Things to Do in Brindisi

Two marble columns marking the end of the Appian Way, ancient Rome’s main road to the east. One original column stands 19 metres tall; the other was moved to Lecce in the 1600s.

🕐 Always accessible

💡 Visit at golden hour for the best light on the carvings. The pedestal has reliefs of Roman gods and sea monsters often missed in a quick glance.

A circular 11th-century Crusader church built on the model of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Inside, pull up the weathered capitals and the central dome’s quiet acoustics.

🕐 Monday to Saturday 09:00–12:30, 16:00–19:00; Sunday 09:00–12:30

💡 Go during a weekday morning. It's often empty, and the custodian may let you into the tiny crypt if you ask nicely in Italian.

12th-century Romanesque cathedral rebuilt after the 1743 earthquake. Plain stone interior with a wooden crucifix and a baptismal font carved from a Roman capital.

🕐 Mon-Sat 08:00-12:00, 16:00-19:00; Sun 08:00-12:30, 16:30-19:00

💡 The Crypt of San Teodoro below is small but holds ancient fresco fragments. Ask the caretaker nicely for entry—free but not always open.

An imposing 13th-century fortress built by Frederick II. You can walk around the exterior and courtyards for free; the interior houses a naval command and is not open.

🕐 Always open (exterior only)

💡 The moat-side path offers a cool walk on hot days. Head to the small park just south for a clear photo angle.

13th-century fortress built by Frederick II, later used as a prison. You can walk around the outer walls and courtyards for free. The moat and massive bastions are impressive.

🕐 Exterior grounds always accessible

💡 The interior is partly used for naval offices and not open to public, but the waterfront walkway along the moat gives great photo angles.

A 13th-century castle built by Frederick II, now housing the Italian Navy's Southern Maritime Command. You can walk around the exterior and moat for free; the inner courtyard is sometimes accessible.

🕐 Exterior always open; inner courtyard limited hours (usually weekday mornings)

💡 The castle’s exterior is best viewed from the marina opposite. No need to book.

One of a pair of ancient Roman marble columns marking the end of the Appian Way. Stands in the old town near the harbour. The single surviving column is about 18m tall, with carvings of gods and sea creatures.

🕐 Always visible, exterior only

💡 Go at sunset when the light hits the marble nicely. The smaller column opposite is a medieval copy – skip it.

One of a pair of ancient Roman columns marking the end of the Appian Way. The surviving column stands 19 metres tall with marble capital, overlooking the harbour.

🕐 24/7 outdoor access

💡 Go at sunset when the light hits the column and the waterfront. It's on a busy roundabout so watch the traffic crossing for photos.

Two towering marble columns marking the end of the Appian Way. One original and one reconstructed column stand at the top of a grand staircase overlooking the harbour.

🕐 Always open

💡 Visit at sunset for a great view over the harbour. The pavement around the base can be uneven; watch your step.

One of a pair of ancient Roman marble columns that once marked the terminus of the Appian Way. The remaining column stands about 19 metres tall, with decorative carvings. Located near the port, it’s a quick stop for history buffs.

🕐 Always open

💡 Visit in late afternoon for good light on the carvings; the other column is in Lecce.

Large square with a striking monument to Italian sailors: a bronze rudder shaped like a ship's prow, dedicated to those lost at sea. Nearby cafe tables and plane trees.

🕐 24/7 outdoor access

💡 Climb the steps up to the monument base for a harbour panorama. The surrounding park has free public benches and a small playground for families.

Moderate-sized archaeology museum housed in a former convent. Displays local Messapian, Greek and Roman artefacts – pottery, jewellery, and a set of well-preserved Roman surgical tools.

🕐 Tuesday to Saturday 09:00–19:00; Sunday 09:00–13:00; Monday closed

💡 First Sunday of the month is free for everyone. On weekdays it's already free, so check their Facebook for any temporary closures.

Small but well-curated museum in a former monastery. Exhibits Roman glassware, shipping artefacts from the port, and Greek pottery. Empty rooms on quiet afternoons.

🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00; Mon closed

💡 First Sunday of the month is free for everyone. Check the basement for the Roman cargo ship replica—kids love it.

Houses local finds from the Messapian and Roman eras: pottery, coins, and a small collection of bronze statues. Housed in a converted palazzo near the harbour.

🕐 Tue–Sat 09:00–17:00; Sun 09:00–13:00; closed Mon

💡 The staff sometimes leave the audio guide for free if you ask nicely. Allow about an hour. Entrance is free but check for temporary exhibitions that may charge a small fee.

Small but well-curated museum showcasing Brindisi’s Roman and Messapian past. Includes mosaics, pottery, and a fine collection of amphorae from the harbour. Free entry (sometimes just a voluntary donation).

🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–19:00, closed Mondays

💡 The museum is quiet midweek mornings. Look for the bronze 'Fanciullo di Brindisi' statue.

Tree-lined promenade along the inner harbour with views of ferries, fishing boats, and the old town. Benches, a small playground, and maritime atmosphere. Popular for evening strolls.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring binoculars to spot birds on the salt marshes at the far end. There’s a public tap with drinkable water halfway along.

Paved walkway along the inner harbour with views of the castle, docks, and passing ferries. Benches, palms, and a gentle sea breeze.

🕐 24/7 outdoor

💡 Start at the Roman Column and walk south to the Aragonese Castle for a solid 20-minute stroll with changing views.

A wide, palm-lined promenade running along the inner harbour, passing the Aragonese Castle on a small island and ending at the Roman Columns.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring a bottle of water from a local shop; the few cafes along the route are pricey. The benches near the castle have the best shade.

The main waterfront promenade running from the port out to the outer harbour. Benches, palm trees, and views over moored yachts and ferries. Good place to watch sunset over the water.

🕐 Always accessible

💡 Bring a snack from Mercato di Via Fiume (20 minutes on foot) and sit on the rocks near the end of the pier – quieter than the central stretch.

A pleasant seaside promenade running along the inner harbour. Benches, palm trees, and views of fishing boats and the castle. Popular for a sunset stroll.

🕐 Always open

💡 Grab a gelato from Gelateria Caffetteria L’Isola near the end of the promenade.