We’ve crossed the Adriatic and are now on the coast of Italy, right down at the heel. Bríndisi is an old town built around a natural port area, and has played an important part in the fortunes of the area for a long time. The Romans took it in about 250 BC and famously the poet Virgil lived the final part of his life here.
The Normans were here a thousand years later, after which it played a significant part in the Crusades. Notable others ruled: the Venetians, Spaniards and Austrians to name a few.
Today, all that history has left a vast number of lovely buildings, many in ruins. Under the recently built theatre is a stunning Roman street, nearby in a University building a recent renovation revealed many unexpected finds.
Whilst the city has grown a lot, the central area remans very pretty with marbled paving, and in some places the fortified walls remain. There is a substantial castle but this is now a naval base and only open for visits on Saturday mornings.
As we continue around our planned route, we visit many churches and the cathedral, find some fabulous buildings and a couple of fountains. The original road from Rome, Via Appia, terminated here and is marked by two huge pillars, only one of which remains standing. Adjacent to these is Virgil’s house.
Our afternoon is pool-based, and later we attend an excellent Italian dinner in the upstairs restaurant Colonnade:
Spaghetti al pesto Genovese and beef carpaccio,
Osso Bucco and roast salmon,
Truffle Pecorino and Gorgonzola,
Chocolate pot and tiramisu.
The ship’s company are leaving this weekend in Venice so tonight’s show is the last one in the Grand Salon, although we will see them elsewhere before Sunday. This is a show we’ve not seen before and really enjoy the energy.
