Brindisi

A brief guide to the city of Brindisi

As well as being the location of a ferry port to Greece, the ancient city of Brindisi is also where you will most likely fly to, as Brindisi airport (Papola-Casale) is just six miles from the city and a 45-minute drive from the masseria villas. Don’t be fooled by guide books telling you Brindisi is just somewhere to pass through while you are in transit. It is a fascinating place in its own right and well worth a visit.

The name Brindisi derives from the word Brunda meaning a deer’s head and a reference to the shape of its natural harbour. The city came into its own during the Roman period when baths, an amphitheatre, aqueducts and temples were built and the port was developed. There are many reminders of Roman occupation, especially in the San Pietro degli Schiavoni area. Brindisi has about 90,000 inhabitants and refers to itself as ‘Brindisi – citta d’acqua’ – city of the water. The harbour is very beautiful and partly encircles the town and there is an ongoing project to develop the waterfront area.

The lovely historic centre is still partly surrounded by Aragonese walls dating back to the 15th century and you can visit the Aragonese castle at the harbour entrance. The centre is home to churches, cathedrals and museums. Brindisi is where the poet Virgil died and you can visit the actual spot.

The province of Brindisi has an 80km long coastline which is crammed with bays, coves and beaches, a paradise for those who love the sea.

You can go on a virtual tour of Brindis at http://www.brindisiweb.com/en/index.html