Roman columns, Swabian castles, Byzantine churches, a Monument to the Italian Sailor, and ferries to Greece — everything you need to see and do in Apulia's ancient Adriatic port
Brindisi may not have the Baroque glamour of Lecce or the trulli-dotted hillsides of the Valle d'Itria, but what it offers is arguably more valuable: authenticity. This is a city that has been a working Adriatic port since Roman times, where the Via Appia ends at the harbour steps, where Crusader fleets assembled before sailing for the Holy Land, and where today the hulking Superfast and Grimaldi ferries depart daily for Greece. Brindisi's sights are layered — Roman, medieval, Aragonese, Baroque, and modern — reflecting a 2,300-year history as a strategic Mediterranean crossroads.
The city is compact and walkable, with most of its major attractions within a 30-minute stroll. This makes it a perfect destination for the eco-conscious traveller — you can explore the entire historic centre on foot, use the excellent train connections for day trips, and keep your carbon footprint low. Book your stay through IMPT, and every hotel night removes 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere, making your Brindisi visit not just low-impact but actively carbon-positive.
Brindisi's most famous landmark and the single most significant Roman monument in the city. Two marble columns stand at the top of the harbour steps, marking the terminus of the Via Appia — the Appian Way, the Queen of Roads that spanned 540 km from Rome to the Adriatic coast. The taller column stands 18.5 metres high, carved from Proconnesian marble imported from Turkey. The other column was removed by the city of Lecce in 1661 after a dispute, and a replacement was installed in 1936. The columns date from the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Trajan, and originally supported bronze statues — possibly of the emperor himself. Climb the small staircase beside the columns for a wonderful view across the inner harbour to the Swabian Castle and the ferry docks beyond.
Emperor Frederick II built this formidable trapezoidal fortress between 1227 and 1233, incorporating an earlier Byzantine bastion. The massive keep has four corner towers — two circular, two square — and is surrounded by a deep moat that was originally fed by the sea. The castle's Swabian-Gothic bifora windows (twin-arched) are fine examples of Frederick's architectural fusion of northern European and Mediterranean styles. Today the castle serves as the headquarters of the Italian Navy's Maritime Command in Brindisi. The courtyard and exterior are freely accessible, but the interior is not generally open to the public except during special events, concerts, and the Vini e Vinili wine festival in September. The castle's position at the harbour mouth has guarded Brindisi for nearly 800 years.
Located in Piazza Duomo, Brindisi's cathedral was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style but was largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1743 that levelled much of the city centre. The Baroque interior is elegant rather than ornate, with a single nave, side chapels, and a carved wooden ceiling. The cathedral houses the chapel of San Teodoro, Brindisi's patron saint, which contains a 15th-century wooden crucifix and reliquaries. The cathedral museum nearby (Museo Diocesano) holds a collection of religious art, vestments, and archaeological fragments from the original Romanesque structure. Entry to the cathedral is free.
This is arguably Brindisi's most beautiful church, and one of the finest examples of Gothic-Romanesque architecture in southern Italy. Built between 1300 and 1322, Santa Maria del Casale sits about 1.5 km south-east of the city centre, just outside the medieval walls. The exterior is strikingly striped in alternating bands of local tufa (a soft limestone) and white limestone — a decorative technique that is a hallmark of Apulian Romanesque. Inside, the single nave and apse are covered in extraordinary 14th-century frescoes by Rinaldo da Taranto, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a dramatic Last Judgement on the counter-façade wall. The frescoes are remarkably well-preserved and rank among the most important examples of Gothic painting in Puglia. Free entry, donations appreciated. Closed for lunch (12:30–15:30).
A circular Romanesque church with a central plan, built in the 11th–12th centuries by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (the same order that guarded the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem). The building's circular nave, central dome, and blind arcading deliberately echo the Jerusalem church, serving as a substitute pilgrimage site for Crusaders who could not make the journey to the Holy Land. The interior is stripped back and atmospheric, with bare stone walls and a raised central area where the altar once stood. The floor retains traces of original mosaic work. A quiet, contemplative space in the heart of the old city, steps from the Cathedral. Free entry.
Perched on the promontory at the southern end of the harbour, this colossal 53-metre-high monument has the shape of a giant ship's rudder. Built between 1928 and 1933, it commemorates the 6,000 Italian merchant and naval sailors who lost their lives in World War I. The monument's stark rationalist design was controversial at the time but is now recognised as one of Italy's most striking Fascist-era memorials. On the lower levels, a museum traces the history of the Italian merchant marine and the port of Brindisi. Climb the 250-step internal staircase to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of Brindisi's inner and outer harbours, the Adriatic Sea, the Aragonese Castle on Sant'Andrea island, and the Salento coastline stretching south. Entrance fee EUR 3.
Built in the 15th century by Ferdinand I of Aragon on the island of Sant'Andrea, Castello Alfonsino forms a twin-fortress defence system with Castello Svevo — a unique arrangement in Mediterranean military architecture. The castle was designed to protect the outer harbour and features massive bastions, a gun platform, and a lighthouse. Boat tours from the inner harbour (operated by Trenino dell'Arte, summer season only) take you across to the island for a guided exploration of the castle's ramparts, dungeons, and sea-facing batteries. The views from the castle walls back toward Brindisi are among the best in the city. The castle itself is partly used as a naval facility, but the tour covers the accessible parts of the historic fortifications.
Housed in a 19th-century palazzo on Via Duomo, this excellent provincial museum tells the story of human settlement in the Brindisi area from prehistory through the Messapian, Greek, Roman, and medieval periods. The star exhibit is the "Brindisi Head" (Testa di Brindisi) — a Hellenistic bronze portrait head from the 2nd century BC, remarkably well-preserved, thought to represent a Macedonian prince or a Roman general. The museum also holds important collections of Messapian pottery (the indigenous people of the Salento before Roman conquest), Greek red-figure vases, Roman glass, and medieval artefacts from the city's churches. The numismatic collection contains coins from the Roman mint of Brundisium. Entrance fee EUR 5, free on the first Sunday of the month.
