Entrance is free so we thought you can just show up to visit the castle. Totally wrong. You must make a reservation, so we were there in the morning and first slot available was at 4PM. The tour is guided by a Navy Officer. Ours was really great, thanks to the Italian Navy this site is well preserved and archaeologists are still working on it!

Castello Aragonese, Italy Castello Aragonese is a medieval castle located in Ischia Ponte and is perhaps the most iconic and intriguing of all Ischia's sights. It dates back nearly 2,500 years when the original fortress was built by Hiero I, a tyrant from the Sicilian region of Syracusa. In the early days after its creation, the site comprised of two watch-towers to guard against attacks from enemy forces, while the sea surrounding it offered its greatest source of protection from any potential raids. Control of the rock-fortress changed hands between Neopolitan and Roman forces for many years with its strategic position in the region seen as vital for trade and protection of the island's resources. In the middle ages the castle gained its current name due to the tenancy of the Aragonese royal family whom created much of the structure of the castle as it is seen today. In 1441 one of the most important events in the castle's history took place when it was connected to the land by the same stone bridge that still stands. The previously wooden bridge and comparatively weak fortifications of the fortress were deemed as insufficient protection against modern pirates, plunderers and raiders which inspired King Alfonso V to set about creating the magnificent citadel. The castle has had several incarnations in its long long history. At one stage it was the home to 2,000 inhabitants of the island and has also been used as a prison in times of conflict. For modern-day visitors to Ischia, Castello Aragonese offers a fascinating glimpse in to the history of the island as well as providing a beautiful and dramatic addition to the landscape. As the ferries and hydrofoils approach Ischia, the first thing people notice is the huge green mass of Mount Epomeo, followed by iconic sight of the castle as they get closer to port.

A very nice visit at the castle. A navy official provides a guided tour for free (in Italian) every hour. The tour gives information over the history of Taranto and the castle. I found it very informative and entertaining. I would recommend doing it if you are visiting Taranto. Also I was amazed that by the sunset, they displayed the Italian flag with lights on one of the sides of the Costello while playing some anthem (I wish I knew what was it), I loved that moment.

Nice location, freshly restored buildings. Inside some small rooms with old cannons. A nice location is down the stairs below the moveable bridge. Important: Building needs special permission from navy to enter.

A pure gem. The museum is free and open from 9am until 1 in the morning. Just book it over the phone. Make sure you mention a tour guide in English in case you need one. The guided tour is around 45mins and given directly by the Naval army. They have plenty of stories to tell. Don't miss it.

Beautiful historical monument with free entrance! Half an hour is enough for the visit, where between others you can see the jail of French General Dumas.

the Aragonese Castle is located on a small island. It is an impressive fortress with more than 1000 years of history. This complex not only served to defend the city, but was also used as a prison at times. It's nice to walk around there and you can take good photos if you have a good camera.

Taranto, Castello Aragonese, free to enter, lots of steps, very informative info boards in English highlight of the town!

It’s a superb fortress that can be visited only with a guide tour every hour between 09.00 AM and 02 AM (closed between 1.00 and 1.50 PM for lunch).

A beautiful castle belongs to the Italian navy, but an unpleasant surprise awaited us, you must have booked a tour guide, that's the only way you can enter...!!! It doesn't even matter so it's worth a visit. Highly recommended.

The tour is free but only if you join a guided tour, cause the castle still in use as a military place. Tour only in italian

Beautiful castle located on the island (old town of Taranto)

A nice afternoon visit to do with kids, or as adults only. Fabtastic views from the castle. The guided tour is only in Italian but englidh and french explanations on board available inside. I hope soon it can be in english as well. The kids loved it a d so did we. NB: you have to call before getting in to book a time slot. The person on the phone speaks in english to book a slot. Here is the number to call before: +390997753438

It’s a FOC unique destination while in Taranto. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to admire there moored, the most beautiful vessel in the world ! Legends and history are extraordinary kept alive within those walls. Visits are free

Very entertaining visit and very interesting history. Definitely a must go The tour is free but you need to book a slot, they have the number in the website They have tours even at night

I have never before seen so disagreeable staff as here. We had to come back, as buying a ticket was impossible on the same day and only online. Then, in full Covid, we had to stay in a group to listen to Italian explanations, while my children don't speak that language. And that all aggressively communicated. Concerning the collection - beautiful pieces, but presented as a gathering of artefacts only. No story available. No archaeological context. This type of exposition fosters pillage. I had to go to Wikipedia to learn of the details of the athlete grave. The museum building itself is ok, but the staircase in the style of an elementary school.

