Brindisi is located in the south of Italy, on the heel of the boot. The port of Brindisi is the gateway to the sea route to Africa, Greece and the Balkans. The city was already an important port city in Roman times, the starting or ending point of the most important road through the Roman Empire, the ‘Via Appia’.
Brindisi, on the heel of Italy
Anyone who has ever looked at the map of Italy, and who has not, has of course noticed the shape of the country. It looks exactly like a large, long boot. The foot and heel are clearly visible. On the east side is the port of Brindisi on the heel .
Brinsdisi in southern Italy
Gate of Italy
You could call Brindisi the gateway to Italy. From Brindisi you can sail by boat to port cities in Albania and Greece, for example to Igoumenitsa , Corfu and Patras . And of course also the other way around. Due to its strategic location and a large port, the city is an ideal arrival point for people and goods.
About the city of Brindisi
Brindisi is a medium-sized city, with approximately 90,000 inhabitants. The city is the capital of the province of Brindisi, and is located in the Apulia region. Brindisi has modern connections. In addition to arrivals by water, the city also has a station, with a good train connection to the capital Rome. There is also an airport. In addition to the old historic streets and buildings, the city also has wide shopping streets and promenades. The streets extend along parts of the harbour, where you combine the water, the promenades and the views.
Promenade – during the afternoon rest. Marina
Romans
Brindisi was already an important place in Roman times. The city was strategically located on the southeastern side of the Italian mainland. After the Roman conquests in the Mediterranean countries, Brindisi was where much of the important shipping traffic entered or departed. At that time the city was called Brindisium , sometimes also called Brundisium . Due to the important trading function, good protection was necessary. It is logical that legions were also stationed in and near the city in Roman times.
The Via Appia
Legions had to be able to reach Brindisium quickly, and conversely it was important that merchandise and travelers could also easily reach the capital Rome. The Romans saw the importance and built perhaps the very first paved main road, the road between Rome and Brindisium: the Via Appia . Important parts of this road still exist.
Roman ruins
Such an important Roman city as Brindisium, it is logical that many remains can still be found in the city. And that’s right. Archaeological research has uncovered many foundations of Roman buildings. Artifacts of this are visible in various museums. You can even view foundations, mosaic floors and all kinds of objects in the Archaeological Museum, because the building was built over the excavation. Not surprising in itself, in a city with so much Roman history there must be many remains and foundations under the contemporary houses.
Roman foundations – under roofAncientological museum
Middle Ages
Brindisi’s strategic importance did not end with the end of the Roman Empire. The southeastern coast of Italy also had to be protected in later times. In the Middle Ages a beautiful castle was built here, which still exists and can be viewed.
Corridor in the castleConcert in the courtyard of the castle
Sea
Brindisi is located on the Adriatic coast, so the sea is nearby. If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city, the beach offers a moment for yourself. Sun, sea and beach, in the wonderful temperatures that are common in the summer months!
Culture
Brindisi also counts in the cultural field. For fifteen years now, a musical festival has been held annually that lasts more than a week and is entirely dedicated to Baroque music. The Baroque is the period that starts around 1600 and follows the Renaissance. A Dutch group was also active at the 2012 Baroque festival, the Stads Pipers van ‘s-Hertogenbosch . One of the activities during this festival was La Notte Bianca , the white night of the Baroque. During this evening, the public could enjoy four concerts programmed one after the other free of charge, each at different locations in the historic center of the city.
Wonderful holiday
The city of Brindisi offers tourists a wonderful mix of historic streets and buildings, the harbour, shopping promenades and a pleasant, hospitable population. In the many restaurants you can enjoy all the good things that Italian cuisine has to offer. Look beyond the traditional pizzas or spaghetti and let yourself be pampered by the local menu. Add to that the wonderful climate of the south: Brindisi is a great city for a holiday!
read more
- Baroque Festival 2012 in Brindisi: La Notte Bianca
- The dwarf state of San Marino