Excursion Brindisi on foot tour at Brindisi

Discover a unique blend of Old World and modern-day architecture during this picturesque walking tour through historic Brindisi.

Church of Santa Maria del Casale

Depart the pier for the short drive to the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria del Casale. Located near Brindisi's airport, this splendid, Romanesque-Gothic-styled church is one of Italy's most important national monuments. Its elegant façade features honey-coloured and white local stones. Inside, view a series of fine Byzantine-style frescoes, including the 'The Last Judgement' and 'The Tree of the Cross', with twelve branches symbolizing the Apostles. A visit is also included to the church's adjoining cloister, which is thought to be the site where the Templar Knights were executed in March 1310.

Brindisi Walking Tour

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the town centre. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of modern Brindisi and marvel at its shops and beautiful palaces. Leaving the Piazza Vittoria, discover the ancient Roman District. Beneath the area of the new Teatro Verdi, the remains of the ancient Roman Brindisium were discovered in the 1960s. Admire the elegant Palazzo Granafei Nervegna, which houses one of the two Roman Columns known as the final point of the Appian Way. For many years, the columns were the most important reference to sailors entering Brindisi's port.

Temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro

In the ancient heart of Brindisi, a visit is made to the late-11th-century Temple of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in all of southern Italy. An exterior visit is then made to the Cathedral, and the site where copies of the Roman Columns are located. Following your walking tour, you may opt to re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier, or remain in Brindisi for further exploration and return to the ship at your own expense.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (2.1 kilometres), with uneven and cobblestone surfaces in the town centre, a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and approximately 35 steps whilst leaving the Roman columns. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedrals and/or sacred sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. The purchase of a small snack is recommended in order to use the restroom facilities. The tour sequence may vary.