This museum starts in prehistory, and mostly has Greek and Roman artifacts. I thought it was great! I needed about 4 hours in the museum, at least. Normal people will only need 1-1.5 hours, unless they are interested in ceramics.

And impressive collection of ancient artifacts. It’s mine boggling to think some of these relics date back to the six - eighth century BC. Beautifully displayed with good lighting and historical commentary. It would be nice to have audio guide option.

Great museum, I just didn't like that the visit time was limited for the restrictions, we had to hurry up for each room to be free for other visitors...there was always someone from the museum breathing on my neck..could be better organised

Impressive museum with artefacts from glorious past of Taranto. It is a must for visiting.

A very extensive collection, we did not expect such interesting exhibits. All descriptions are in English, well worth a visit

Definitely a must see. I enjoyed a lot this museum, it has very rich collections, explaining the history of Taranto since the first humans are known to be there up to medieval times. Fascinating. Totally worth. I spent 2h and could have been an extra one. Descriptions are in Italian and English. I trust Italian nationals can download an app for further explanation (apparently only available for Italian phone numbers, or at least I was told so at the entrance).

Fantastic Museum It is one of the most beautiful archaeological museums I know. It has exceptionally impressive, interesting and broad collections, which are presented very well and instructive (in Italian and English). Definitely visit and take a little more time. It is very worthwhile.

Well presented and interesting material. No showing provenance and generally all exhibits were found locally. Some pieces are really exceptional.

Fabulous place, descriptors in Italian And English, so much history to look at... thank heavens for the arrows on the floor!! Or we would have missed half of it. Look out for the random Egyptian babboon 😀

There are discounts for youngsters and students. See them online! There was no wait to enter. I'm amazed by the recopilation of Corinthian, Greek, Roman and Italian archeological History, they tell a story of many by-gone generations and a continuous struggle for Civilization Construction.

MARTA is that kind of museum where one loses one’s head.

We went on the 20/7 and saw 2 large groups of dolphins (more than 50 in total). It was an amazing and beautiful experience to see them in their natural habitat. The crew is passionate and dedicated to nature preservation and they share their passion with all passengers. A wonderful way to increase awareness on how to help dolphins at individual level. Thank you for you work!

From A to Z a wonderful, professional and animal friendly experience. I highly appreciated the explanations and availability of staff for any questions. To observe Dolphins and to learn about them was very fulfilling. I would do it again anytime!

I had an incredible experience with Jonian Dolphin Conservation! The sight of "grampus" dolphins resting was truly breathtaking. The team's dedication to dolphin conservation and their expertise in marine life made the trip informative and unforgettable. Highly recommend this unique and meaningful adventure! 🐬🌊

This excursion was definitely a highlight of our trip to Italy. It was well organized and highly informative. Being able to observe these dolfins in their natural habitat was like nothing I had ever experienced. The well being of these animals is of paramount importance to the staff and crew. When we would come upon a family of dolfins they would shut off the catamaran's engine and ask us to speak quietly so as to not agitate the animals. It was an amazing opportunity and one that I would highly recommend.

A day that we will always remember and changed our perspective forever. We spent the day with the association on their boat with our 3 daughters (the youngest is 4), and it was amazing. We could see more dolphins that we could dream of (stripped and buttlenose dolphins), playing and jumping in front of our boat. The association members are passionate and do everything to transmit their love for cetaces' and explain how to protect them. The dolphins were never attracted by food or tracked down. If they seem shy, we just stopped following them but the stripped ones were amazingly curious. Even though everyone else spoke English, Juli was kind enough to translate everything for us, which made the tour as educational as it was impressive. Just remember that you need to bring your lunch (drinks are provided for) and sunscreen. No need for swimming equipment since it is no allowed to swim with the dolphins.

We took a day tour on one of the catamerans of the Jonian Dolphin Conservation. The idea is that visitors and tourists support the scientific research of the conservation while enjoying a day at sea. We had a really nice team, very open, knowledable and welcoming. Due to the sickness of one guest on board we had to return early to port but they offered to make a new tour on their invitation or refund of our money! A very nice form of tourism where you know that you support the protection of the marine habitat while spending a perfect day at sea!

Wonderfully relaxing day learning about the dolphins and enjoying dolphin sitings. Highly recommend a day with this organization.

Interesting to look around. The tour was in Italian and there wasn’t an opportunity to do an English tour. Cost 5€. There was a film at the beginning with had some English subtitles and provided a good overview. The Archeological Museum is a better spend of time and dollars.

5 Euro for non-English tour and only 4 rooms you can easliy see under 10 minutes. Not worth it at all.

Am not sure if it was because it was out of season. But it was closed and when I called the number to check opening times, the person didn't speak English and I also looked at the site. Which didn't give out much information.

