Complete guide to APU and ZTL in Taranto

The area with the most restrictions for cars is Quartiere Borgo. Here, there's a large Urban Pedestrian Area (APU) covering some of the busiest streets in the city center. The main areas involved are:

Via Di Palma;

Piazza Maria Immacolata;

Via D'Aquino;

Via Berardi;

Via Mignogna;

Via Massari;

Piazza Giovanni XXIII.

It's a very central and commercial part of the city. This is where most evening strolls and urban life happen. In many areas, vehicles are not allowed, and there are checks. One of the most sensitive spots is Via Massari, which also has a monitored access point.

The APU of Via Duomo

Another important area is Via Duomo in the Old City. The Urban Pedestrian Area covers the stretch between Piazza Castello and Piazza San Francesco. It's one of the most touristy and photographed spots in Taranto. But it's also easy to enter by mistake if you're following GPS. The streets are narrow, often crowded with pedestrians, and not designed for heavy tourist traffic.

The ZTL of the Old City

Besides the APU, there's also a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the Old City. This area includes the inner perimeter between:

Piazza Castello;

Pendio La Riccia;

Via di Mezzo;

Postierla Via Nuova;

Via Paisiello;

Via San Francesco;

Piazza San Francesco.

Inside the ZTL, there are many historic drivable alleys. This can confuse first-time visitors to Taranto. Some streets seem open, but they're actually in the controlled zone. Once you're deep in the Old City, turning around or exiting quickly isn't easy.

The best tip to avoid fines

If you're visiting Taranto for the first time, here's a simple solution:

avoid driving directly into the Old City;

park in the Borgo or outside areas;

continue on foot.

Distances are short, and exploring on foot is better than searching for parking in narrow streets.

Where to really park

If you arrive in Taranto by car and don't know the city well, try the Park & Ride Taranto Democrate. It's a few minutes' walk from the Borgo and main city areas. From there, use public transport to avoid entering sensitive parts of the historic center. For many tourists, the real challenge isn't driving but knowing where to stop before the APU and ZTL. Distances in Taranto's center don't justify risking a fine by entering a controlled zone by mistake.