The port city of Brindisi, which lies on the Adriatic Sea, in the Apulia region of Italy, is a town that grows on you with time. One doesn’t fall immediately in love with the place. As a matter of fact, one might be put off at first glance. The city has certainly seen better times. Legend has it that the place was founded by Diomedes. Since then, the city has seen invasions, wars, earthquakes, plagues, and countless other disasters. But, it is still here. And it is beautiful, in its own unique way!
While Brindisi is normally a city that tourists pass through rather quickly, to catch a boat to Greece or some other destination, I decided to settle down there for a few days, and to give myself a chance to really explore the city. I am glad I did!
I booked myself a room at a B&B called “Penthouse Station,” which, as you might guess, was located just half a block away from the Brindisi Train Station.
The room was quite spacious. I had a large living/sitting room, as well as a bedroom, and a terrace that was incredible!
This was a perfect location to stay at, as it was only a five-minute walk to Corso Umberto, which was one of the city’s main streets.
The city has a rich past, and there is evidence of it everywhere you look. At the same time, you also see how run down it has become, yet all the while maintaining its charm and beauty.
Corso Umberto runs into Corso Garibaldi, which, if you follow it all of the way to the waterfront, leads into Piazza V. Emanuele.
From here, it’s possible to stroll along the Lungomare.
Betty Café is a great place for a bite to eat, or simply for a drink.
The column standing at the top of the stairs marks the end of Via Appia, which connects Brindisi with Roma. There used to be two columns here, but one was taken to the nearby city of Lecce.
The Collezione Archeologica Faldetta is a small museum located along the Lungomare, right at the base of the steps (known as the Virgil Staircase — he died at the site of the house with the plaque on it, in the year 19 BC, in this very piazza), which lead up to the Roman column. The museum hosts the collection of Salvatore Faldetta, whose passion for antiquities is evident by the richness of the items on display here. There is also a stairway inside, which leads you to the roof for a panoramic view.
The statues, on the top of this building, moved me immensely, their iron bands protecting and restraining them, as they ride through the centuries that assault their home.
Next up: More from Brindisi!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from bella Puglia, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!