Brindisi Walking Tour: The most important Roman Empire port

The Swabian Castle of Brindisi, also known as the Castle of Terra, is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by order of Frederick II of Swabia. Located in the historic center of the city, it features an imposing structure with massive stone walls and corner towers. Over the centuries it served military and defensive purposes and was expanded during the Aragonese and Bourbon periods. Today it is one of the main historical symbols of Brindisi and a testament to its strategic importance in the Mediterranean ( external visit )

The Roman Columns of Brindisi are one of the city’s most important symbols and mark the final point of the Appian Way, the ancient road that connected Rome to the Adriatic port. Dating back to Roman times, they are located on the waterfront overlooking the harbor. Today, only one of the original columns remains, while the other is a later reconstruction. They represent a significant historical monument and a very scenic viewpoint of the city.

Originally built in the 12th century and later rebuilt after the 1743 earthquake, it now features a predominantly 18th-century style. The exterior is sober and elegant, while the interior is spacious and bright, with Baroque decorations, stucco work, marble, and various sacred artworks that reflect the city’s long religious history.

The Temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro in Brindisi is an ancient medieval circular building dating back to the 11th–12th century. It was likely built by the Knights Templar or connected to the Crusades, and it recalls the shape of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The exterior is simple yet striking, while the interior features a circular arcade with finely decorated columns and capitals, creating a mystical and symbolic atmosphere ( external visit )