Brindisi. Where did the Appian Way lead from Rome? City of Brindisi, Italy: attractions, photos and reviews of tourists City of Brindisi, Italy
Brindisi - port, resort and historical city Salentine Peninsula. It is located in the very south of Italy in the province of Apulia. The city is filled with attractions, modern entertainment centers, stands out among others for its beaches and restaurants.
Brindisi - Italy
South Italian city Brindisi - main port region. It is located in a natural harbor and occupies a fertile plain. The name of the city translates as “deer’s head”, this is exactly the shape of the sea harbor in which it is located. According to another version, sailors, when setting out on a voyage, rested in taverns and made toasts. Brindisi - translated as toast.
Brindisi has been a central port and military base since Roman times. It was connected to Rome by the Appian and Trajan roads, which today are reminded of by an elegant column standing on the very shore of the sea. Throughout history, Brindisi was ruled by the Romans, Normans, Italians, Spaniards, Austrians, and finally, in 1860, it became part of a united Italy. That's why architectural buildings and monuments are distinguished by a variety of styles. During the Second World War (from 1943 to 1944), the capital was temporarily moved here.
Nowadays there are several natural protected reserves and parks located in the city. Brindisi is also a winemaking center.
There are many travelers in the city. For them it's a starting point ferries to Albania (Vlore) and Greece (Corfu). Brindisi has always been attractive to Albanian immigrants. Now the city's population is about one hundred thousand people.
Brindisi - Italy - attractions
Often sightseeing in Brindisi begins with a white marble column that once marked the end of the Appian Way. According to another version, these are the remains of an ancient square. For many centuries, the columns served as a guide for sailors, performing the function of a lighthouse. There were two columns, but in the 60s. XVII century one of them split. It was restored and donated to the city of Lecce. A staircase leads down from the column to the old port, now inactive. And from the height of the platform you can see how the sea splits into two branches.
There are two castles on the hill overlooking the city:
- Castello Grande (XIII century);
- Forte a Mare (XV century) or Aragonese castle.
The first castle is also called the Swabian castle. It was originally square in shape with four towers, but the castle was constantly modified and rebuilt. For some time it was a prison, then the building was given to the Navy. You can visit the castle only by prior reservation.
The Aragonese castle was built on the island of St. Andrea at the entrance to the port as a fortification structure. The basis for it was the old monastery building. It is also called the Red Castle. The structure was built from tuff and at sunset the rays of the sun turn it red.
The city's main museum is the Ribezzo Museum, which collects sculptures, figurines, busts and other artifacts found in the surrounding area. Its entrance is decorated with a covered gallery of the Templars, preserved from the 13th century.
In the historical center you can see fortress walls erected in the 15th century. Then bastions were added to them, of which San Giacomo is the best preserved. This bastion was recently restored and is used as an exhibition display.
One of the oldest buildings in Brindisi is the Tancred Fountain (XII century) or Big fountain. It was built for the wedding day of King Roger of Sicily and the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Irene. The structure was built on the site of an ancient Roman fountain. The water in Tancred was famous medicinal properties. Even doctors used it for healing.
On the Boulevard Duca degli Abruzzi there is a memorial dedicated to the sailors who died in the wars. The monument is made in the shape of a steering wheel; on its top, at a height of 53 meters, there is a Observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and harbour. There are exhibition halls inside the large memorial. There are also marble slabs with the names of the victims engraved on them.
Churches and cathedrals
The main cathedral of Brindisi is the cathedral, dating from the 11th-12th centuries, located in Piazza Duomo. But from this time only mosaic elements and the left nave remained, since in the 18th century the temple was destroyed by an earthquake.
The Cathedral of St. Benedict represents a whole complex of buildings, consisting of a church, a nunnery and a monastery. From the 11th century, only some architectural elements remained in the cathedral; the rest of the building was reconstructed more than once. Not far from the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum.
On the road to Brindisi airport, which is two kilometers from the city, is the 13th-century Church of the Virgin Mary, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine styles.
One of the most famous monuments is the church of Santa Maria del Casale. The temple interests tourists not only for its internal and external decoration, but also for its historical fact, that in 1310 a trial took place here, according to which the Order of the Templars was disbanded.
