Taranto, historically known as Tarent, is a coastal city located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. It serves as the capital of the province of Taranto and is the second-largest city in the region, with a population of 185,909 as of 2025.
The city functions as an important commercial port and houses the main Italian naval base. Its strategic maritime location has established it as a significant hub for both trade and military operations within Italy.