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Even in antique times, as it was located along the Trajan way, Brindisi played a decisive role in the regional road system as the key junction between Rome and the East for trade and pilgrimages. The magnificent church of Santa Maria del Casale, a point of contact for communication with the East, is an interesting place of worship, built between 1300 and 1310. This is a remarkable specimen of architectural transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style, which stands on the site of an ancient chapel with a much-worshipped icon of the Virgin with Child. The current church, build in Angevin times, must have been commissioned by Philip, Prince of Taranto. The building is mentioned in the proceedings of an important lawsuit against the Knights Templar that was held there. The entrance is embellished by a hanging prothyrum, and the interior has one nave only. It contains some Byzantine frescoes, the most interesting of which are the Annunciation, the Tree of the Cross, the Virgin with Child and Saints, the Nativity, Christ Enthroned, scenes from the Passion and the Last Judgement. Inside the church is a marble pillar with a IX-century cross.