Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale (source: Visual Puglia )
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.
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In Brindisi province, stones and buildings tell the story of this land. Appia and Traiana roads once connecting the city to Rome left their traces on modern roads. In this city, where Virgil died, there are the remains of two II –century columns that marked the end of Appia road. The Norman – Swabian and Angevin marks also prevails in the inland area of province and former Messapi land, while it is even more evident in Mesagne, Oria and Ceglie Messàpica castles. In this area, natural landscape is characterized by ravines and caves shaped through centuries by the patient work of rivers. Rock witnesses of basilian monk civilizations can be found near Ostuni. Watch towers north of Brindisi tell the story of pirate and Saracen invasions, while the remains of ancient Egnazia Roman city can be seen in the respective archeological site.
Itria valley is characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand, These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques
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A proud, extremely loyal civilization, between the IX and VII centuries b.C. the Messapis built several settlements that were fortified with huge walls. Oria, with its characteristic castle, and Mesagne still keep witnesses that allow to reconstruct history, customs and habits of this ancient population
The coast of Brindisi area is characterized by small cities gathering around their historical centers, overlooking white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Brindisi is an example, with its huge castle emerging from the sea; Carovigno, dominated by Torre Guaceto and Ostuni, the white Mediterranean sea surrounded by olive trees and by a wonderful beach that hosts an unforgettable medieval center
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia