Museo Nazionale Archeologico (National Archaeological Museum of Taranto), Taranto (must see)

The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA) is one of Italy’s most significant museums, offering a deep dive into the city’s Magna Graecia heritage. Established in 1887, the museum is housed in a former Alcantaini monastery. Its vast collection spans from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era, showcasing artifacts discovered in and around Taranto, including Greek, Roman, and Iapigi relics. Among its most prized exhibits are the "Ori di Taranto" (Golds of Taranto), a stunning collection of Hellenistic and Roman-era gold jewelry, and an extensive display of Greek ceramics, monumental tombs, and marble sculptures from Paros Island quarries.

The museum is arranged by material and chronological themes, allowing visitors to journey through the art and daily life of ancient Taranto. One section is dedicated to funerary artifacts, featuring proto-Corinthian and Corinthian ceramics, as well as pink clay vases decorated with mythological and athletic scenes. Another impressive collection consists of marble sculptures from the Hellenistic period, alongside Roman-era mosaics, epigraphs, and carparo stone heads. The museum also houses the Ricciardi Collection, donated by Bishop Giuseppe Ricciardi in 1908, which includes Byzantine icons and religious paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring works attributed to Paolo de Matteis, Francesco De Mura, and Luca Giordano.

One of the museum's most striking artifacts is the Zeus of Ugento, a bronze statuette of the Greek god caught in the act of throwing lightning. Beyond its exhibits, MArTA provides a fascinating look into ancient burial practices, with a section dedicated to the necropolis of Taranto. Here, visitors can learn about the funerary rituals of the Greco-Roman period, where burials included grave goods such as tools, jewelry, and food to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. With its extensive collection, historical depth, and well-curated displays, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto is an essential stop for those looking to understand the rich and complex history of this ancient coastal city.