The controversial and troubled history of the antiquities of the city of Taranto has its roots as early as the fifteenth century, when one of the oldest convents was built by the noble Del Balzo Orsini family. Over the centuries, the counting of antiquities was such as to increase a thriving national and international market which however culminated with the proclamation of the Unification of Italy and with the designation of the city as the naval base of the nascent state.
The building fervor that was mobilized in the final decades of the nineteenth century led to the fortuitous discovery of a large number of objects, often of great artistic value and high value.

The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, one of the most important in Italy, was established in 1887 and since its origins occupies the former Convent of the Alcantarini Friars, or San Pasquale, built shortly after the mid-eighteenth century. The museum collections illustrate a long and fascinating historical period: from Prehistory to the foundation of Taranto, through the Roman conquest, through the late ancient and medieval city, up to the Ricciardi collection. Among the masterpieces it is possible to admire the Ori of Taranto, the Athlete's Tomb, the Venus of Parabita, the Zeus of Ugento.

what visitor are you?

The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto combines every day scientific and research activity on its collections with a rich activity of enhancement, teaching and training designed to involve all types of public, thus becoming a vital, inclusive and able to excite by communicating culture.

The Museum's Educational Service plans and carries out thematic visits, workshops, thematic and educational itineraries of particular commitment and duration to increase the cultural offer of the Museum and ensure the best response to the different needs of the public and to the various types of visitors.

educational visits

MArTA is pleased to welcome groups of students on educational visits in its rooms. For the latter and for accompanying teachers with a list and authorization from their school director, admission to the Museum is free, according to current legislation.

Workshops, exploration and discovery games, interactive animated visits and orientation lessons for guided tours will be managed by qualified operators, with specific archaeological skills, who with a simple but correct language and the use of playful forms of communication will make the visit a unique and stimulating learning experience.

On specific request, the activities are also available in various foreign languages, which can be used by students with special needs. For information or special needs, please contact the email address info@shopmuseomarta.it

accessibility and inclusion

MArTA and CNTHI of the University of Salento have launched a research activity to identify any architectural, sensory and communication barriers that hinder the visitor's experience and its use, in order to implement strategic actions capable of guaranteeing inclusive paths for all .