place and see what it has to offer and visiting it and see an unexpected happening. The food was always very good. Italy is a gastronomic paradise...
DeleteThanks for having joined me..
I never been in Taranto and I enjoyed to look at this city with you!
ReplyDeleteBtw.. I love Italy :-D
Hi Edoardo! I wouldn't say that Taranto is a very beautiful city but it has its own character..
DeleteIt was nice to guide you through the city...
Thanks!
Yes, actually Taranto it is more know know as an industrial city...
DeleteI still haven't gone to cook lunch. Going now. I too detest graffiti. There's so much of it here too. In Singapore they whip hooligans who deface buildings in that way. I wish they'd do the same here too, Isabel.
ReplyDelete