Ebalia Square

Piazza Ebalia takes its name from the Latin Oebalia, the area from which the ancient city

of Taranto expanded. The name refers to Ebalo, a legendary king of Sparta: Latin poets referred to the city as Oebalia arx and its inhabitants as Ebalidi. Located at the center of the Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, the square offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Taranto and is one of the most beloved and frequented public spaces in the city, a meeting point for sports celebrations and civic events.

At the center of the square stands the monumental fountain Rosa dei Venti designed by architect Brunetti between via Berardi and the seafront. Inaugurated on June 4, 1953, it owes its name to the eight heads placed at the edges of the central circle, each representing one of the winds blowing over the city: Tramontana, Grecale, Levante, Scirocco, Ostro, Libeccio, Ponente, and Maestrale. Under each head, marine species associated with the currents generated by each wind are depicted. The fountain has 21 vertical water jets and a very tall central spray; in the evening, all the jets are illuminated with colored lights, creating a very suggestive spectacle. On the outer edge of the basin, the Latin inscription is displayed: «Et adversis ventis impavide navigabimus» — «Even with adverse winds, we will courageously sail».