This Is Italy
The area around Brindisi – the Salento in the heel of the Italian boot – is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It was the ancient Greeks who settled here after their colonization of southern Italy. Now Brindisi is the center of a lively tourist destination.
Brindisi became a city with a long and vibrant history. The city has been an important trade center for centuries, with one of the earliest known ports in antiquity, dating back to around 1000 BC.
Today Brindisi is a bustling seaside town with a rich assortment of fascinating places and activities.
While here, take in the many beaches, stroll past whitewashed houses and old churches, and enjoy the beauty of nature, the deep blue waters and the breathtaking views of the coastal area.
Immerse yourself in history as you explore the city with its many churches, monuments and palaces. Prefer to enjoy the sun and sea? Then go to Lido Azzurro for a swim or rent a boat at Chiavica Ragusi.
There is simply too much to do, see and experience in this historic city, which is one of the most welcoming and most beautiful places in Italy belongs.
To help you out, here are Brindisi's best activities and sights.
1. Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale
If you're in the mood for a shot of medieval history, consider visiting this lovely Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale. Brindisi Cathedral is the most important religious building in the city and the design of the basilica is certainly not ordinary!
The Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale is designed in a Romanesque style and the color of the stucco works perfectly with the stone facade. In this church are columns supporting a frescoed nave and also two chapels with relics of saints.
The beauty of the Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale will show you why it is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Romanesque architecture.
The glorious frontage contains an ornate bell tower and a series of opulent stone carvings, perfectly capturing the building's vibrant appearance.
2. Guna Beach
From the cathedral to the beach, because of course you don't just come here to sit in dark cathedrals.
Guna Beach is an oasis of serenity in the immediate vicinity of Brindisi. This exclusive stretch of beach slopes gently into the water, making it perfect for families with small children. The water is beautifully blue and invites you to swim and snorkel.
This beautiful environment reminds you that you have to live in the now. People come here to relax in a serene atmosphere with all the amenities you could wish for: a spa, water sports and plenty of food and drink options on the beach.
More information can be found on the website of the Guna Beach Club.
3. Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi
Not so into the churches and the beaches? How about an impressive castle?
The Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi is a historic castle from the 16th century on the outskirts of Isola Sant'Andrea and consists of an impressive defensive structure. Visitors can see how these buildings used to protect the entrance to Brindisi's harbor.
When you are here you can feel the history. Cannons once stood here to guard the entrance to the city of Brindisi. Now it serves purely as a backdrop for locals and tourists alike.
Volunteers here are happy to take you on a tour of the courtyards, starting with the armory where old cannons still stand. Visitors are also welcome to walk around the outer defense walls or visit an art gallery dedicated to Giuseppe Gentile, who illustrated one of Italy's most famous folktales.
The Castello Alfonsino is a castle with many towers, donjons and walkways. The battlements offer fantastic views over the harbor and the Adriatic Sea, which are guaranteed to make for great photos.
4.Piazza Santa Teresa
This square is located in the heart of Brindisi, close to the promenade and harbour. The charming square offers fine architecture such as the Prefettura Di Brindisi with its richly decorated facade, formally known as Palazzo Pretorio di Piazza Santa Teresa.
The Church of Santa Teresa can be found on one side of this enchanting square. Large trees provide shade for visitors who enjoy the day sitting at tables or benches, complete with their children playing nearby.
Piazza Santa Teresa is one of the most famous squares. It has been used for centuries by locals to relax during the summer months or escape the winter cold.
In recent years it has become a bit more chic, with a number of expensive shops and with bars and restaurants.
5. Santa Maria del Casale
Santa Maria del Casale is a beautiful example of Italian classical architecture. This 13th century church in Brindisi, Italy, still retains the original paintings and artifacts that point to its important historical background.
Recently restored to its original beauty after extensive restoration, it now stands proudly as Brindisi's most famous landmark.
The church's undeniable charm is immediately apparent as soon as you approach it. The facade of this church consists of beautiful patterns and overhanging ornate doorways. With elaborate frescoes on the walls, the interior is as complex as the exterior.
Inside, a bright and cheerful atmosphere full of beauty awaits visitors. Visitors are welcomed by a variety of beautiful frescoes, including the Madonna and Child.
6. Colonne Romane – the Roman columns
The picturesque center of Brindisi and is a must for any visitor.
The two Roman columns from the 2nd century stood at the end of the Appian Way. They are located in the port of Brindisi. One has remained completely intact. After an earthquake in the Middle Ages, only the base of the second remains standing.
