The so-called San Giorgio Ionico “tagghjate” stretch for about two kilometres along the side of the Belvedere hill and can be seen from the provincial road between San Giorgio and Pulsano.
In these quarries the stone was extracted by hand using only primitive tools. The “cuts” in the tufa rock extend over a large area and are up to 10-15 metres deep, an impressive silent metaphor for the way of life, the working habits and the soul of the local community.
The “tagghjate” are made up of a picturesque series of “rooms”, terraces, facades and blocks that survived the quarrying operations; the whole complex is surrounded by a landscape of Mediterranean maquis of considerable environmental importance.
A scheduled upgrade for the area will involve the creation of an archaeological and nature park with a series of different trails.
The story
For now this text is only available in Italian.
Le tagghjate sono cave di tufo che si sviluppano per circa due chilometri sul fianco della collina Belvedere, lungo la strada provinciale tra San Giorgio Ionico e Pulsano 2. Servivano all'estrazione di materiale edilizio, fatta a forza di braccia con utensili primitivi 2. Secondo il FAI le cave sono dismesse dalla metà degli anni Cinquanta 1. Sono previste azioni di valorizzazione per un parco archeologico e naturalistico 2.
History
Architecture and works
Nature
Visiting
Curiosities
- La scheda FAI cita un'appendice detta «l'India» verso Roccaforzata 1.
Where sources disagree
Sources (3)
The story is written only from these sources: the numbers in the text refer here. Last updated: October 21, 2026.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Melodies from the Ancient World: A Journey through Music and Instruments of the City of Taras
A journey through the musical instruments of ancient Taranto
Paisiello 2.0
Musical festival blending tradition and innovation in Taranto
Serena Autieri sings RAFFAELLA – Teatro Orfeo, Taranto
Serena Autieri performs a symphonic tribute to Raffaella Carrà's greatest hits.
Murrivato in Concert
Murrivato performs with popular Salentine pizzica
Cinderella 301
Fairytale performance with puppetry, animation, and dance for children
Nature around here
22 species observed within 1 km.
Sonaglini maggiorisilvia mega · CC BY-SA 
Papavero domesticoGiuseppe · CC BY-SA 
Viperina piantagineasilvia mega · CC BY-SA 
Garofanina spaccasassisilvia mega · CC BY-SA 
Centaurea siculasilvia mega · CC BY-SA
Most observed
- Enula viscosa Dittrichia viscosa
- Marruca Paliurus spina-christi
- Tarma del cibo Plodia interpunctella
- Pispola Anthus pratensis
- Pettirosso Erithacus rubecula
- Sonaglini maggiori Briza maxima
- Arisaro comune Arisarum vulgare
- Papavero domestico Papaver somniferum
Observations: GBIF.org
More places nearby
Castles, towers and palacesDucal Palace of Ayala-ValvaIn the heart of the town, the 'elegant aristocratic residence of the Dukes
of Carosino is now a refined cultural container. Carosino 2.5 km away
Sea and cavesPalude La Vela Regional Controlled Nature ReservePalude La Vela, overlooking the shores of Mar Piccolo, keeps herons, little
egrets and common sandpipers amid the reeds, marshes and wild orchids. Taranto 4.8 km away- Farmhouses and oil millsMasseria San PietroMasseria San Pietro is a 15th-century architectural complex with an adjoining medieval Basilica located on the outskirts of Taranto. Taranto 7.7 km away
Castles, towers and palacesCastello De FalconibusBuilt likely on the remains of a pre-existing fortress, the De Falconibus
Castle in Pulsano dates back to the 15th century. Pulsano 7.9 km away- Museums and theatresMuseum of Peasant Civilization “Papale”With over 600 artifacts, the Pulsano Museum delves into the secrets of peasant civilization, set against the backdrop of a 19th-century rural building. Pulsano 8 km away
Churches and cryptsChurch of the Most Holy CrucifixAt the town’s edge, the Church of the Santissimo Sacramento, is surrounded
by the scents of the Mediterranean maquis. Pulsano 8 km away