(Translated by Google) Small museum, you almost don't recognize it, but inside you go back in time and history. Congratulations to the owners, who continue to carry out the museum maintenance project, at their expense! (Original) Piccolo museo, quasi non si riconosce, ma al suo interno si torna indietro nel tempo e nella storia. Complimenti ai proprietari, che continuano a portare avanti il progetto di mantenimento del museo, a loro spese!

(Translated by Google) Very suggestive place, lots of history to learn about the glorious past of our city. Doctor Bellaccico's narration is engaging for adults and children, you never get tired of listening to it (Original) Luogo molto suggestivo, tanta storia per conoscere il glorioso passato della nostra città. Coinvolgente per grandi e piccini la narrazione del dottor Bellaccico, non ti stanchi mai di ascoltarlo

(Translated by Google) Suggestive and fascinating place. A journey through time that identifies the roots of Taranto. Absolutely worth visiting. (Original) Luogo suggestivo e affascinante. Un viaggio nel tempo che identifica le radici di Taranto. Da visitare assolutamente.

(Translated by Google) Anyone who visits Taranto and wants to fully understand the history of the city cannot help but pay us a visit. Hypogeum rich in history, albeit full of reproductions faithful to the originals, with attention to the smallest details and very kind and helpful staff. The guide manages to perfectly explain everything in a simple and exhaustive way. The small door overlooking the sea at the end of the tour alone is worth the paltry cost of the ticket. Absolutely worth visiting! (Original) Chi visita Taranto e vuol conoscere appieno la storia della città non può fare a meno di farci una visita. Ipogeo ricco di storia, seppur pieno di riproduzioni fedeli agli originali, curato nei minimi particolari e personale gentilissimo e disponibile. La guida riesce a spiegare perfettamente ogni cosa in modo semplice ed esaustivo. La porticina che dà sul mare a fine giro merita da sola il misero costo del biglietto. Assolutamente da visitare!

This is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. The detail and the art of the interior is amazing, out of this world. I don't know why but it hase a special place in my memories.

(Translated by Google) The Cathedral of San Cataldo, a jewel of Romanesque architecture in Puglia, enchants visitors with its majestic façade and its thousand-year history. Imposing symbol of the archdiocese of Taranto, it represents a unique expression of the art and spirituality of the medieval period. Its timeless beauty captures the attention of anyone who approaches, conveying a sense of wonder and admiration in the face of its grandeur and architectural elegance. (Original) La Cattedrale di San Cataldo, gioiello dell'architettura romanica in Puglia, incanta i visitatori con la sua maestosa facciata e la sua storia millenaria. Imponente simbolo dell'arcidiocesi di Taranto, rappresenta un'espressione unica dell'arte e della spiritualità del periodo medievale. La sua bellezza senza tempo cattura l'attenzione di chiunque si avvicini, trasmettendo un senso di meraviglia e ammirazione di fronte alla sua imponenza e alla sua eleganza architettonica.

(Translated by Google) Breathtaking chapel, to be lost in its colored marble and in the wonderful fresco on the ceiling, the idea of ​​the mirror on the floor to be able to admire and photograph the fresco more immediately and easily is also beautiful! Absolutely worth visiting! (Original) Cappella mozzafiato, da perdersi nei suoi marmi colorati e nel meraviglioso affresco sul soffitto, bellissima anche l’idea dello specchio sul pavimento per poter ammirare e fotografare l’affresco in maniera più immediata e facile! Da visitare assolutamente!

(Translated by Google) Cathedral in the center of Taranto absolutely worth visiting (free entry). (Original) Cattedrale nel centro di Taranto assolutamente da visitare (ingresso gratuito).

(Translated by Google) Kind of like that. It's his bones in the (Original) Καταλδο κάπως έτσι . Είναι τα κόκαλα του μέσα στο

(Translated by Google) An impressive underground chapel with centuries-old parts of frescoes. The columns give the room a mystical atmosphere. (Original) Eine beeindruckende unterirdische Kapelle mit jahrhundertealten Teilen von Fresken. Die Säulen geben dem Raum eine mystische Atmosphäre.

(Translated by Google) San Cataldo warms your ❤️. (Original) San Cataldo ti riscalda il ❤️.

Contrary to city's classic (and run down) environment, this is a very modern sculpture. It represents mariners waiving with joy for the passing vessels. It's set at the corner across the Aragonese Castle where two promenades (Lungomare and Due Mari) meet. It's just a quick photo op with some nice views around

The sculpture, which is about seven meters high and stands on a pedestal, depicts two sailors in the act of greeting the boats that are about to cross the waterway linking the Great Sea with the Baltic Small, lifting up the Typical cap with his right hand. The work seamlessly with the old railings of the course on which two seas are subject to a five-pointed star emblem of the Navy and the Savoy, and expresses the indissoluble link between the city and the many soldiers who still work there.

