Taranto

The cluster is in the built-up area of Taranto, on the Ionian coast around the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. The area has low coastal ground, urban waterfronts, port and naval infrastructure, and the saltwater inlets that define the city. Taranto is the nearest town of size and has the old city on the island between the two basins, the Aragonese Castle, the cathedral, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, and major everyday services. This stretch of coast is known for its port, naval base, archaeology of Magna Graecia, and mussel farming in the Mar Piccolo.