Ketos - Euro Mediterranean Center for the Sea and Cetaceans

Ketós - Euro Mediterranean Center of the Sea and Cetaceans is a scientific, cultural, and educational hub located in Taranto, dedicated to the knowledge and protection of the sea, with a special focus on the cetaceans of the Gulf of Taranto. Stemming from the experience of the Jonian Dolphin Conservation, it combines research, environmental education, and marine heritage enhancement in a space designed for citizens, schools, and visitors. The name refers to the Greek word "kêtos," related to large sea animals and the mythological world of the Mediterranean. The center is located in the heart of the old city, in a context of great historical and cultural value, contributing to the urban regeneration of Taranto through scientific dissemination and the promotion of a sustainable relationship with the sea. Inside, it offers exhibition paths, multimedia installations, educational activities, and content dedicated to marine biodiversity, dolphin biology, and threats to marine ecosystems, such as pollution, naval traffic, and climate change. Today, Ketós serves as a center for the interpretation of the sea: it informs, raises awareness, and brings the public closer to cetacean research, also supporting citizen science initiatives and responsible tourism. For visitors, it represents an original tourist point of interest, useful for discovering a lesser-known side of Taranto: not only a city of two seas and Magna Grecia, but also a privileged place for dolphin observation and study. A visit can be combined with itineraries in the Old City, along the waterfront, to the Aragonese Castle, and to naturalistic excursions in the Gulf, making Ketós a significant stop for those seeking culture, science, and sustainability.