Brindisi: beaches, hotels, transport
Beach holidays are concentrated north of the city. Most beaches are sandy, but there are also rocky areas. Total length beach coast about 80 km. Most of it is occupied by hotels located on the first line. All of them have their own equipped beaches. Secluded swimming areas remain only in the Torre Guaceto conservation area.
In the city center there are mansion hotels with a capacity of 10-12 rooms, hostels, guest houses.
Brindisi Airport only accepts domestic flights from Naples, Milan, Rome, and in the summer from major European cities.
The best thing bus service established with the cities of Lecce and Bari. So, you can get from Lecce to Brindisi in half an hour, spending 6 euros on a bus ticket. The journey from Bari takes two hours, and the cost is about 10 euros.
Brindisi is a major railway junction connecting Taranto, Bari, Lecce, Foggia, Caserta.
Entertainment and cuisine
Italians love holidays and carnivals. The most popular holiday and the oldest is the procession that takes place on the 60th day after Easter. On this day, a bishop rides through the city on a white horse, accompanied by knights. The ceremony always starts at the same time - at 18.00. The tradition was formed in 1264, when the first solemn procession was organized in honor of the arrival of King Louis IX.
On the first Saturday of September, the Festival of the Sea is held in Brindisi. On this day, a parade of the Holy Defenders is organized, dedicated to the defenders of the city - Saints Teodoro and Lawrence. Statues and relics relating to patron saints are transported on boats around the inner harbour. The traditional fair opens on the same day.
Brandisi cuisine is vegetables, seafood, pasta. The main dish in local cafes and restaurants is pasta or orecchiette. Handmade pasta is served with clam sauce or an alternative meat sauce with tomatoes and artichokes. This region is considered one of the poorest in Italy. The simplest ingredients are used to prepare the dishes.
- petuls are donuts with various fillings;
- munichedde - brown clams;
- local goat cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, burata);
- tajedda - baked rice with potatoes and mussels.
A traditional Appulian product is almond milk. Almonds and cinnamon are mandatory in all sweets.
It took us 20 hours to get there.
Now Brindisi is a port city with a population of about 80 thousand, and in times ancient Rome more than 100 thousand people lived in it. It was here that the Appian Way, connecting Rome and Brundisium, which at that time was the Roman window to Greece, ended.
We disembarked at 13:00, and at 17:30 we had to be on board the ship. From the port we were taken by bus to Piazza Vittorio Emmanuel, given maps of the city and told until what time buses from this square would leave for the port. We had about three and a half hours at our disposal.
Piazza Dionisia, where our acquaintance with Brindisi began:
Studying before the cruise what can be seen in this city, we noted the following attractions of Brindisi: Swabian and Aragonese castles, Roman columns, Granafei-Nervegna and Montenegro palaces, the cathedral, the Church of San Benedetto, the Church of Our Lady of Casale, the Tancredi Fountain, the Italian monument sailor
Unfortunately, some of them were located far from the center. Let's say, the Aragonese castle occupies a separate island, and we admired it enough from all angles when our liner approached Brindisi.
Tourist trains run around the city. A tour of the city's attractions costs 15 euros and lasts an hour. The locomotive goes around the contour Old city Brindisi (as it was within the fortress walls), drives to the other side of the bay past the Tancredi Fountain, past the fishing village to the monument to the sailor, and on the way back passes the church of Santa Maria de Casale. I wanted to see this church, I liked it from the photographs, but we still preferred to spend the time allotted to us in Brindisi exploring the old city.
First we walked along the embankment. On the other side of the bay, a grandiose monument to the Italian sailor, 53 meters high, erected in 1933, was visible.
monument to the Italian sailor
We soon found ourselves at the foot of a wide staircase leading up to a lonely column. This ancient Roman column is the symbol of the city. At first there were two columns, then one of them was given to the neighboring city of Lecce, where it is now located. All that was left of her was her “tail.”
roman columns
During World War II, the column was dismantled and restored relatively recently, in the 90s of the 20th century. Moreover, its capital was replaced with a copy, and the original is in the museum - Palazzo Grafanei-Nervegna.
