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Europe Italy Brindisi Do & See The Big Rudder — A Monument to the Italian Sailor

Overview

The Big Rudder — A Monument to the Italian Sailor

The guide was updated: 2024-03-17

Built in 1933 at the peak of Mussolini’s regime, this memorial towering over Brindisi’s harbour survives as a monument to seamen lost during the two world wars. The monument mimics a giant rudder, beneath which a crypt in the shape of a ship’s hull bears the names of the 36,000 Italians lost at sea.

Useful Information

Address: Monumento civile al Marinaio d'Italia, Via Duca degli Abruzzi, Canale Pigonati, Brindisi
Opening hours: The monument: Thu–Tue 10am–6pm, Wed closed. The crypt: Fri–Tue 10am–6pm, Wed & Thu closed.

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Duomo

Duomo

Works on Brindisi’s impressive Cathedral began in the 11th century and it was rebuilt in the mid-18th century. Parts of the original building, including a twelfth-century mosaic floor, can still be seen. Inside you can see the altars in poly-chrome marble commissioned, the balustrades and the majolica floor.

Swabian Castle of Brindisi

Swabian Castle of Brindisi

This great castle is the second of the four castles in Brindisi. In the 13th century, Emperor Frederick II commanded the construction of this fortress in which the citizens could take refuge in case of danger and to better defend themselves. Later, in the mid-15th century Ferdinand I of Naples decided to add new town walls in order to defend the castle from deadly shootings. Today it represents one of the leading Navy bases in Italy.

The Big Rudder — A Monument to the Italian Sailor

The Big Rudder — A Monument to the Italian Sailor

Built in 1933 at the peak of Mussolini’s regime, this memorial towering over Brindisi’s harbour survives as a monument to seamen lost during the two world wars. The monument mimics a giant rudder, beneath which a crypt in the shape of a ship’s hull bears the names of the 36,000 Italians lost at sea.

Francesco Ribrezzo Provincial Archaeological Museum

Francesco Ribrezzo Provincial Archaeological Museum

The rooms of this museum are arranged around different themes and contain a wealth of Greek and Roman statues, mosaics, bronze and silver coins, pottery and weapons. The top attraction is the Punta del Serrone collection of bronzes, salvaged from the seabed not far from Brindisi harbour.

Francavilla Fontana

Francavilla Fontana

Around 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Brindisi, the town of Francavilla Fontana is known for the numerous palatial mansions built by local aristocrats during the Baroque period. The most striking of these, the Palazzo Imperiale on Via Municipale now houses municipal offices. The town also boasts a treasury of Baroque churches, notably the Chiesa Matrice, dating back to 1759, which houses the allegedly miracle-working icon of the Madonna della Fontana, patron saint of the town.

Ostuni

Ostuni

Ostuni, about 32 km (20 miles) west of Brindisi, where a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes and alleys surrounds a hilltop crowned by a medieval cathedral, is the most impressive of Apulia’s "white towns", with sweeping views across the surrounding farmlands to the east coast.

Lecce

Lecce

About 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Brindisi, Lecce is the jewel of the Apulia region. A historic town with a treasury of Baroque churches and mansions, a dramatic Roman theatre on its main square, and a sturdy medieval castle that is in the process of being turned into a centre for the arts. It has some excellent hotels and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli

The best sandy beach in the region can be found just south of this pretty fishing port on Apulia's west coast, about 80 km (50 miles) south of Brindisi, where yet another medieval castle guards a fine natural harbour overlooked by old whitewashed houses. Gallipoli has plenty of places to stay suiting all budgets and some excellent fish restaurants.

Santa Maria del Casale Church

Santa Maria del Casale Church

Santa Maria del Casale is a popular tourist site which was built by Prince Philip of Taranto in 1300, and recently renovated. This elegant church is located just a few minutes' walk from the airport. Its facade is skilfully decorated with impressive ornate frescoes.

Brindisi Express City Tour

Brindisi Express City Tour

A great way to explore the city is to take the Road Train with Brindisi Express. The tour starts from the port's entrance, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The tour takes one hour and it includes a homemade Italian gelato and a tour guide.

Lido Azzurro

Lido Azzurro

For a lazy day at the beach, head over to Lido Azzurro. This beautiful beach offers facilities like changing rooms, showers, deck chairs and umbrellas. If you are feeling hungry there are restaurants and bars around the area (sunbeds and umbrellas are offered at a fee, but you can bring your own).

Zoosafari Fasanolandia

Zoosafari Fasanolandia

Zoosafari is the largest wildlife park in Italy, located a few kilometres from Fasano. It is a place where you can watch exotic animals like tigers, lions, bears, elephants (and so much more) from your vehicle. In addition to the safari park, there is a large amusement park with attractions for all ages as well as several restaurants where to energise before finding out new exciting species.

San Domenico Golf

San Domenico Golf

San Domenico Golf is considered one of the best golf clubs in Italy with its 18 tours overlooking the sea of Apulia. Enjoy 6,300 metres of meandering meadows flowing among olive groves all along a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic coast offer a spectacular marine views. You will find this golf course near the small fishing village of Savelletri.

Carrisiland Resort

Carrisiland Resort

Carrisiland Resort is an amusement and water park for the whole family. The park offers swimming pools, slides, acquatube, whirlpools, animation, and much more. There is also a forest that houses the village of Tarzan, the jungle, and a Jurassic Park with dinosaurs. It also hosts musicals and shows.

Alfonsino Castle

Alfonsino Castle

Alfonsino Castle, also known as Red Castle, is located on the Island of St. Andrew, at the port of Brindisi. This fortification dates back to 1481 and it was completed in 1492 by Ferdinand I of Aragon. It was built in defence of the city from possible sea attacks.

Guna Beach Club

Guna Beach Club

Certainly among the best beach lounges in the Brindisi area, Guna is a relaxing venue that plays unobtrusive jazz and operates on an à la carte basis — there is a cafe and restaurant. Sunbeds with soft mattresses set at a small elevation above the sea in a green area are at guests' disposal.

Brindisi Port

Brindisi Port

The port of Brindisi has seen many a cruise liner at rest in its waters. Recently renovated, the port area is now better than ever, fit for a leisurely scenic stroll and a lunch break in one of the several restaurants and cafes on the waterfront. At night, the area turns into a lively hot spot.

San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple

San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple

History-lovers and the curious should certainly include San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple into their Brindisi itinerary. The ancient structure holds frescoes that date back to as early as the 12th century, with explanation boards set up in both Italian and English. Roman structures' remains can be seen in the basement.

Roman Columns of Brindisi

Roman Columns of Brindisi

Originally, there were two twin Roman Columns of Brindisi, but after the collapse of one of the two columns in 1528, the monument remained mutilated. The surviving column is among the most remarkable historical sites of Brindisi. It represents the point where the Appian way — the road between Rome and Brindisi in that period — ended, as well as the place where the travellers left to the East back in the Roman times. From there, a splendid view of the port of the city is revealed.

Cillarese Park

Cillarese Park

The pleasant park just outside the city centre is great for an evening stroll, daytime picnic, or even a morning jog. Plenty of shaded areas make for great places to get away from the summer heat in the grass. There are a few duck-inhabited ponds here.

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