After your flight descends over the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea, the ancient harbour of Brindisi greets you with a skyline defined by Roman columns and medieval fortresses. This historic gateway to the east has welcomed travellers for millennia, and provides an immediate sense of discovery as you move from the airport to the sun-drenched waterfront.
Brindisi reveals its identity through these distinctive experiences:
Scalinata di Virgilio
These grand marble steps lead to the Roman Columns, which formerly indicated the end of the Appian Way. Standing at the top provides a panoramic view of the harbour and connects you to the ancient travellers who once departed from this very spot for Greece and beyond.
Lungomare Regina Margherita
The palm-lined promenade is the social heart of the city, where the salty breeze carries the scent of fresh seafood and espresso. Walking along this waterfront allows you to witness the local ritual of the passeggiata as sailboats bob in the harbour against a backdrop of elegant 19th-century buildings.
Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro
This circular Romanesque church includes a mysterious, tranquil interior with fading frescoes and weathered stone columns. Its unique shape and quiet atmosphere offer a peaceful retreat that reflects the city's history as a gathering point for Crusaders.
Castello Alfonsino
Located on Sant Andrea Island, this striking red-stone fortress guards the entrance to the port. Its rugged walls and towers create a dramatic silhouette against the sea, particularly at sunset when the stone takes on a warm, golden glow.
Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale
The city's cathedral has a beautiful mosaic floor and a complex history of reconstruction following ancient earthquakes. It is a resilient symbol of local faith and architectural evolution in the centre of the old town.
Piazza Santa Teresa
This open square is home to the Church of Santa Teresa and provides a wide, airy space that captures the bright Mediterranean light. It is a perfect place to observe the slower pace of southern life and allows you to admire the Baroque facade of the neighbouring convent.