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. 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.

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, of the known countries of birth of 546,563 residents, the most numerous are: Italy (525,905 – 96.2%), Romania (3,820 – 0.7%).

References

  • Official website
  • Tourism in the province of Taranto