This 12th-century church, a brown bulk of Norman stone conforming to the circular plan the Templars so loved, is a wonderfully evocative structure,…
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Brindisi
Like all ports, Brindisi has its seamy side, but it's also surprisingly slow paced and balmy, particularly along the palm-lined Corso Garibaldi, which links the port to the train station, and the promenade stretching along the interesting lungomare (seafront).
The town was the end of the ancient Roman road Via Appia, down whose length trudged weary legionnaires and pilgrims, crusaders and traders, all heading to Greece and the Near East. These days little has changed except that Brindisi's pilgrims are now sun-seekers rather than soul-seekers.
Highlights of a sojourn in the city include the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro, (a fascinating 12th-century Norman church), and Brindisi's provincial archaeological museum with a treasure trove of Hellenistic Greek bronze sculptures.
Explore Brindisi
- TTempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro
This 12th-century church, a brown bulk of Norman stone conforming to the circular plan the Templars so loved, is a wonderfully evocative structure,…
- Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo
This superb museum covers several floors with well-documented exhibits (in English), including some 3000 bronze sculptures and fragments in Hellenistic…
- RRoman Column
The gleaming white column above a sweeping set of sun-whitened stairs leading to the waterfront promenade marks the terminus of the Roman Via Appia at…
- PPalazzo Granafei-Nervegna
This 16th-century Renaissance-style palace is named for the two different families who owned it. The building is of interest because it houses the huge…
- PPorta 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…
- CCathedral
This 12th-century cathedral was substantially remodelled after an earthquake in 1743. You can see how the original Romanesque structure may have looked by…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Brindisi.
See
Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro
This 12th-century church, a brown bulk of Norman stone conforming to the circular plan the Templars so loved, is a wonderfully evocative structure,…
See
Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo
This superb museum covers several floors with well-documented exhibits (in English), including some 3000 bronze sculptures and fragments in Hellenistic…
See
Roman Column
The gleaming white column above a sweeping set of sun-whitened stairs leading to the waterfront promenade marks the terminus of the Roman Via Appia at…
See
Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna
This 16th-century Renaissance-style palace is named for the two different families who owned it. The building is of interest because it houses the huge…
See
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…
See
Cathedral
This 12th-century cathedral was substantially remodelled after an earthquake in 1743. You can see how the original Romanesque structure may have looked by…
Guidebooks
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