Brindisi: Roman Traces, Castles and Harbour

Brindisi offers several points of interest to consider when planning a trip: Roman remains, fortifications from different periods, museums and the waterfront promenade by the harbour. If you’re looking for a hotel in Brindisi, you can plan your stay around which of these aspects of the city you’d like to explore. Its historic sites tell no single, unified story: they range from ancient monumental architecture to building phases from the time of Frederick II and the Aragonese, as well as archaeological and religious collections.

Roman Traces and Historic Layers

An official walking tour of the historic centre starts at the Roman Columns by the harbour and leads into the old town. The columns mark the high point of an ancient Roman monumental area known as the “arx romana”. Roman remains mingle with later urban layers in the historic centre. As you explore, you’ll encounter different periods in the city’s history, not just individual monuments.

The Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro is considered the most faithful replica of the Anastasis Rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre complex in Jerusalem. Fragments of frescoes in different styles and from different periods have been preserved inside the temple; they depict saints and sacred scenes. Another glimpse into the Roman past can be found beneath the Nuovo Teatro Verdi: there is an archaeological area containing a roughly six-metre-wide section of a street in Roman Brindisi. Traces of cart wheels can be seen on the limestone slabs. The site can be viewed from the foyer through a large glass floor. It is open to the public free of charge Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.

Castles and Defensive Fortifications

The Castello Svevo was commissioned by Frederick II in 1227. It retains a trapezoidal layout dating from his time. Later, Ferdinando I d’Aragona expanded the complex with an outer wall and four large corner towers. Its history of construction thus reflects both the original design and a later phase of expansion.

The Castello Alfonsino-Aragonese consists of an Aragonese core dating from 1445 and a later Forte section, commissioned by Philip II of Austria in 1583. Castello Alfonsino stands on the island of Sant’Andrea in the outer harbour, opposite the entrance to the Pigonati Canal. Along with the Castello Svevo, it is part of Brindisi’s defensive system. This also includes the city gates of Porta Napoli and Porta Lecce, as well as four surviving bastions. The city administration uses the bastions for exhibitions and events.

Museums and Different Perspectives

The Museo Archeologico Comunale “Fondazione Salvatore Faldetta” preserves significant archaeological evidence from the Brindisi area. The tour ends on the second floor at a viewpoint overlooking parts of the city and the harbour. Here, the archaeological collection is paired with a view across the city and its harbourfront.

The Museo Diocesano G. Tarantini presents significant historical, artistic and religious artefacts from the city in the Church of San Paolo Eremita. Another part of the museum is housed in the Church of Santa Teresa dei Maschi. It is entirely multimedia and offers an immersive visitor experience. The two sections therefore have different focuses: one presents artefacts from the city’s history, while the other offers a multimedia museum experience.

Harbour Promenade and Nature Park

The waterfront promenade runs along the harbour, offering a way to take in Brindisi and discover some of its facets. It complements visits to individual buildings with a view of the city by the water. Together with the historic sites, it adds another, more urban dimension to your stay.

The regional “Salina di Punta della Contessa” Nature Park is also within the municipality of Brindisi. Its founding aims include preserving habitats and species and improving the ecological function of wetlands. The aims also include infrastructure for non-motorised transport and the promotion of sustainable leisure activities. Alongside its architectural heritage, nature conservation and sustainable leisure are therefore among the themes that shape Brindisi.

Discover More Destinations

Carovigno, Cisternino, Fasano, Ostuni, Brindisi, Ceglie Messapica, San Vito Dei Normanni, Torre Canne, San Michele Salentino, Torchiarolo, Specchia, Selva Di Fasano, Mesagne, Savelletri, Torre Santa Sabina, Villanova, Casalini, Lido Specchiolla, Francavilla Fontana, Oria, Montalbano, Cellino San Marco, Pezze Di Greco, San Pietro Vernotico, Erchie, Villa Castelli, Torre Santa Susanna, Pantanagianni-Pezze Morelli, Latiano, San Pancrazio Salentino, Rosa Marina, Caranna, San Donaci, Lendinuso, Grotta Figazzano

For the main travel overview: Apulia.