The two columns are made of oriental marble, also known as Marmara marble. They were built as a tribute to the Roman soldiers.
7. Lido Azzurro
Apulia is known for its beautiful beaches and has been a popular destination for both foreign and domestic tourists for several years.
The beautifully clean Azzurro Beach is the perfect place to escape it all. Less than a 20-minute drive (plenty of parking spaces) from town, spend a lovely day swimming in calm waters, sipping a cocktail at the beach bar or lazing around with a book on the sun loungers.
With the blue waters and excellent facilities at Lido Azzurro, it's hard not to feel relaxed. This is almost the perfect place for sun and sea lovers looking for a relaxing day.
8. The markets of Brindisi
Each market, built up from generation to generation, has its own flair and its own way of displaying what the farmers and fishermen have brought.
In the markets of Brindisi you can find everything you need to make a fresh, delicious meal. As you turn off Via Santa Maria Ausiliatrice and enter the bustling agora on the corner of Via Pace Brindisina, your senses are immediately stimulated by the scent of citrus fruits.
At the market, you will meander through wide paths lined with stalls full of fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat and other delicacies. In the morning it is traditional to browse stalls selling plants such as hibiscus or cacti. For example, you will find delicious freshly squeezed orange juice or beautiful tomatoes at unbeatable prices.
9. Brindisi . Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Brindisi is one of the must-sees when visiting the city. With artifacts, exhibits, and relics dating back centuries, there's no better way to learn about ancient history than in this museum.
Discover ancient artifacts from all over history, telling stories of both contemporary and past life in Brindisi. The museum was opened in 1951 out of a desire to preserve artifacts from all over Italy found by locals. Especially those objects that were part of their daily life before the harbor turned into a bustling tourist area.
Clay pots and colorful frescoes show what it would have been like to live here before heavy machinery took over, while richly crafted weapons give a glimpse of warfare in the olden days.
In short, the archaeological museum is a true gem for history buffs.
10. Parco Urbano del Cilarese
With so much to see and do in Brindisi, a visit to the Parco Urbano del Cillarese is a nice moment of rest during your stay.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the many scenic trails past towering trees, rolling fields, and ponds filled with birdlife. Expansive green lawns with many trees provide a wonderful break from the city.
On one side of this park are large willow trees that provide shade to benches. A gentle breeze makes it pleasant here.
The park also offers panoramic views of Lago di Cillarese. And if you can, enjoy the sunset from the lookout on a bench.
The Brindisi City Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic with friends amid the beauty of nature. The park also has a playground for children.
11. The Port of Brindisi
Brindisi is home to no fewer than 2 beautiful ports, one of which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The water is so blue that you immediately want to swim in it. The air is warm and salty, just like the resort itself.
The port of Brindisi was invaded by land and sea during the time of ancient Rome. Now it is the tourists who flock here en masse.
Not so strange, because the port of Brindisi is an enchanting place. In the historic harbor you will also find many shops with authentic products such as pasta and olive oil.
Stroll along the boulevard and discover the best places to eat and drink based on tips from residents.
12. Lecce
A little further south from Brindisi is Lecce, the capital of the Baroque. While Lecce is home to absolutely stunning architecture (including the San Giovanni Battista and the Santi Niccolo e Cataldo), there are plenty of other sights to see as well. So definitely consider taking a trip to Lecce when you're in Brindisi!
Lecce is a city rich in history and culture, which flourished during the period of the Roman Empire. The best time to explore the sights of Lecce is in the spring when festivals take place all over the city.
The food is fresh and delicious and the setting is made up of rich, green gardens, perfect for an after-meal stroll. Enjoy the languid atmosphere here with an iced coffee on a terrace.
13. Ostuni
Step back in time with the ancient town of Ostuni, known as the 'White City'. Small cobbled streets lined with small shops, restaurants and cafes invite visitors to linger on their way to the Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio.
Ostuni has everything you need for an enjoyable day trip. Wander through the small cobbled streets, browse the shops and stop for lunch or dinner fresh† Chances are you'll never want to leave Ostuni's friendly people and enchanting atmosphere!
Bring sunglasses though, because the White Town is quite… white.
Re-watch the best of Brindisi on video here:
Haven't seen enough beauty yet? View the most beautiful cities, regions and places in Italy here.
Tip: from Eindhoven Airport you fly to Brindisi in 2,5 hours.
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