Taranto, often called the queen of Magna Graecia, is a city rich in history and art. Founded by the Spartans in the 8th century BCE, it was one of the most important city-states of the ancient world. Even today, its geography is unique, as it is surrounded by two bodies of water—the Mar Piccolo (Small Sea) and the Mar Grande (Big Sea)—precious treasures of the Mediterranean.

One of the most iconic local delicacies born on the shores of Taranto is the Taranto mussel, known locally as cozza gnore, or "black mussel" in the Tarantino dialect. It’s considered the safest and healthiest mussel in all of Italy. Taranto is, in fact, the Italian capital of mussel farming, and the mussel itself has become a cultural, economic, and identity symbol of the city.