Leporano in the province of Taranto: the Saturo Archaeological Park, the Muscettola Castle, Torre Saturo and the finest bays of the Ionian coast.
History
Leporano is one of the most interesting towns on the coast south of Taranto: it unites a first-rank archaeological heritage with one of the Ionian arc's finest stretches of shoreline. The first settlement is thought to date to the eighth century; the town was long tied to Pulsano, gaining independence in 1820.
What to see
The Saturo Archaeological Park. The territory's jewel: a site of exceptional value preserving evidence spanning the Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages, directly facing the sea. Here, according to tradition, the first Spartan colonists landed before founding Taranto. The park tells millennia of history in a landscape setting of rare beauty.
The Muscettola Castle. On the historic centre's highest point rises the castle, which every summer hosts the Estate Leporanese, with theatre, recitals and exhibitions. A short way off, the ancient Torre Saturo, the coastal watchtower that guarded the gulf.
The sea. Leporano hosts some of the Ionian coast's most appreciated marinas: Saturo Beach, Porto Pirrone, Gandoli and the coves opening along the shoreline, with limpid waters and seabeds alternating sand and rocks.
Did you know…
- According to tradition, the first Spartan colonists landed at Saturo before founding Taranto.
- The Saturo Park preserves evidence from the Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages.
- Every summer the Muscettola Castle hosts the Estate Leporanese.
Practical information
| Hours | The archaeological park and the castle follow seasonal hours: check before visiting. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Entry to the archaeological park for a fee; free beaches and equipped lidos. |
| Accessibility | The park is partly accessible; the coves require a little care. |
| Getting there | From Taranto about 15 km southwards along the coast. A car is needed. |
Tips for your visit
- Pair the Saturo Park visit with a beach day: they're adjacent.
- In summer, check the Estate Leporanese programme at the castle.
- Leporano's coves are among the finest near Taranto.