Piazza Ebalia (Ebalia Square), Taranto

Taranto has a range of fine squares and piazzas and the Piazza Ebalia presents a pleasant public area at admire in the new part of the city. Located on the inviting Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, the Piazza Ebalia features a huge central fountain that has a range of sculptured and different water jets. Furthermore there is a host of surrounding cafes and restaurants on the adjacent streets and shaded areas to sit in. From here you can also walk onto the Vittorio Emanuele promenade and enjoy a stroll through the Giardini del Lungomara and admire the fantastic coastal views.

The “Rosa dei Venti” is the monumental fountain that has characterized one of the most iconic squares in Taranto since 1953. The structure is characterized by the presence of eight stone heads, each of which represents a wind: Levante, Scirocco, Ostro, Libeccio, Ponente, Maestrale, Borea and Grecale and by the effect produced by twenty-one vertical water jets along the perimeter to which is added the tallest in the center. On the outer edge there is the Latin inscription: “Et quidem, cum fortiter adversa vela ventis” (“And even with adverse winds we will bravely sail”).

It takes its name from Ebalus , mythical king of Sparta, father of Tyndareus and therefore grandfather of Castor and Pollux, of Clytemnestra and the beautiful Helen. Located in the center of the Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III , Piazza Ebalia in Taranto ensures a magnificent view of the Ionian Gulf. The " Rosa dei Venti " fountain , located in the center of the square, was built to a design by the architect Brunetti thanks to a donation from the Apulian Aqueduct . On 4 June 1953 it was inaugurated and takes its name from the eight heads located at the edges of the central circle, each of which represents one of the winds that blow over the city: Tramontana, Grecale, Levante, Scirocco, Ostro, Libeccio, Ponente, Maestrale. “Piazza Ebalia ” is also known by Taranto residents as the gathering center when there is a football result to celebrate. In fact, all the supporters of Taranto Calcio gather there to celebrate the promotions of the Ionian team. Even when there were successes for the Italian national team, the square was filled with flags and colours.

The plants that adorn this square have been pruned and graceful in shape to give greater decoration and the urban greenery operators have arranged the arrangement of flowering plants at the base of the fountain. ***PH***