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Home > Travel Italy > Italy Destinations > Taranto
Taranto
Italy, officially the Italian Republic or Repubblica Italiana, is a Southern European country comprising of the Po River valley, the Italian Peninsula and the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. It is shaped like a boot and for this reason Italians commonly call it lo Stivale, the boot or, due to its prevalent peninsular geographical nature, la Penisola, the Peninsula.
Taranto is a coastal city in Apulia, located in southern Italy. It is the capital of Province of Taranto and is a significant military and commercial port. According to the 2001 census, it had a population of 201,349. This city is elevated at 15 meters above sea level, with a surface area of 217 square kilometers. It has well-developed steel and iron foundries, chemical works, oil refineries, a few shipyards for building warships and food-processing factories.
It was founded in 706 BC by Dorian immigrants as the only Spartan colony, and its origin is peculiar that is the founders are parthenii who are sons of unmarried Spartan women and perioikoi. Its history dates back to the 8th century BC when it was founded as a Greek colony. The ancient city was situated on a peninsula, protected by a helm whereas the modern city has been built over the ancient Greek necropolis. Because of the presence of two bays, Taranto is also called the city of the two seas.
A city known for its historic myths and traditions, scenic beauty, cooperative people and luxurious hotels and cottages, Taranto is one of the favorite holiday destinations for most of the vacation lovers.
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