Things to do in Brindisi
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For the Romans, Brindisi was the end of the line or, more specifically, of the Via Appia, which stretched cross-country from Rome to Brindisi. A second, faster branch, the Via Traiana, was added in 190 by the Emperor Trajan, linking Rome to Brindisi via Canosa di Puglia and Bari.
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Monument to Italian Sailors
A pleasant diversion is to take one of the regular boats on Viale Regina Margherita across the harbour to the Monument to Italian Sailors . It was erected by Mussolini in 1933 and commemorates the lives of 6000 fallen soldiers who lost their lives in WWI. It was designed by Luigi Brunati and Amerigo Bartoli and takes the form of a huge ship's rudder. It's situated on the bay, so you can enjoy a wonderful view of Brindisi's waterfront from its terrace.
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Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale
One of the main sights, is the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale, located 4km north, towards the airport. Built by Prince Philip of Taranto around 1300, the church mixes up Puglian Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine styles, with a Byzantine banquet of interior frescoes. The immense Last Judgement on the entrance wall, full of blood and thunder, is the work of Rinaldo di Taranto.
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La Cantina Ti l'Artisti
An original restaurant, established by a family of artists right across from the cinema. The walls are lined with black-and-white photos and there's a great buzz in here when the place fills up with Brindisi's bohemian crowd which comes for the occasional live music. The food is traditional, with local dishes like taiedda di riso patate e cozze (a dish of rice, potatoes and mussels).
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Trattoria da 'Vito'
This place is so obvious that you'll probably walk right past it, but that would be a huge mistake. Da 'Vito' serves up the freshest fish in Brindisi in a nice vaulted restaurant. Expect your fish antipasti to be served crudo (raw) and look out for the rare schiuma di mare (literally 'foam of the sea'), a mass of gelatinous baby fish served with lemon, olive oil and pepper.
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Cathedral
In the small historic quarter, the sand-coloured cathedral was built in the 11th century but then substantially remodelled about 700 years later. You can see how it may have looked from the nearby Porta dei Cavalieri Templari, a fanciful portico with pointy arches – all that remains of the Knights Templar’s main church.
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Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo
The superb Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo was substantially expanded in 2009 and now covers several floors with well-documented exhibits (in English) including some 3000 bronze sculptures and fragments in Hellenistic Greek style, terracotta figurines from the 7th century, and Roman statues and heads (not always together).
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Porta dei Cavalieri Templari
After the Romans, the next big event to hit Brindisi was the Crusades during the 12th and 13th centuries. The Porta dei Cavalieri Templari, an exotic-looking portico with pointy arches, is all that remains of the Knights Templar's main church. It stands beside the cathedral in the heart of the small historic quarter.
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Braceria Escosazio
This place is a carnivore's heaven - a butcher's counter filled with every barbecued meat possible and an enormous grill. The specialities are bolpette (meatballs), gnummeriddu (liver wrapped in goat's intestines) and sausages. Make your selection at the counter and watch them grill it for you.
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Marc’Aurelio
In a beautiful, historic building, this classy restaurant and oyster bar is the place for simple, exquisitely cooked seafood. Finish with the local speciality spumone (a hazelnut ice-cream confection). There’s a garden terrace.
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Pub Aragonese
Another English-styled pub with dark wood, dim lights, leather chairs and an 'outdoor lounge' which sits right on the water's edge. The location is inconvenient but the cheap drinks and waterside location are worth it.
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Big Ben
An English-style pub decked out in all the typical trappings, Big Ben is one of the most popular places in town to grab a beer. Local brews run to about around €3 with brand names at €5 to €7.
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Trattoria Pantagruele
Named after French writer François Rabelais’ satirical character, this charming trattoria three blocks from the waterfront serves up excellent fish and grilled meats, as well as scrumptious home-made desserts.
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Il Giardino
Established more than 40 years ago in a restored 15th-century palazzo, sophisticated Il Giardino serves refined seafood and meat dishes in a delightful garden setting.
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Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro
The Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro, is a square brown bulk of Norman stone conforming to the circular plan the Templars so loved.
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Casa del Parmigiano
A wonderful shop for cheese lovers, selling great wheels of parmiggiano and local and national cheeses.
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Market
For supplies for the boat trip, stock up at the colourful fresh-food market, just behind the post office.
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Betty's Bar
Hang out at Betty's Bar, one of the best ice-cream parlours in the city.
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