Do you know Brindisi, the gateway to the East?

Hello everyone, I’m Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments in Bari. 🙂

Today I’ll take you to discover Brindisi, a historic city located on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, often described as the gateway to the East due to its historical role as a crossroads of cultures and commerce.

Starting from Bari, where BeBari offers free parking and a strategic location for your first steps toward exploring Puglia, Brindisi is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.

Let’s get ready to explore this charming city! Let’s go!

1. What is Brindisi known for?

Brindisi, known for its strategic importance over the centuries, is famous for its large natural port, which served as one of the main departure points towards Greece and the Middle East.

Here are some must-see places to visit in Brindisi:

• Roman Columns: The Roman Columns mark the end of the Appian Way, which connected Rome to Brindisi. Only one of the columns still stands, but it remains a powerful symbol of Brindisi’s ancient importance as a gateway to the East.
• Swabian Castle (Aragonese Castle): This imposing castle is located at the entrance to Brindisi’s port and offers a splendid view of the Adriatic Sea. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has been expanded and modified over the centuries and is now open to visitors who want to explore its history.
• Temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro: An extraordinary example of Templar architecture in Italy, this circular temple was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament.
• Church of Santa Maria del Casale: Located just outside the city, this 13th-century church is famous for its medieval frescoes covering religious and chivalric themes. The church is a significant example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
• Provincial Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts that tell the story of Brindisi and its past civilizations, from Greek and Roman times to the Middle Ages.
• Granafei Nervegna Palace: A beautiful example of Renaissance architecture in Brindisi, the palace now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Originally built in the 17th century, it is known for its elegant facade and continues to play an important cultural role in the city.
• Regina Margherita Promenade: A picturesque promenade offering spectacular views of the port and the Adriatic Sea. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk, surrounded by cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
• Archaeological Area of San Pietro degli Schiavoni: This archaeological site in the heart of Brindisi allows you to admire the remains of a Roman neighborhood, with mosaics and residential structures dating back to the 1st century BC.
• Templar Knights’ Portico: Another site related to the Templars, the portico is part of an architectural complex that included a church and a hospital for pilgrims and crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Today, it is a fascinating place that testifies to the city’s medieval past.
• Sea Procession of San Teodoro (November 9): One of the most heartfelt religious festivals, where the statue of the saint is carried in procession through the city to the sea.

Every corner of Brindisi tells a story of passages, encounters, and cultural exchanges, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Mediterranean history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore these places during your visit!

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da Andrea Di Taranto (@andreaditaranto)

2. What to eat in Brindisi?

The cuisine of Brindisi reflects its maritime history, with a strong emphasis on seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

Here are some typical dishes you should definitely try:

• Brindisi Pasticciotto: Different from the more famous Lecce pasticciotto, the Brindisi pasticciotto has a more elongated shape and a filling that can vary, including cream and sour cherry, or even chocolate. The outer pastry crust is sweet and crumbly, a perfect balance with the creamy filling.
• Brindisi Focaccia: Brindisi focaccia stands out for its addition of fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sometimes onions or anchovies. The base is soft and spongy, typically baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
• Brindisi Frisa: Although frisa is common throughout Puglia, the Brindisi version is particularly known for being made with durum wheat. It is soaked in salted water and then traditionally topped with tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, and sometimes basil.
• Brindisi Stuffed Mussels: This mussel dish includes a filling made of stale bread, pecorino, parsley, and eggs, which is inserted into the mussel shells before baking them in the oven. It’s a rich and flavorful dish, combining the flavors of the sea with rustic land-based ingredients.
• Brindisi Risotto: A dish that utilizes fresh Brindisi seafood, particularly mussels and shrimp, combined with saffron and other local flavors to create a creamy and flavorful yellow risotto.
• Brindisi Scapece: This ancient method of preserving fish involves breading and frying small fish (such as sardines or anchovies), followed by marinating in vinegar with saffron, a specialty of the port city.
• Taralli Scaldatelli: Brindisi taralli, locally known as “scaldatelli,” are a crunchy snack made from flour, olive oil, salt, and white wine. They are perfect to enjoy with local cheeses or a glass of Puglian wine.

These dishes represent an essential part of Brindisi’s cuisine and offer a unique taste of its culinary traditions, ideal for those seeking an authentic experience during their visit to the city.

3. Best Beaches near Brindisi

The beaches in the vicinity of Brindisi are known for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the best:

• Torre Guaceto Beach: Located in a marine nature reserve, Torre Guaceto offers a beach of fine golden sand, surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s perfect for those seeking a natural experience and offers opportunities for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• Apani Beach: This beach, more secluded and less crowded, is located near Brindisi and provides a tranquil setting with clear waters ideal for swimming. The beach is surrounded by low rocks and Mediterranean vegetation.
• Lido Morelli – Torre Guaceto: Lido Morelli is known for its stretch of white fine sand, ideal for long walks barefoot. It’s well-equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, making it perfect for families.
• Punta Penna Grossa Beach – Torre Guaceto: This beach is famous for its coarse golden sand and the dunes that surround it. It offers a beautiful contrast between the blue sea and the green of the vegetation.
• Seagulls’ Beach: This small beach is located north of Brindisi and is appreciated for its tranquility. It is less known compared to other beaches in the area, making it an excellent choice for those seeking peace away from the crowds.
• Lido Specchiolla: A lively and well-served beach, Specchiolla offers various recreational activities, including water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. With beach bars and restaurants, it’s ideal for those seeking a mix of fun and relaxation.
• Lido Sabbia d’Oro: Sabbia d’Oro is popular among families and young people for its complete services and festive atmosphere. The beach is wide and well-maintained, with designated play and relaxation areas, and periodically hosts beach events and parties.

Each beach near Brindisi offers something unique, whether you’re looking for tranquility, nature, services, or fun. Be sure to consider what you value most to make the right choice during your visit.

4. How to Get to Brindisi

Brindisi is easily accessible from Bari, both by car and by train:

• By Car from Bari: Taking the SS16, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, passing through the characteristic landscapes of Puglia.
• By Train from Bari: Numerous trains connect Bari and Brindisi daily, with travel times ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the service chosen.
• Brindisi Airport: Brindisi Airport is known as Salento Airport, also known as Brindisi-Casale Airport.
• How to reach Brindisi city center from the airport? To get to Brindisi city center from the airport, you have several options:

5. History and Curiosities about Brindisi

Brindisi has played a crucial role in history due to its strategic geographic location. The city has been an important crossing point for the Crusades and trade routes to the Middle East and Asia. During the Roman era, it was considered one of the main gateways to the Roman Empire.