Brindisi
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Ancient Roman gateway port - where the Via Appia ends and Mediterranean adventures begin

Roman Heritage, Maritime History, Culinary Destination

Brindisi

Apulia, Italy

Brindisi is one of Italy's most historically significant ports, marking the terminus of the ancient Roman Via Appia. Founded as a Roman colony in 244 BC, this strategic gateway has served as a crucial junction between Europe and the Mediterranean for two millennia. Today it combines authentic maritime culture with historic architecture and excellent seafood.

Must-See Attractions

Don't miss these highlights

Roman Column (Colonna Romana)

HISTORICAL LANDMARK30-45 minutes

Iconic white marble column marking the terminus of the Roman Via Appia. Originally one of two columns; one remains while the other was presented to Lecce in 1666. Located on sweeping stone stairs overlooking the Adriatic Sea and port.

Most photographed landmark in BrindisiVia Appia terminus markerArchitectural masterpieceDating to Roman colonization (244 BC)Panoramic sea views

Historic Waterfront & Port

HISTORIC AREA1.5-2 hours

Ancient Roman colony harbor with medieval trading center architecture. Active modern port maintaining historic character, strategic for Balkan, Greek, and Middle Eastern trade routes.

Working harbor viewsMedieval streetsActive fish marketsHistoric character

More Places to Visit

Additional attractions worth exploring

Castello Svevo (Castello Grande)

1-1.5 hours

Built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century with distinctive trapezoid military design and massive square towers. Represents Norman/Swabian architecture period.

Aragonese Castle (Forte a Mare)

1 hour

Built by King Ferdinand I of Naples in 1491. Renaissance military fortification located on Sant'Andrea island facing the port with views of the harbor and Adriatic coastline.

Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia (Sailors Monument)

45 minutes

Completed in 1933, this important national monument commemorates sailors who died in World War I with an observation area offering great city and coastal views.

Cattedrale di San Cataldo

45 minutes

11th-century cathedral containing relics of the city's patron saint with Romanesque and medieval architectural elements.

Must-Try Foods

Local specialties you can't miss

Panzerotto

street food

Fried pizza pockets - specialty made famous by historic Pizzeria Romanelli (since 1949). Must-try local snack.

Where to find:Pizzeria RomanelliStreet food vendorsLocal bakeries

Bombette

meat dish

Stuffed pork rolls - traditional Apulian specialty prepared with local herbs and cheese.

Scoglio Pasta

pasta

Seafood pasta with mixed catch - showcasing fresh local ingredients from the port.

Linguine with Mussels and Clams

pasta

Fresh shellfish pasta featuring catch from local waters prepared traditionally.

Raw Seafood Platters

seafood

Mixed fresh local catch prepared simply to highlight quality and freshness.

Where to find:Waterfront restaurantsFish market areas

Negroamaro Wine

wine

Full-bodied red wine (primary local varietal) - excellent with seafood.

Recommended Experiences

Make the most of your visit

Wine Bar Tasting Experience

WINE TASTING1.5-2 hours

Visit wine bars like 72100 or Cantine Due Palme for regional wine tastings and education about Puglia's excellent varietals.

Cooking Class - Brindisi Specialties

COOKING CLASS3 hours

Learn to prepare panzerotto, pasta, and fresh pasta using local techniques in intimate home settings.

Cheese-Making Class

FOOD EXPERIENCE2-3 hours

Hands-on instruction in traditional mozzarella and burrata production from local artisanal producers.

Historic Port Walking Tour

GUIDED TOUR2-3 hours

Explore Roman Column, medieval streets, and harbor with expert guides discussing 2,000 years of maritime history.

Fish Market Tour

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE1-1.5 hours

Visit the bustling fish market early morning to see fresh catch selection and learn about local seafood specialties.

Best time: Early morning

Sunset Waterfront Dining

CULINARY EXPERIENCE2-3 hours

Enjoy dinner with harbor views at waterfront restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and regional wines.

Practical Information

Plan your visit

Best Time to Visit

May, September-October for ideal temperatures and manageable crowds. Summer (July-August) can be hot

Average Stay

1-2 days for full city exploration or half-day from Lecce

Getting There

  • ✈️ Brindisi Airport (6 km) - Small international airport with European connections. Car rental available
  • 🚂 FS/Trenitalia Brindisi Centrale Station with direct connections to Bari (2-2.5 hours), Lecce (30-40 minutes), Taranto (1-1.5 hours), Naples, Rome
  • 🚗 From Bari: 130-150 km via SS379 (2 hours). From Lecce: 40 km via SS16 (45 minutes). From Taranto: 75-85 km via SS379 (1 hour)

Nearby Destinations

Lecce (Baroque capital)40 km45 min
Ostuni (Whitewashed town)39 km36 min
Otranto (Eastern peninsula)75 km1 hour 15 min
Gallipoli (Coastal town)85-90 km1.5 hours
Taranto75-85 km1 hour
Alberobello (Trulli)100-110 km1.5-2 hours
Polignano a Mare120-130 km2 hours
Bari130-150 km2 hours

Insider Tips

Local advice for visitors

Use Brindisi as a base to explore southern Puglia - all major towns within 1-1.5 hours

Roman Column best photographed at sunset with southern light angle

Book cooking classes and wine tastings in advance during peak season

Local restaurants offer seafood at reasonable prices - excellent value

Walking tours best in early morning to avoid afternoon heat

Combine Brindisi with nearby Lecce (45 minutes) for baroque/history experience

Watch belongings in crowded market areas but the port is generally safe

Ferry connections to Greece available - check schedules if interested

Summer can be extremely hot - bring sun protection

Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures with fewer crowds

The Via Appia connection makes this historically significant beyond its current tourist appeal