Porta dei Cavalieri Templari , Brindisi

Historic Building in Brindisi

Portico dei templari bRINDISI
Portico dei templari bRINDISI
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Saggottarius A

The Portico dei Templari is one of the top sights in Brindisi for travelers who enjoy medieval architecture and little-known historic corners. Despite its evocative name, this portico has no real connection to the Knights Templar. Instead, it is a finely crafted Gothic loggia featuring carparo arches, a Greek marble column, and ribbed vaulting that reflects the early use of the pointed arch in Norman-era Apulia. Standing beneath its cool stone vaults feels like stepping into a quiet fragment of Brindisi's oldest civic centre.

Today, the portico forms the atmospheric entrance to the Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo and is often visited on walking tours of Brindisi. Its graceful arches and historical ambiguity draw visitors into the layered story of Piazza Duomo, where medieval religious power, noble families, and later civic uses all intersected.

History and Significance of Portico dei Templari

Dating to the 12th or 13th century, the Portico dei Templari is a fine example of early Gothic architecture in southern Italy. Its two carparo arches, separated by a Greek marble column with a wicker-patterned capital, support cross vaults built with alternating ribs of white stone and carparo. These elements clearly reflect the Norman architectural experimentation that introduced the pointed arch to the region.

Although long associated with the Knights Templar, this link is the product of 18th-century scholarship that mistakenly tied the structure to the remains of a distant church dedicated to St. John. Historically, the portico was far more likely part of Brindisi's first medieval archbishop's palace, given its privileged location on Piazza Duomo. Later documents from the 16th century reveal that the structure formed the ground floor of the palace owned by the De Cateniano family. Lucio De Cateniano, a prominent figure and mayor of Brindisi, donated the property-including the portico-to the civic hospital, which relied on charitable support.

In the mid-20th century, between 1954 and 1958, the portico underwent restoration that included some modern reconstruction. It then became the entrance to the Ribezzo Museum, where medieval artifacts such as a large stone sarcophagus are now displayed under its vaults.

Things to See and Do in Portico dei Templari

Take time to admire the structure’s elegant Gothic details, especially the two slightly pointed arches that mark the early transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture in Apulia. The Greek marble column is a highlight, with its finely carved wicker-pattern capital offering a refined decorative touch.

Beneath the ribbed cross vaults, you'll find medieval artifacts that form part of the museum's collection. The stone sarcophagus on display adds depth to the setting, enhancing the impression that this was once an important civic or ecclesiastical structure. Standing here also offers a great vantage point for appreciating the historic atmosphere of Piazza Duomo, framed by the cathedral, episcopal buildings, and nearby archaeological museum.

As the entrance to the Ribezzo Museum, the portico provides a natural starting point for exploring Brindisi’s rich archaeological collections, including ancient inscriptions, ceramics, and underwater finds.

How to Get There

The portico is located in Piazza Duomo, at the heart of Brindisi's historic centre, adjacent to the cathedral and the archaeological museum.
Travelers arriving by train can reach Piazza Duomo with a 15-minute walk from Brindisi railway station. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.
There are several public parking areas around the edge of the old town. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Brindisi Airport is only a short drive or bus journey away. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Brindisi on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Portico dei Templari

  • Best time to visit Portico dei Templari: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and gentle light on the stone.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free; part of the museum entrance area.
  • Opening hours: Accessible during museum opening hours (generally Tuesday-Sunday).
  • Official website: See Brindisi’s cultural heritage or museum websites for updates.
  • How long to spend: Around 10-20 minutes at the portico itself; longer if visiting the museum.
  • Accessibility: The portico is at ground level with easy access.
  • Facilities: Museum facilities are available inside.
  • Photography tip: Capture the interplay of the two-tone vault ribs and the contrasting textures of stone.
  • Guided tours: Often included in museum or city walking tours.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias are available around Piazza Duomo and nearby streets.

Where to Stay close to Portico dei Templari

For easy access to Piazza Duomo and the main sights of Brindisi, consider staying nearby. Grande Albergo Internazionale offers classic harbourfront charm within walking distance of the old town. Palazzo Virgilio is a modern option near the station and still close to the historic centre. For boutique comfort in the old town, Hotel Boutique Executive Inn provides stylish rooms close to key landmarks.

Is Portico dei Templari Worth Visiting?

Yes, Portico dei Templari is certainly worth visiting, especially for those with an interest in medieval architecture or the layered history of Brindisi. Its elegant Gothic design, misunderstood past, and role as the entryway to the Ribezzo Museum make it both historically intriguing and visually rewarding.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

Loggia dei Templari on Via Santa Chiara sits beside the Piazza Duomo and the provincial archaeology museum, offering a striking medieval portico of two Gothic arched arcades in the local yellow-gold carparo stone with bichrome white-and-black detailing and a Greek marble column between the arches; visitors praise its evocative architecture and colors, the atmospheric ribbed vaulting, and recommend pairing a visit to the loggia with the nearby archaeology museum (which some note has free admission).

FAQs for Visiting Portico dei Templari

The name comes from an 18th-century misidentification connecting it to the Templars, but there is no historical evidence of their involvement.
It was likely part of the medieval archbishop’s palace and later the ground floor of the De Cateniano family palace.
Yes, it is freely accessible during museum opening hours.
The Greek marble column with its beautifully carved wicker-pattern capital.
Yes, although partially reconstructed in the 1950s, many structural and sculptural features are original.

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The Porta dei Cavalieri Templari  appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Brindisi!

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Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Loggia dei Templari, Via Santa Chiara, Brindisi, BR, Italy
Brindisi: 1 km

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