Porta dei Cavalieri Templari

Historic Building in Brindisi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Saggottarius A

The so-called Portico dei Templari is a medieval structure located in Piazza Duomo in Brindisi. It features two Gothic carparo arches, separated by a Greek marble column adorned with a capital decorated with wicker motifs. The structure is composed of two cross vaults with two-tone ribs made of white stone and carparo.

Based on its architectural characteristics, the portico likely dates back to the 12th or 13th century, reflecting the early use of the pointed arch during the Norman period in Southern Italy.

The precise function of the portico has not been entirely clarified. However, from a typological perspective, it is more accurately described as a loggia rather than a portico. Given its location in Piazza Duomo, it is reasonable to suggest that it was part of the first medieval archbishop’s palace in Brindisi. The association with the Templars is a result of 18th-century scholarship, which erroneously linked it to the remnants of a church dedicated to St. John found in the same area but at a considerable distance.

Documentation from the 16th century indicates that the portico was the ground floor of the elegant palace belonging to the De Cateniano family. Lucio De Cateniano, a member of this family and mayor of Brindisi in the mid-16th century, donated some of his properties in Piazza Duomo, including the portico, to the civic hospital, which was maintained through free donations at the time.

Today, the Portico dei Templari, partially restored with modern imitation during the renovations of 1954-1958, serves as the entrance to the Ribezzo Museum. It is an integral part of the museum, hosting medieval artifacts under its vaults, including a large stone sarcophagus.

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

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