The significance of this port continues to this day as it is a major naval hub, for the Italy-Greece route. As you move south, Italy changes a little. Dialect change, the coast changes, even the food takes on a more Greek-like, Mediterranean flavor. You will find different languages spoken here, as well.
But one thing is certain, you will sure fall in love with the beauty of this part of the country. As with many Italian cities, Brindisi has seen its share of conquerors, earthquakes and destruction from World War II. But, in true Italian fashion, the city has risen from its ashes and managed to harmonize what was left from the past, with the new. It was built in the 13 th century with massive square towers and a unique trapezoid plan. It has seen many uses over its long history: it was even used as a penitentiary in the s.
The signature structure of Brindisi, though, has to be its two ancient Roman columns , of which only one is still extant. The columns were once thought to mark the end of the Via Appia. There is a small stretch of the old Via Appia still travelled by many today, although paved over: that stretch opens up in downtown Brindisi, highlighted by giant steps and the two columns.
Many take advantage of the downtown area to take a stroll down the very steps that the ancients have walked, although today it is usually for an ice cream and not to chase down Spartacus and his friends. Those wanting a better feel for what life was like during Roman times may take a look at the nearby archeological site of Ignazia, which does showcase part of the Via Appia.
Other sites worth taking in include the Duomo , built in the 11 th and 12 th centuries and restored in the 18 th after an earthquake. Parts of the original mosaic flooring can still be seen.
If you are looking for something off of the sacred architecture tour path, then check out the natural reserve of Torre Guaceto and the Grand Fountain. The Romans loved their fountains which they built along the Via Appia.
This one is still in perfect conditions and was restored in This city of 90, is also a great starting point to visit its beautiful surrounding area.
Ostuni should certainly be on your agenda: only 35 km outside of Brindisi, its array of Greek and Arabic architecture, along with its festivals and cultural events during the Summer, makes it an attractive destination. If you prefer a relaxing place, the country house Masseria Baroni Nuovi is about 25 km from town and 8 from the beach. If you rather stay closer to the sea, the Hotel Mirage is a good option, right on the beach of Santa Sabina. Great food, wine, together with coastlines filled with beautiful sandy beaches and rocky cliffs: all this is the Salento, and Brindisi is right at its heart.
Brindisi is a very charming old town where Roman ruins, old piazzas, churches and, of course, the sea, will make your holiday experience truly and astonishingly unique. Brindisi by night from the sea. Swabian Castle in Brindisi.
Enza on flickr. Roman columns in Brindisi. Info Altitude: a. They founded a colony there in BC, and the Via Appia was perhaps extended through Tarentum as far as Brundisium at this period. The Latin poet Pacuvius was born here about BC. It suffered, however, from a siege conducted by Caesar in 49 BC and was again attacked in 42 and 40 BC. Virgil died here 19 BC on his return from Greece. At the time of the Roman empire it had , inhabitants.
Trajan constructed the Via Trajana, a more direct route from Beneventum to Brundisium. The remains of ancient buildings are unimportant, though a considerable number of antiquities, especially inscriptions, have been discovered here: one column 62 ft.
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