Brindisi

Our journey begins right here, Brindisi, also known as the “Gateway to the East.” It’s a port city in northern Salento that boasts one of the most important natural harbors in Italy. The name of the city likely comes from the Messapic word “Brention,” meaning “deer’s head” — a reference to the natural inlet on which the city was built, said to resemble the shape of a deer.

A truly ancient city, Brindisi became a cultural crossroads and an important hub during the Roman period, serving as a key departure point for trade with Greece and the East. Because of this role, the city was well connected to Rome via the consular roads Appia and Minucia. Unfortunately, Spanish rule brought a period of great decline for both the port and the city itself, which only began to recover in the 19th century with its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy and the opening of the Suez Canal. Thanks to the canal, Brindisi once again became a vital commercial hub.

Today, Brindisi is a city with a majestic historical heritage and a fascinating story waiting to be discovered, even though it is often overlooked in favor of other cities like Ostuni and Lecce. Brindisi also remains an important tourist port, serving as a gateway to Greece, the Balkan Peninsula, and Turkey.

The Lungomare Regina Margherita is one of the main streets in Brindisi. It runs parallel to the Port of Brindisi and is the ideal place to start your tour of Brindisi.
Following the recommended route and starting from one of the most picturesque spots in the city, at the top of the small square where the Roman Columns stand — a symbol of the city — and facing the magnificent port, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the heart of the city, which preserves countless historical and artistic landmarks.

A notable feature of Brindisi’s historic center is the coexistence of the ancient and the modern: the ancient remnants of the Roman city alongside the more recent developments of the past centuries.
As you cross Piazza Duomo, you’ll be able to experience this fascinating atmosphere in the city’s oldest square, where you can visit the Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum, before heading towards the former complex of the Scuole Pie, which now houses the “Armando Scivales” Municipal Art Gallery (home of the Nuovo Teatro Verdi Foundation and the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Brindisi).

From here, you’ll venture through the alleys of the ancient San Pietro degli Schiavoni district, which, amidst the maze of narrow streets, still retains much of its original layout. You’ll then uncover the archaeological face of Brindisi right beneath the Nuovo Teatro Verdi, where remnants of ancient Roman houses emerge. It is in these streets that you’ll reach the unique circular-shaped temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, a testament to the passage of the Crusaders and pilgrims who traveled from Brindisi to the Holy Land.

Just in front of the theater is the 16th-century Palazzo Granafei – Nervegna, which houses several municipal offices and regularly hosts important exhibitions. Additionally, the *Sala della Colonna* holds the original capital of the monument that symbolizes the city: the Roman Columns, commonly known as the terminals of the Appian Way. From here, you'll be just a short walk from Piazza della Vittoria, where the city's three main shopping streets converge.

The city has always maintained a direct relationship with its sea and port. The scenic promenade along the waterfront offers a chance to admire and explore various aspects of Brindisi. Additionally, the path is lined with cafes and restaurants, providing a pleasant stop near the port's docks.

Qui incontrerete la famosa Scalinata Virgiliana sormontata dalle Colonne Romane, il Museo Archeologico “S. Faldetta”, più avanti lo storico Hotel Internazionale e il Palazzo Montenegro per giungere sulla sommità di piazza S. Teresa, dalla quale si gode un magnifico affaccio sul porto.

Using public transportation, it's easy to reach the opposite shore via a motorboat, taking you to the residential district of the city, *Il Casale*. From there, you can visit the Monument to the Sailor, from the top of which you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the port and the entire city.