Brindisi's palm-lined seafront esplanade runs for over 2 km from the Stazione Marittima (ferry terminal) south to the Monument to the Italian Sailor. Named for Queen Margherita of Savoy, the promenade is the city's social spine. In the morning, joggers and dog-walkers use the path; at sunset, couples and families take the evening passeggiata along the waterfront. The views from the lungomare are constantly changing — ferries loading and departing, the Swabian Castle silhouetted against the sun, the fishing boats returning to the inner harbour. The best time to walk is between 6 PM and 8 PM, when the light is golden and the temperature has dropped. The benches along the route are perfect for sitting and watching the maritime life of the port unfold.
Watching the ferries load and depart is a quintessential Brindisi experience. The Stazione Marittima at Costa Morena is one of the busiest passenger ports on the Adriatic, handling daily departures to Corfu (4–6 hours), Igoumenitsa (8 hours), and Patras (14–16 hours). You don't need a ticket to enjoy the port atmosphere — grab a coffee at the harbourfront bar and watch the Superfast and Grimaldi ferries manoeuvre in the basin. The scale of these vessels is impressive, and the maritime ballet of tugs, gangways, and cargo loading is endlessly fascinating. For ferry passengers, the terminal has a waiting lounge, cafe, and basic shops. The ferry is a significantly lower-carbon option than flying to Greece, reducing travel emissions by up to 80% on the Italy–Greece route.
A 20-minute drive north of Brindisi, the Torre Guaceto marine and terrestrial nature reserve is one of the most pristine stretches of Adriatic coastline. The reserve protects 1,200 hectares of Mediterranean maquis, dunes, and rocky coves with crystal-clear waters. Visitor numbers are strictly limited during summer to protect the ecosystem — arrive early to secure entry (the reserve opens at 8:30 AM). Activities include swimming, snorkelling in the protected marine area, hiking the coastal trails, and birdwatching (the reserve is an important stopover for migratory birds). Entry costs EUR 3 and supports conservation. There is a visitor centre with maps, and a small beachside cafe serves simple lunches. No cars are allowed beyond the car park; a shuttle or bicycle provides access to the beaches.
Beyond Torre Guaceto, several beaches along the coast north of Brindisi are worth visiting. Punta della Contessa (10 km north) is a long sandy beach backed by a pine forest, with shallow water perfect for families. It's reachable by STP bus from the city centre in 20 minutes. Specchiolla (25 km north) has a relaxed atmosphere with a small marina and several seafood restaurants overlooking the water. Lido Cerano (15 km north) offers lido services with umbrellas and sunbeds for around EUR 15 per day in season. The best approach is to rent a bicycle or car for a day trip along the coastal road, stopping at whichever beaches catch your eye. The water quality on this stretch of the Adriatic is consistently excellent, with Blue Flag status at several locations.
Lecce (30 min by train) — The Florence of the South is famous for its Baroque architecture, particularly the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. The train runs hourly and costs EUR 3.50 each way. A morning at the Roman amphitheatre and a lunch of orecchiette in the historic centre makes for a perfect half-day trip.
Ostuni (25 min by train) — The White City is one of Puglia's most photographed destinations. The entire old town is whitewashed, glowing under the Salento sun. Climb to the Cathedral for panoramic views across the Valle d'Itria to the sea. Allow 3–4 hours to explore the maze of white alleys.
Alberobello (1 hour by train) — The UNESCO-listed trulli district is easily reached from Brindisi via a change at Fasano. The cone-roofed limestone houses are unique to this part of Puglia and look like something from a fairy tale. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
Bari (1 hour by train) — Puglia's capital offers the Basilica di San Nicola, a sprawling old town (Bari Vecchia), and one of Italy's liveliest street food scenes. The train runs at least hourly. Focus on Bari Vecchia — the medieval quarter — for the most rewarding experience.
Historic Centre Walk (1.5 km, 1 hour): Start at the Roman Columns on the harbour. Walk up Via Colonne to Piazza della Vittoria. Pass the Cathedral and Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro. Loop through the medieval streets around Porta Mesagne. Return to the lungomare for sunset. The route is flat, easy, and takes in all of Brindisi's major historic sights.
Harbour Circuit (3 km, 1.5 hours): From the ferry terminal, walk along the outer harbour wall past the fishing port to the Monument to the Italian Sailor. Continue along Lungomare Regina Margherita past the Roman Columns and the old port back to the ferry terminal. This walk offers continuous water views and the opportunity to watch ferries, fishing boats, and naval vessels.
Santa Maria del Casale Walk (4 km, 2 hours): From the historic centre, walk south-east along Via Appia to Santa Maria del Casale (20 min). Visit the church interior with its frescoes, then continue to the Parco del Casale before returning via the Archaeological Museum. This walk combines architecture, archaeology, and a quiet park setting away from the port bustle.
Brindisi is significantly cheaper than Lecce, Bari, or the tourist centres in the Valle d'Itria. A coffee at a bar costs EUR 1–1.50, a glass of house wine EUR 3–4, and a three-course dinner in a good trattoria EUR 30–40 per person. The Archaeological Museum charges just EUR 5 and the Monument to the Italian Sailor EUR 3. Most churches are free. The train to Lecce costs EUR 3.50 each way. Street food — panzerotti, sgagliozza, pettole — costs EUR 2–5 and makes a satisfying lunch. Book your hotel through IMPT for the same prices as Booking.com, with EUR 5 free credit for new users and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens. Every booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere through verified carbon removal projects.