The column is visible from afar. And it used to be a reference point for sailors. According to one version, this is why it was built. According to another, the Romans erected these columns to mark the end of the Appian Way. They also say that the Venetians installed their famous columns with a lion and St. in the likeness of the columns in Brindisi. Georgiy.
Located next to the column free museum, dedicated to columns. A circular staircase rises around the model of the column, and as you walk around the column in a spiral, you can see in detail the drawings that covered it.
Along the narrow street of Montenegro, which climbed steeply upward, we reached the Church of St. Teresa, representative and tall.
In front of it, on the elongated St. Teresa Square, stands an expressive monument to the victims of the First World War.
The old city is built of light stone. It’s easy to navigate here, the map is clear, historical Center compact. The tourism office is located on the waterfront (Vialle Regina Margherita).
Many decorative elements similar to those we saw in Sicily. Similar balconies were found in
From Saint Teresa we went to the cathedral square of Brindisi - Piazza Duomo. The area is beautiful. The main building on it is the cathedral, built in honor of John the Baptist. The cathedral, built in the 12th century, was destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th, and now we have a restored cathedral from the 18th century.
View of the Duomo from Via Tarantini
To the right of the cathedral, the Portico of the Templars attracts attention, behind which is the entrance to the Archaeological Museum.
Portico of the Templars
Museum courtyard
At the corner of Piazza Duomo there is a fragment of a 14th century building, the so-called. "Loggia Balsamo".
Opposite the Balsamo Loggia stands the Seminary building. The façade is decorated with 8 sculptures representing various sciences.
One of the strongest impressions from Brindisi was ancient church St. John at the Sepulcher (Sepolcro), built in the 11th century. The antiquity of the church is obvious and it is fascinating.
The church is low and round in plan. The entrance to it is guarded by time-worn lions.
After visiting the church we went to the Swabian Castle. It turned out that military sailors are now stationed in the castle, and tourists, naturally, are not allowed into the “military zone”. After standing at the high fence with barbed wire and taking a photograph of the warship, we went to the city center.
Along the way we admired the wonderful streets of the old city with the inevitable drying laundry. Ah, this Italian spontaneity!
Along Via Marconi (I think the Russian translation is Popova Street) we reached the Church of St. Benedict (San Benedetto). Above the entrance to the church there are wonderful stone carvings from the 11th century.
Church of San Benedetto
Carving above the entrance: battle with dragons
Inside the church:
And this is the stone carving on the Church of Our Lady of Angels:
The city center, as almost always in Italy, looks solid, as if this is not a small town, but some kind of capital. It has everything you need for the cultural and economic life of a modern person. In addition to the ancient ones, there are quite modern buildings. But there is no vanity, which is inherent in big cities.
Balconies and windows:
We went to the city museum of Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna for 2 e., where, among other things, we admired the original capital of the city column. Good, nothing to say.
Palazzo Granafei Nervegna
The hall in which an authentic capital from a Roman column is exhibited
In front of the Granafei Nervegna Palace are the ruins of a medieval basilica.
And right opposite the palace stands the ultra-modern building of the Verdi Opera House.
Brindisi is one of the most ancient port cities located on the Apennine Peninsula. Currently, it is of interest to tourists from the point of view resort holiday and historical sites. The city has a lot of modern entertainment, which is no less in demand than ancient objects.
Brindisi (Italy): description
The city of Brindisi is the capital of the province, which is home to 90 thousand people. Handsome and attractive locality is popular destination for tourists. It is located in the south of Italy. The city is always full of travelers who come here because of the ferry that transports people to Albania and Greece. It is worth noting that Brindisi (Italy) deserves close attention from tourists, because here is located a large number of attractions.
At one time, the city gained fame as a port, which was the gateway to the East. To this day they have been preserved in Brindisi memorable places, which are evidence of long-past historical events.
The city is of interest as a calm and quiet place for relax. How the resort of Brindisi in Italy began to develop not so long ago. And yet, at present, all conditions for a comfortable pastime have been created here. All hotels have equipped beaches, and the city’s infrastructure is so developed that it facilitates a varied recreation.
