The Province of Taranto (; Tarantino: ; Salentino: ), previously known as the province of the Ionian, is a province in the region of Apulia in southern Italy. Its capital is the city of Taranto. It has a population of 547,928 an area of across its 29 municipalities.
The coat of arms of the province contains a scorpion, which Pyrrhus is thought to have seen when looking down at Taranto.
History
When Italy was unified, the province of Lecce was formed; the western section of this later became the current province of Taranto. On 23 September 1923, Taranto became the capital of a new province based on the ancient Terra d'Otranto, in recognition of the important role the city had served since ancient times. Until 1951, the new province was called the "Province of the Ionian".
The scorpion on the city's coat of arms may have been used as its emblem in ancient times, on the suggestion of Pyrrhus of Epirus, who was an ally of Taranto in a war against Rome: the scorpion is shown lying on its back with three lilies, holding the crown of the Principality of Taranto between its claws. Pyrrhus, who was king of Epirus, looked down on the city from the hills that surround it and had the idea that its shape was like the figure of a scorpion. This emblem has also been seen as a psychological deterrent to the city's enemies, who came to look on Magna Graecia as being as dangerous as a scorpion. The earliest verified use of a scorpion on the coat of arms of Taranto is from 400 AD.
Government List of presidents
Municipalities
The province has 29 municipalities:
Avetrana Carosino Castellaneta Crispiano Faggiano Fragagnano Ginosa Grottaglie Laterza Leporano Lizzano Manduria Martina Franca Maruggio Massafra Monteiasi Montemesola Monteparano Mottola Palagianello Palagiano Pulsano Roccaforzata San Giorgio Ionico San Marzano di San Giuseppe Sava Statte Taranto Torricella
Demographics As of 2026, the population is 547,928, of which 48.8% are male, and 51.2% are female. Minors make up 14.2% of the population, and seniors make up 26.2%.
Immigration As of 2025, immigrants make up 4.5% of the population. The 5 largest foreign countries of birth are Romania, Germany, Albania, Switzerland, and Morocco.
References
External links Official website Tourism in the province of Taranto