TARANTO’S PROVINCE POPULATION: 584,517 AREA: 2,467.35 km2 BORDERS: West Matera’s province, North Bari’s province, East Brindisi’s province, South-East Lecce’s province, South Ionio Sea CAPITAL: Taranto

CLIMATE Usually the rainfall are from October to March. The highest temperatures are 34°C in summer and the lowest are -10°C.

LOCAL FOOD

TARANTO’S HISTORY

Taranto was founded in 706 B. C Taranto was founded in 706 B.C. by some Spartan settlers and it became an important city of the Magna Graecia.

In 281 B. C. Taranto declared war on Rome. But in 209 B. C In 281 B.C. Taranto declared war on Rome. But in 209 B.C. Taranto was conquered by the Romans and in 123 B.C. it became an important colony.

During the WWs Taranto was a very important base for Italian navy During the WWs Taranto was a very important base for Italian navy. The battle ships were repaired and built there.

Now Taranto is famous because of the ILVA Now Taranto is famous because of the ILVA. It’s an important Italian’s iron and steel factory that was founded in 1905. The environmentalists are fighting for the closing of the factory because it pollutes.

TARANTO’S MONUMENTS Sailor Monument Swing Bridge Aragonese Castle Falanto’s myth

MASSAFRA The birth of Massafra is unknown. The historians think that at first it was an Hannibal’s military camp built on his coming to Taranto.

Saint’Agustine’s Church MASSAFRA’S MONUMENTS San Lorenzo’s Dome Massafra’s Castle Saint’Agustine’s Church Saint Mark’s Gravina

MOTTOLA Mottola was founded in the first Millennium B. C.

MOTTOLA’S MONUMENTS God’s cave Greek walls The Petruscio The Old Town