Tourists are attracted to Brindisi (Italy) by the sights, unique Italian Cuisine, large selection of wines and beautiful coast. The region is considered the largest wine-making center. Here, each restaurant will offer you an impressive wine list.
Ancient fortifications
There are so many attractions in Brindisi (Italy) that it is quite difficult to describe them all. The historical center of the city is of greatest interest. To this day it is surrounded by Aragonese fortress walls, which were built in the fifteenth century by Spanish rulers. Subsequently, the fortifications were rebuilt and modified by King Charles the Fifth. The Bastion of San Giacomo is very well preserved and has recently been restored. Currently it is used as an exhibition space. The bastions of the port of Lecce, Mesagne, Torino Iferno and di Levante are also well preserved.
Swabian castle
One of the most interesting places in Brindisi (Italy) is the Swabian castle, built in 1227 by order of Federico II. It was erected as a defensive structure to protect city residents. The structure is a square-shaped building with four towers. On one side the castle was covered by the sea, and on the other by a deep ditch. Subsequently, the defensive structure was strengthened by Ferdinand of Aragon.
After the departure of the Spaniards, the castle was used as a meeting place. It did not lose its importance under the Bourbons and Savoys. In the twentieth century, the castle became the property of the Italian Republic. During the Second World War, within the walls of the castle there was military base Italians. To this day, the majestic structure amazes with its inaccessibility. Its appearance retains elements from different eras.
roman column
The real symbol of the city of Brindisi in Italy is the antique column. Local guides will tell you a lot about it interesting stories. Researchers believe that the column once marked the end of the famous Appian Way.
It is part of a monumental site that has survived to this day (it was built during the Roman Empire). For hundreds of years, the column was a real landmark for sailors entering the port.
Santa Maria del Casale
The religious attractions of Brindisi (Italy) include the temple of Santa Maria del Casale, located on the street of the same name. The church was erected at the beginning of the fourteenth century. The order for construction was given by Prince Philip of Anjou, Prince of Taranto.
The temple is an amazing combination of Gothic and Romanesque architecture styles. The building was erected from sandstone. Large blocks from the gray-golden age are the main decoration of the temple to this day.
Tourist's house
The city has some very unusual attractions. Among them, it is worth remembering the House of Tourists. This is the name of an old mansion that was recently restored. Currently, the building is actively used for holding all kinds of special events. Photo and art exhibitions, literary evenings and cultural celebrations are organized here.
The Brindisi seafront is another attraction. According to tourists, it is definitely worth a visit. On the way to the promenade you can see many of the city's attractions. On Via Saponea there is Orthodox church St. Nicholas, erected at the end of the nineteenth century with the direct participation of Nicholas II. On the opposite side of the street is the Palazzo del Aglio, which impresses with its beautiful Venetian façade. Very close to the building is small area with the Temple of Della Pietà.
On Corso Roma, several buildings may attract the attention of travelers. They are made in the liberty style. This is Perasso's school and Lisko's house. And then begins the main pedestrian street of the city - Corso Garibaldi. In ancient times, the promenade was nothing more than a shipping canal. It was only in the eighteenth century that it was converted into a street.
Guests of the city can stroll through the beautiful garden located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Here you can admire a nineteenth-century fountain and a monument to Virgil. Not far from the square is the Bank of Italy building, built in the twentieth century, and a sundial from the seventeenth century. No less attractive is the Dionisi mansion, designed in the New Gothic style. Two more buildings are worthy of tourists' attention - Via Congregation and Crudomonte.
The city's waterfront also has several attractions. Here you can see Virgil's Staircase, which you can climb to the columns of the harbor, as well as several baroque palaces of the eighteenth century and the Hotel Internationale, where the country's government once met. In the area of the embankment there are ruins of an ancient wall dating back to the 5th-4th century BC. e.
Beaches of the city
Brindisi is perfect place for vacation. Here you can have a good rest with the whole family. The region can safely be called one of the best in Italy for family vacation. And it’s not about the establishments at all, but about the friendliness local residents. Italians treat guests very well. Even children willingly communicate with tourists. It's no secret that Italians are famous for being talkative and emotional.
