Lesser-known Italian seaside city has Europe’s must visit attraction this summer

A pretty city has been named one of the must-visit destinations in Europe this summer, with its landmark being voted as Italy’s finest by travel experts.

Taranto, nestled on the gorgeous Ionian Sea, boasts a rich history that makes it a worthwhile visit. On the face of it, Taranto is a functional, workmanlike city. It is a significant commercial port and serves as the primary naval base in Italy.

Beyond this, Taranto offers a huge amount for the holidaymaker. The city’s main attraction is the Castello Aragonese, which has been crowned the top landmark to visit this summer by travel gurus at Pompeii Tours and Tickets. Officially known as the Castel San Angelo, it was erected on the site of ancient fortifications dating back to the Greek occupation in the third and fourth centuries BC.

Today, the fortress is open for public tours and attracts a large number of tourists. The fortress features wide and short halls, a distinctive feature of Norman culture, along with spherical halls and internal walkways, reports the Express.

For those keen to delve into Taranto’s rich history, the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto is hailed as one of Italy’s most significant archaeological museums. Dedicated to the archaeology of ancient Taranto – formerly known as Taras – there are numerous artefacts to marvel at, including the world’s largest collection of Greek terracotta figures.

The city also houses an 11th-century cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo, an Irish monk who resided and was buried here in the 7th century. Located in one of Puglia’s oldest Romanesque buildings, it is a popular tourist spot for those visiting the city.

The city’s restaurants are known for their fresh seafood, thanks to the local fishermen. The unique blend of fresh and sea water in the bay makes it an ideal spot for cultivating shellfish like mussels and oysters, a tradition dating back to the third century BC.

Local produce such as artichokes, eggplant, tomatoes, olives and onions also feature prominently on menus. Despite its less popular status, some visitors prefer the city for its quieter crowds compared to other bustling cities and towns nearby. Travel experts recommend visiting in May when queues and crowds at top attractions are at their smallest.

If you are eyeing up a holiday to Italy, then you can do worse than one of Europe’s most beautiful spots, Lake Garda. the largest and most popular of the Italian Lakes and a treasure trove to explore.