Amazing sunsets from this point where sailor e sculptures salute those entering to Mar Piccolo.

Sailor pipe

Wonderful view and a very good spot for photography

Fascinating Structure showing the power of Taranto

Wonderfull view

Beautiful

The remaining of an Ancient Greek temple. 2 Doric columns standing just beside the sea.

Old ruins with fence and not much to see

These two Doric columns are the only what remained from the ancient Greek Temple, supposedly dedicated to Poseidon. There're located at the entrance to the run down old town at the left hand side. Just a pass by 2 min photo stop

Simply put, two columns and some paving of once quite magnificent greek temple. Probably one of the most significant places in the city

Very old city and port also

Some old poles still standing

Small fenced in area - interesting looking from fenced area in. There is no large site to visit. No tickets needed

Must see

Kind of Symbol of Old Taranto Before entering the city from castle side İt welcomes all

Spartans were here. Apparently Taranto was even more vibrant then Rome during the Grecia Magna, Greater Greece period

Paradise

(Translated by Google) I was there last weekend, unexpectedly a hidden and quite pleasant island, you can get there in half an hour by boat ... I hope to return as soon as possible (Original) Ci son stata il weekend scorso,inaspettatamente un isola nascosta e alquanto piacevolissima, ci si arriva in una mezz'oretta di battello...spero di tornarci quanto prima

(Translated by Google) Really very beautiful island. The sea is clean and the prices average. The journey to and from Taranto is also very pleasant (Original) Isola davvero molto bella. Il mare è pulito ed i prezzi nella media. Anche il viaggio per arrivare e tornare a Taranto è molto piacevole

Paradise

(Translated by Google) Beautiful island, impeccably managed by the navy but perhaps also for this reason everything is managed in the best of rules, I can't wait to return next year, always well-stocked bar, pine forest for afternoon nap, a corner of paradise (Original) Isola stupenda, gestita in modo impeccabile dalla marina militare ma forse anche per questo tutto viene gestito nella migliore delle regole, non vedo l'ora di tornare il prossimo anno, bar sempre ben fornito , pineta da sonnellino pomeridiano, un angolo di paradiso

(Translated by Google) How awful. It's like going to military service. They guide you to enter, you can only access a beach where they give you an umbrella and chairs. There is a bar with little to eat The round trip ferry costs 12 euros with the umbrella. I wouldn't go crazy (Original) Que horror. Es como ir al servicio militar. Te guían para entrar, solo podes acceder a una playa donde te dan sombrilla y sillas. Hay un bar con poco para comer Sale 12 euros el ferry ida y vuelta con la sombrilla. No volvería ni loca

(Translated by Google) Really very nice experience, from the motor-ship journey to the stay on the island. Clear sea with spacious and clean beach. The pine forest area is excellent for refreshments. Bar with a large amount of products. (Original) Esperienza davvero molto bella, dal tragitto in moto-nave al soggiorno nell'isola. Mare limpido con spiaggia spaziosa e pulita. Ottima la zona pineta per il ristoro. Bar con vasta quantità di prodotti.

(Translated by Google) A pleasant discovery for me, a hidden treasure....stunning island with a truly beautiful beach, not far from Taranto. It can be reached by motorboat, upon reservation, but only in the summer period. There is an establishment managed by the Navy, tidy with spaced out deckchairs and umbrellas. At the entrance you leave a document and you will be given a deckchair to take to the beach. There is also a bar that serves as a refreshment point where I tasted the not bad fried fish. But what is interesting is the spectacle of nature and the sea.....a sandy beach suitable for children. It needs to be reevaluated because it could be a very respectable tourist place.....in other cities they would have already done it!!!!! (Original) Una piacevole scoperta per me , un tesoro nascosto....isola stupenda con una spiaggia davvero bella, poco distante da Taranto . Si raggiunge con le motonavi ,previa prenotazione, ma solo nel periodo estivo. C ' è uno stabilimento gestito dalla Marina Militare, ordinato con sdraio ed ombrelloni distanziati. All' ingresso si lascia un documento e ti viene consegnata una sdraio da portare in spiaggia. C' è anche un bar che fa da punto ristoro dove ho assaggiato la frittura di pesce non male. Ma ciò che interessa è lo spettacolo della natura e del mare.....una spiaggia sabbiosa adatta ai bambini. È da rivalutare perché, potrebbe essere un luogo turistico di tutto rispetto.....in altre città lo avrebbero già fatto!!!!!