The most popular place rest for travelers - the beaches of Brindisi (Italy). The coast of the city is a mixture of rocks and sandy stripes. The entire province has more than 80 kilometers of beaches. Most of them belong to hotels. But among them you can also find very secluded places. These include “Torre Guaceto”, which is a long strip of sand equipped for a comfortable stay. On the beaches you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also exercise aquatic species sports, play volleyball.
One of the best sections of the coast is considered to be the Lido Risorgimento. The equipped beach has a playground, sports equipment rental, beach umbrellas and sun loungers. Here you can have a pleasant time in the cafe. The beach is very crowded, so you won't get bored here. This section of the coast is considered very old.
"Lido Azzurro" - another one a good place for relax. The spacious beach can accommodate everyone. The beautiful coastline is perfect for swimming in clear waters Mediterranean Sea. If you decide to visit the region in winter time, then swimming is possible within the walls of Piscina Marimisti Centro Sport Brindisi. The establishment has heated swimming pools that are open year-round. Thanks to the friendly staff, you will certainly enjoy your stay in the center.
City parks
The attractions of Brindisi in Italy (photos of some objects are given in the article) include local parks. They are worth visiting with the whole family. Their choice in the city is quite extensive. One of them is Area Marina Protetta Torre Guaceto. The park can boast deserted beaches and the most beautiful views. Sandy rocky coves and magnificent scenery will make your holiday enjoyable.
At Parco Naturale Regionale Salina di Punta Contessa you can admire the famous lake, which is considered a landmark of the city.
If you want to do some sports, you should go to Parco Comunale Cesare Braico. On its territory there is a large selection of sports grounds where you can play football, volleyball or basketball. Here you can also find many playgrounds that will impress young guests. The park is very green, and therefore conducive to family walks around its territory.
Another notable place is Parco Antonio Di Giulio. The park is good for having fun. While parents drink coffee and drinks in one of the bars, children can play on the playground. A walk through the expanses of the park is no less impressive. Its territory is decorated with numerous flowers, fountains, beautiful compositions of trees, in the shade of which it is pleasant to sit in summer heat.
City hotels
Travelers will certainly be interested in information about hotels in Brindisi (Italy). There are quite a lot of similar establishments in the city, since the entire region is focused on tourism. There are many beach threes and fours in Brindisi. As a rule, such establishments are built on the first line and are equipped with everything necessary for a holiday on the coast.
But you can also find city hotels that are located in old mansions. Among other things, the city has more budget hostels and guest houses that will provide you with breakfast and bed. The choice of accommodation largely depends on the purpose of your trip and financial capabilities.
Weather conditions in the region
The weather in Brindisi (Italy) can be called comfortable throughout the year, since the region is located in the south of Europe. Summer on the coast is hot and sunny, which attracts many tourists. Winter in the region is very mild and without snowfall. The beach season here begins in mid-May. In autumn, those tourists who cannot stand the heat come to the coast. At this time it comes the Velvet season. The city's Mediterranean climate is mild. The weather is always comfortable here. In summer and early autumn there is practically no precipitation, and the number of sunny days invariably pleases tourists.
The port city of Brindisi in Italy is located in the southeastern region of Puglia, right on the heel of the Italian “boot”. It is a lively and distinctive town, with rich history and vibrant traditions. It is actively developing as tourist centre and resort, offering its guests excellent infrastructure and all conditions for a good rest.
Business card
History and modernity
According to the ancient Greeks, Brindisi in Italy was founded by Odysseus' companion, Diomedes. Be that as it may, the city has always played an important role in the life of the country, being its major sea harbor in the southeast. During the times of the ancient Romans, many trade routes led here (the Appian Way ended here) and trade with the entire Eastern Mediterranean took place from here.
In the Middle Ages, many crusaders set off from the port of Brindisi to the Holy Land. And after the unification of Italy, the city received the status of a naval base.
Today, Brindisi continues to be an important link in maritime trade and transport. From here you can take a ferry to Greece - this route is very popular among tourists. In addition, the city is a center of winemaking and industry.
What to see, where to visit
Modern Brindisi preserves many historical and architectural monuments. On Cathedral Square the city can be seen majestic Cathedral, which was founded back in the 9th century. In 1743, it was severely damaged by an earthquake, so it was almost completely rebuilt, preserving the original layout and Romanesque style.
