Brindisi

<< Apulia

Brindisi is a city located on a natural harbor along the coast of Apulia on the Adriatic Sea. Founded in ancient times, it has always been an important port linking Italy with Greece and the Levant. One of the most flourishing ports of the Mediterranean under the Romans, the city declined in the Early Middle Ages. The town returned to its former glory since the 11th century, and served as one of the main ports for the Crusaders. After another period of decline, the city once again became an important port after the unification of Italy. During World War II, it briefly served as the temporary seat of the Italian government. The city houses various ancient and historic landmarks.

Roman Columns of Brindisi

The Roman Columns of Brindisi (Colonne Romane di Brindisi) are two ancient columns located near the seafront of Brindisi, and are considered the symbol of the city. Their origin is unclear, as they might have been erected around the 2nd century or some time later. Only one column is fully standing, while the other is broken down. The columns stand at the end of a long staircase that leads to the seaside promenade of the city.

Brindisi Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista)

The Brindisi Cathedral (Cattedrale di Brindisi) is the main chruch of the city, erected between the 11th and 12th century. Originally built in Apulian Romanesque style, it was later restored with Baroque additions. The interior is richly decorated and houses some artworks.

Francesco Ribezzo Archeological Museum

The Francesco Ribezzo Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Francesco Ribezzo) is a museum located next to the Brindisi Cathedral. Its collection includes numerous archaeological findings and ancient artworks from Brindisi and the surrounding region. Adjacent to the palace hosting the museum is the Portico of the Knights Templar (Portico dei Cavalieri Templari), a medieval loggia once part of a larger palace.

Piazza Santa Teresa

Piazza Santa Teresa is a large square overlooking the sea in Brindisi. The square features the Baroque Church of Santa Teresa, erected in the 17th century, and also hosts a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War I.

Archaeological Area of San Pietro degli Schiavoni

The Archaeological Area of San Pietro degli Schiavoni (Area Archeologica di San Pietro degli Schiavoni) is an archaeological site located in the center of Brindisi, underneath the Teatro Verdi, the main theater of the city. The area features various Roman ruins, including sections of ancient roads and houses. Other Roman ruins are located nearby, under Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna and in the Archaeological Area of Via Casimiro (Area Archeologica di Via Casimiro).

Giovanni Tarantini Diocesan Museum

The Giovanni Tarantini Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano Giovanni Tarantini) is a museum of religious art in Brindisi. Hosted in various sites, the main collection is in the Gothic Church of San Paolo Eremita, and features various religious artworks and objects from the territory around the town.

Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro

The Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro is a small medieval church in Brindisi. The church was built by the Normans in the 11th century, and features a circular plans. The structure also has an elaborate portal and many medieval decorations.

Church of San Benedetto

The Church of San Benedetto is a medieval church erected around the 11th century in Brindisi. Originally part of a monastery, the church was built in Apulian Romanesque style, and features an elaborate portal and an imposing bell tower.

Swabian Castle

The Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) is a large castle located near the sea west of the old town of Brindisi. Built in the 13th century and later expanded, it was used as a prison and now serves as a base of the Italian Navy.

Monument to the Italian Sailor

The Monument to the Italian Sailor (Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia) is a large monument located near the sea on the northern side of the port of Brindisi. Standing at over 50 meters tall, the monument is dedicated to Italian sailors, and it was built in the 1930s in the shape of a rudder. Inside, it hosts a crypt dedicated to fallen sailors.

Church of Santa Maria del Casale

The Church of Santa Maria del Casale is a medieval church located north of Brindisi next to the airport of the city. Erected between the 13th and 14th century in Romanesque and Gothic style, the church is richly decorated both outside and inside. The internal walls of the church are adorned with large 14th-century frescoes.

Alfonsino Castle

The Alfonsino Castle is a fortress located on an island just outside the port of Brindisi. This island originally hosted an abbey, but the structure was turned into a castle in various phases between the 15th and 17th century. Most of the fortifications are still well preserved to this day.