Tarento, the southern Italian harbor city on the Ionian Sea, has always been a metropolis. The city was one of the centres of the ancient world, and was established in 706 BC by colonists from the Greek city of Sparta. The city could boast of 300,000 inhabitants 2,500 years ago, a claim it can, however, no longer make, and is divided into the old and new sections. In order to save you from any worries on-site, make sure you book your rental car in Tarento well in advance.
Know in the past as the “City of two Seas”, the “Mare Grande” is actually the Mediterranean. Two peninsulas help create two natural water basins, known as the “Mare Piccolo”, and between the two spits of land lies an island, on which you’ll find the old part of town. The new town is found on one of the two peninsulas. The two are linked by the 90 yard long Ponte Gireveole, opened in 1887. Do not forget to rent your rental car in Tarento before leaving on vacation.
The Old Town is currently undergoing renovation but is rich in historical treasures, and it is here that the Greek influences in the city’s history can be seen. Especially worth a look is the temple known as Poseidontempel, dating from the Fourth Century BC, though unfortunately there are only two columns of this once magnificent building remaining.
Around the area of the Palazzo di Città and Palazzo Galeota, the cloister and church lined alleyways leading to the romantic squares are unmissable. Enjoy this gorgeous landscape while driving your car rental in Tarento.
On the highest point of the Island, the square shaped Castello Aragonese or Castel Sant'Angelo dating from the year 916 can be found. The cathedral San Cataldo displays its history in the mixed styles of its architecture. Built in the year 1071, it was constructed on top of the ruins of an old pagan temple, though its façade is mostly Baroque. The hypogeum Ipogeo De Beaumont Bonelli Bellacicco, or crypt is a highlight of a visit to the building in which , 46 ft under the street, remains of the pre-Christian temple can be seen. Parts of the building complex date from the Greek age, others from Byzantium, and others still from the middle ages, and even some from the Eighteenth Century, and the residence of the Marquis can also be found here. With a car rental in Tarento, enjoy your newly found freedom.
The cleanly New Town is no less worth a visit. Originally situated outside the city, this was where the dead were buried in the so called Necropolis or city of the dead. Remnants of this practice can be found in seven different places. Of particular note is the “Crypt of the Saviour”. The chamber itself is of Roman origin and is above a fresh water spring, which bubbles forth into the circular grotto. Rent your car rental in Tarento and discover this beautiful region.
An absolute must is the Archaeological museum, containing perhaps the most important collection in the south of the country. The world famous “Golden Treasure of Tarento”, a rich collection of antique jewellery will delight even the most hardened of culture phobes.
The city has even more to offer than the old and new sections, a trip to the tourist information will provide you with details of forthcoming cultural, folklore, music and sporting events, and outside you will find an array of shopping and dinning possibilities. The light, healthy, local cuisine reflects the city’s proximity to the sea and of course its place in the south of Italy.
A rental car will provide you with the opportunity to get further out and explore the golden beaches dotted along the coast of this most blue of seas.
Choose the rental car in Tarento option for memorable holidays and complete freedom.
