Brindisi Walking Tour: The most important Roman Empire port





Description
This guided tour will begin at the scenic seafront in Brindisi, where you can admire the Roman Columns, symbol of the city and final point of the Appian Way. The two marble columns once marked the entrance to the harbor and represent the symbolic end of the road that connected Rome to the Adriatic. From here, you can also see the Monument to the Italian Sailor, dedicated to fallen sailors. The tour continues to Piazza Duomo, with the Cathedral of Saint Giovanni Battista: a sober façade and an interior rich in Baroque elements, marble, stucco, and altars. Nearby are the Loggia Balsamo, an elegant arched structure, and the Palace of the Seminary, a historic ecclesiastical building. The walk continues through the old town, among narrow streets and noble palaces, leading to the Temple of Saint Giovanni al Sepolcro, a medieval circular building of symbolic value. The visit ends with an exterior view of the Swabian Castle, a fortress of Norman and Swabian origin that dominates the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Swabian Castle of Brindisi, also known as the Castle of Terra, is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by order of Frederick II of Swabia. Located in the historic center of the city, it features an imposing structure with massive stone walls and corner towers. Over the centuries it served military and defensive purposes and was expanded during the Aragonese and Bourbon periods. Today it is one of the main historical symbols of Brindisi and a testament to its strategic importance in the Mediterranean ( external visit )
The Roman Columns of Brindisi are one of the city’s most important symbols and mark the final point of the Appian Way, the ancient road that connected Rome to the Adriatic port. Dating back to Roman times, they are located on the waterfront overlooking the harbor. Today, only one of the original columns remains, while the other is a later reconstruction. They represent a significant historical monument and a very scenic viewpoint of the city.
The Cathedral of Saint Giovanni Battista in Brindisi is the city’s main place of worship, located in Piazza Duomo. Originally built in the 12th century and later rebuilt after the 1743 earthquake, it now features a predominantly 18th-century style. The exterior is sober and elegant, while the interior is spacious and bright, with Baroque decorations, stucco work, marble, and various sacred artworks that reflect the city’s long religious history.
The Temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro in Brindisi is an ancient medieval circular building dating back to the 11th–12th century. It was likely built by the Knights Templar or connected to the Crusades, and it recalls the shape of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The exterior is simple yet striking, while the interior features a circular arcade with finely decorated columns and capitals, creating a mystical and symbolic atmosphere ( external visit )
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Reviews(6)
Valentina did a terrific job explaining the history of the city and sharing architectural sites, museums and excavations that brought the history alive.
I am a loyal customer of viator for over a decade and this is the first time I've had such a horrendous experience with them. We waited for almost half an hour for the guide to show up. We called Viator and they tried calling the tour company and got no answer. They said they would cancel the tour for us and put in a refund request. The next day we get an email saying we would not be getting any refund because the tour guide said he was there waiting for us. He said he tried calling us but that is also a lie, as we have no missed calls, adding to the fact when Viator called him there was no answer. I am going to social media with this and I am filing a complaint for fraud with my Credit Card company!
Beautiful city, sunny and welcoming, with a delightful harbor and old town rich in history. Beautiful Cathedral, Virgil Staircase and Archaeological Museum.
The sights and the tour guide she was fenomenal she had the courtesy to keep communicating with me regarding times and locations
Our guide was very difficult to understand. She moved too quickly for us and didn’t wait before she started talking. Wouldn’t go this again
Flo was just lovely and very well informed on this beautiful city. Easy walking at a nice relaxed pace and we saw and learned about many things. I absolutely recommend.



