Making the most of our layover in Brindisi
Upon entering, we were immediately drawn to the historic castle on the port’s northern edge, on the Isola Sant’Andrea.
Sant’Andread castle was a defensive fortification protecting the port in the 16th century. The structure boasts a variety of towers, keeps, and walkways, and the battlements provide stunning views of the port and the Adriatic Sea.
Brindisi is one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia. It is rich in history, culture, and beauty and is one of the most evocative natural ports in the Mediterranean Sea. This modern city also hides medieval views and the ruins of ancient Rome.
This is a city in the region of Apulia in southern Italy, the province’s capital on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
The port is also one of the most important ports in Italy, especially from a tourist point of view. From here, the various connections with Greece and the main port cities of the peninsula depart.
Six hours in Brindisi!!
Our ship docks in town at 4 p.m., giving us only six hours to explore before we depart at 10 p.m. What can you visit in a short time and pretty much at night?
We try to maximize our limited time in Brindisi to capture its essence.
7 Captivating Reasons to visit Brindisi
Brindisi is a beautiful and charming city in the Puglia region of Italy. It offers incredible attractions and experiences that everyone should enjoy.
The historic center consists of medieval streets and buildings, churches with precious interiors, and sea glimpses.
1* Historical Significance: Brindisi is rich in history, with preserved historical sites and monuments such as ancient Roman columns that stand majestically at the entrance of the city’s port.
2* Picturesque Scenery: Brindisi’s coastline is adorned with pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and magnificent sunsets, making it a perfect destination for those who love stunning landscapes. The Regina Margherita promenade and the Virgil Staircase offer breathtaking views.
3* Culinary Delights: Brindisi’s local cuisine is mouthwatering! It would be best if you tried dishes such as Orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta), Friselle (crispy bread), and Pasticciotto (traditional pastry).
4* Architectural Gems: Piazza Duomo in Brindisi and Palazzo Granafei Nervegna are beautiful examples of the city’s architectural gems.
5* Cultural Activities: Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural activities such as the Festa di San Teodoro, an annual festival that showcases the city’s traditions and customs. Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi, a beautiful castle, is a testament to Brindisi’s historical significance.
6* Outdoor Adventures: Brindisi offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and boat tours, that allow you to explore the city’s natural beauty, including the beautiful beaches.
7* Warm Hospitality: The people of Brindisi are known for their warm and welcoming nature, which makes for a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.
In summary, Brindisi’s blend of history, commerce, and coastal charm makes it a captivating place to visit in the Apulia region of Italy.
The Regina Margherita promenade is a great starting point for a walk overlooking the harbour. You can walk along the water to the end, where you’ll find the Swabian Castle. Unfortunately, the castle was closed when I visited.
The Castello Svevo is the most famous monument, but it can only be admired from the outside. It’s a military area and is only open to the public during special periods with guided tours.
As you continue up the Virgil Staircase, you will see the remains of two ancient Roman columns among the city’s symbols.
These columns were built by the emperor Trajan to mark the end of the Via Appia Antica, a road that connected Rome to Brindisi. Unfortunately, only one of the original columns remains today. It is 18 meters tall and stands out on the marble staircase leading to the port.
Piazza Duomo
One of the must-visit places in the city is the Piazza Duomo. It is the oldest square in the town and boasts a rich historical and architectural past. The buildings around the square perfectly blend medieval and Roman architecture, reflecting their origin.
Piazza Duomo is a beautiful historic square in the heart of many Italian cities, including Milan, Florence, and Pisa. The name “Duomo” refers to the cathedral that typically stands on or near the square, and these cathedrals are often some of the most stunning and iconic landmarks in Italy.
Piazza Duomo is not only a popular tourist destination for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage dating back centuries but also a busy hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. It offers a lively atmosphere with street performers, cafes, and shops.
Whether taking in the stunning views of the cathedral’s towering spires, enjoying a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe, or simply watching the world go by, Piazza Duomo is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Italy’s timeless beauty and charm.
Palazzo Granafei Nervegna
Passing through the Portico of the Knights Templar, which today serves as the entrance to the Archaeological Museum, we continue with a visit to the interesting Palazzo Granafei Nervegna, built in 1565. The building has a Renaissance
style with some Baroque influences, especially in the balconies.
Palazzo Granafei Nervegna is a stunning historic building in the picturesque town of Gallipoli, Italy. Initially built in the 17th century, this elegant and majestic structure showcases the region’s exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage. The palace has been impeccably preserved over the years and has undergone careful restoration to maintain its authenticity and charm.
The palace boasts magnificent features, such as intricate frescoes, grand staircases, and stunning balconies with town and sea views. It also houses a museum displaying priceless artwork and artifacts from the region’s history.
Overall, Palazzo Granafei Nervegna is a must-see for anyone visiting Gallipoli and a true treasure of Italian heritage and architecture.
Exploring Brindisi
At the end of the day
We explored various restaurants and shops and had the opportunity to try some delicious treats before leaving. One of the most typical dishes we encountered was “orecchiette,” a hand-made pasta usually served with chickpeas or turnip sprouts sauteed with olive oil, garlic, and anchovies.
Additionally, you can try the omelette, a loaf of fried bread with tomato and mozzarella. If you prefer, you can add burrata cheese to this dish. Finally, we recommend the spumoni, a frozen and creamy dessert made with hazelnuts, chocolate, and stracciatella.
Lovely post. Thank you for sharing your experiences on this trip. 😊
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
You are welcome
Everytime I think I’m done in Italy I come across a new region and want to immediately visit! Brindisi looks so charming and laid back. I love the promenade and the duomo which reminds me of the architecture in Tuscany. The food sounds incredible too. Off to check out deals for next summer!
Did you check my trip to Italy from Rome To Genoa…you will see Medieval towns that are WOW!!!
Been to Italy three times, your post has inspired my next trip! Thank you! Such beautiful pictures 🙂
Thank you . Did you see the one from Rome to Genoa ,beautiful medieval towns.