Not far from the cathedral there is another unique building - Roman columns, which served as a kind of beacon for sailors. The most ancient building on the map of Brindisi is considered to be the Fountain of Tancred, built in 1193 in honor of the marriage of the son of the king of Sicily and the daughter of the Byzantine ruler.
There are castles and fortresses here: Svevsky castle (XIII century), Aragonese castle with a fortress wall (XV century). Among the religious buildings, one can note the graceful Church of Our Lady, where ancient icons and artifacts are kept, the Baroque Church of St. Teresa and the grandiose Church of St. Benedict.
Tourists can visit the ancient Slave Quarter, explore the ruins of the ancient Roman city, see sculptures and monuments, and look into the F. Ribezzo Archaeological Museum. A bunch of interesting places can be found in suburban areas. In a word, excursion program In terms of attractions, Brindisi can be very, very eventful.
Entertainment and active recreation
Residents of Brindisi are very fond of noisy celebrations and festivities. One of the most interesting national holidays- “Procession of the Decorated Horse”, which takes place on the 60th day after Easter and during which a bishop rides through the streets of the city on a white horse, accompanied by knights in armor. And in early September, the “Festival of the Sea” is held here, dedicated to the patrons of the city - Lawrence of Brindisia and Theodore of Amasea.
Tourists can also enjoy plenty of shopping (sales occur at the end of winter and beginning of autumn), diving and surfing lessons at local schools, yacht rentals, horseback riding and a lot of other entertainment.
Local cuisine and wines
IN local restaurants They serve traditional Apulian cuisine - simple, but no less tasty. This includes a wide selection of fish dishes, Italian paella, rice baked with potatoes and seafood (tajedda), deep-fried dough balls with different fillings (pettul), etc.
Brindisi(Italian Brindisi [ˈbrindizi] (inf.), Sic. Brìndisi, local. Brinnisi, tarant. Brinnese, lat. Brundisium, Brundusium, Brindisium) - city and sea port V Italian region Apulia, the administrative center of the province of the same name. Located southeast of Bari.
Lawrence of Brindisia is considered the patron saint of the city. The city festival is held on the first Monday of September.
Story
The importance of the city in antiquity was extremely great. The Greeks attributed its founding to Odysseus's comrade-in-arms Diomedes and called it Vrentesion ( Βρεντήσιον , a name of Illyrian origin). The Romans changed this word to Brundisium ( Brundisium), which means “deer’s head” (the outline of the bay really resembles antlers).
Marble column at the end of the Appian Way.
During the Punic Wars, Brundisium and Tarentum put up fierce resistance to Hannibal's army. All Roman trade with the Eastern Mediterranean passed through these cities. In 40 BC. e. Mark Antony and Octavian Augustus met and reconciled in Brundisium, and twenty years later the great Roman poet Virgil died there. The population of the city at that time was larger than in our time - at least one hundred thousand inhabitants.
During the Middle Ages, the importance of Brindisi fell sharply, and most of trade moved to Bari. The situation was partially leveled out after the formation of the Kingdom of Sicily (1071), and it was from Brindisi that many crusaders departed for the Holy Land. At the end of the 14th century. dynastic wars for the possession of Naples caused irreparable damage to the city, as did the devastating earthquake of 1456.
With the unification of Italy, Brindisi began to develop as a base for the country's navy; Since 1866, the harbor and canal have been significantly deepened. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 also contributed to the revival of the local economy. After the fall of Mussolini, Brindisi was the headquarters of the government of Pietro Badoglio, which announced Italy's withdrawal from World War II.
Attractions
Brindisi is mostly built up with modern buildings; his evidence ancient history few. Among them, the first place is occupied by the antique column, which marked the end of the famous Appian Way. The seaside castle was built in 1227 by order of Emperor Frederick II. The 11th-century city cathedral was thoroughly rebuilt in 1749. The small Romanesque circular church of St. John (XI century), which belonged (from the XII century) to the Order of St. Holy Sepulcher. Main city museum - Provincial Archaeological Museum named after F. Ribezzo (in its own building since 1958).