Brindisi is a very well-known city in Puglia: it is a fundamental communication hub, thanks to the port and the airport. Furthermore, its historic center is worth a visit, as are some beautiful towns in the province. Very interesting, then, it is the origin of its namedating back millennia, and its long history: here’s everything you need to know.
Where does the name Brindisi come from?
It is known that this land has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In fact, if on the one hand an ancient legend would trace the name back to Brento, the son of Hercules who founded the city, Greek and Latin historians hypothesized that the name derived from Brun or Brunda. The word means “deer head” in Messapian, perhaps to indicate the particular conformation of its port, or “water”, given that the city is practically surrounded by the sea.
This name would first be adopted by the Greeks, who called it “Bretension”, and then by the Romans, who called it “Brundisium”. Even if this is the most accredited, there are other theories that would trace the name of the Apulian capital to a pre-Indo-European rootas there are cities with a similar name in other parts of Europe.
The history of Brindisi in brief
There history of Brindisi it is a mix of events that reflect the strategic importance of this port city. Fundamental for maritime traffic from the Messapian era, Brindisi has always represented a vital connection point between Italy and the territories beyond the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Even if its origins are thousands of years old, it is during the Roman period that the city reaches its peak, becoming one of the nerve centers for trade and military operations. It is no coincidence that the very long distance passed (and still passes) from here Via Appia.
Great Latin poets also passed through here, such as Virgil, who died in this city. Since the fall of the Roman Empire, Brindisi was both Byzantine and Norman. In modern times the city was governed by the Spanish and then by Bourbon which partially reclaimed the port and the surrounding marshes. Finally, in recent times, Brindisi became the seat of the Government for a few months during the last phases of the Second World War.
Why is Brindisi famous?
Brindisi is famous for several reasons. The first, already revealed, concerns its natural port, still today the gateway to Greece and Albania. Furthermore, near Brindisi there are many towns to visit, such as Ostuni, Fasano and Mesagne. Finally, the historic center offers an infinite number of tourist attractions which tell the history and culture of this ancient port city. Among the things to see there are Terminal columns of the Appian WayPiazza Duomo with the Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the Swabian Castle.
Living in Brindisi
Moving to Toasts it means immersing yourself in an urban context that blends millenary history and modernity. The city today offers a good quality of life that attracts both residents and tourists. The presence of schools, universities and the airport makes the city an ideal place for families and students. If you are thinking of living in Brindisi, discover all the secrets of the city with idealista and look for the house that best suits your needs.
