The Roman column located in the Port of Brindisi and one of the most important symbols of the city is what remains of what was originally two Roman columns built in the 2nd century AD. Erected in the centre of the port as a landmark for seafarers, it is thought that they were built to mark the end of the Via Appia. Made from eight sections of Turkish marble and 18.74 metres high, only one of these columns remains intact today. It has a Corinthian capital with a motif of acanthus leaves, the head of a divinity and eight tritons. The second column, one of whose sections has remained in Brindisi, fell in 1528 and was later transported to Piazza Santo Oronzo in Lecce.
Via Appia columns - Brindisi
A Brief History:
One of the most accepted theories about the monument’s origin is that is was a commemorative work completed in 110 AD circa under the Emperor Trajan and built following the rerouting of the Appian way from Benevento through to Canosa, Ruvo, Egnazia, and ending at Brindisi. Trajan gave his name to this section of the road, called the Traiana or the Appia-Traiana. The Appian Way was begun in 322 BC by the censor Appio Claudi il Cieco (Appius Claudius Caecus “the blind”) to join Rome to Capua. A few decades later it was extended to Benevento and Taranto, conquered in 272. Five years later Brindisi also fell to the Romans and the road was once again extended, this time to the Port of Brindisi, most likely under Appio Claudio Pulcro (Appius Claudius Pulcher), consul in 213 AD.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 12/02/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia