The MArTA - National Archaeological Museum of Taranto is one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy and a reference point for the understanding of Magna Graecia....Read more
The MArTA - National Archaeological Museum of Taranto is one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy and a reference point for the understanding of Magna Graecia. Located in the center of Taranto, it houses, preserves, studies, and enhances artifacts from the city and the Ionian territory, offering the public an exhibition dedicated to the history of ancient Taras, a Spartan colony founded in the 8th century BC, and the cultures that have succeeded in the area. Founded in 1887, the museum is housed in the former convent of the Alcantarini Friars and narrates, through collections of exceptional value, the daily life, art, funeral rites, trade, and cultural relations of the ancient Mediterranean. Among the most renowned collections are the Gold of Taranto, refined Hellenistic jewelry, along with ceramics, sculptures, mosaics, burial goods, and evidence from the Roman era. From a functional point of view, the MArTA is both an exhibition space and a center for research, education, and dissemination: it organizes exhibitions, educational activities, cultural events, and initiatives for families, schools, and scholars. For visitors, it represents a fundamental stop to understand the historical identity of Taranto and the role of the city in the Greek and Roman world. Tourist information: the museum is easily accessible, close to the Umbertino district, not far from the swing bridge, the Aragonese Castle, and the waterfront. The visit is recommended for those who love archaeology, ancient history, and art, and can be combined with an itinerary in the historic center and the main cultural sites of the city.
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