Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro Brindisi
A 11th-century circular church in Brindisi, echoing the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and steeped in Crusader history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro Brindisi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 11th-century circular church in Brindisi, echoing the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and steeped in Crusader history.
"A priceless historical jewel enriched with many amazing human stories engraved in every inch of the building."
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 15-30 minutes for your visit; it's a small but historically rich site.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Admission is typically around €3, offering great value for a historical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Circular Architecture
Interior
A unique horseshoe-shaped interior with eight columns in a circle, echoing the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Marble Lions
Entrance Pillars
Admire the striking marble lions that support the entrance pillars, adding to the church's ancient grandeur.
Patio Garden
Courtyard
A serene green patio featuring citrus trees and ancient tombstones, some dating back to the Roman era.
Faded Frescoes
Interior Walls
Discover partially visible, centuries-old frescoes that offer a glimpse into the church's artistic past.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 15-30 minutes for your visit; it's a small but historically rich site.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Admission is typically around €3, offering great value for a historical experience.
🍋 Patio Delights
Visit in winter to see citrus trees full of ripe fruits in the charming patio.
🏛️ Historical Echoes
Imagine Templars praying here before heading to Jerusalem; the history is palpable.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 15-30 minutes for your visit; it's a small but historically rich site.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Admission is typically around €3, offering great value for a historical experience.
🍋 Patio Delights
Visit in winter to see citrus trees full of ripe fruits in the charming patio.
🏛️ Historical Echoes
Imagine Templars praying here before heading to Jerusalem; the history is palpable.
🗣️ Passionate Guides
Ask for information; guides can share incredibly detailed and passionate historical accounts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro a fascinating historical gem, particularly appreciating its unique circular architecture and its strong connection to the Crusades and the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The affordable entry and the charming patio with citrus trees are also highlighted as positives, though some note its small size and limited visible frescoes.
"This church was built at the end of the 11th Century AC by a Norman King who was returning from a Crusade, as Brindisi's harbor was the main departure point to Middle East during the age of the Crusaders (1096-1291). The interior is designed in the shape of a "horse shoe" with eight columns in concentric circle, just like the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
According to nowadays standards the temple is not a tall building, so it's not visible from distance. Actually, all the buildings around are taller. Anyway it well worth visiting, especially for the marble lions supporting the entrance pillars, for the indoor wall paint, partially visible and for the green patio, where the visitors could admire some beautiful orange and lemon trees, as well as ancient tombstones, some of them dating back from Roman era.
Visited the place in January and the citrus trees in the patio were full of ripe fruits."
Ionut Sendroiu
"Fascinating little piece of history being at the beginning of the Crusaders Trail and the poker Jerusalem, Jerusalem small quick and easy and a nice little piece of history"
Matthew Miller
"Cost 3 eu to enter only partial frescos are visible, only takes 15 minutes to see the inside, the history of this church is very interesting."
Victor Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro is located in the very center of old town Brindisi, making it easily accessible on foot if you are already in the historic district. It's a short walk from the main harbor area.
Parking in the historic center of Brindisi can be challenging. It's best to use public parking lots on the outskirts of the old town and walk to the temple.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the temple, Brindisi has a bus network that can get you close to the historic center, from where you can walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or online before your visit. It's generally open during daylight hours, but specific times should be confirmed.
The entrance fee is typically around €3 per person, which is considered a reasonable price for the historical insights provided.
For individual visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for group tours or special events, it's recommended to inquire.
The historic nature of the building, with its ancient stones and layout, may present challenges for those with mobility issues. It's best to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built in the 11th century by a Norman king returning from the Crusades, it served as a pilgrimage site for those heading to the Holy Land and a place of thanks for those returning. Its circular design mimics the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Inside, you'll find a unique horseshoe-shaped layout with eight columns in a circle, partially visible frescoes on the walls, and marble lions supporting the entrance pillars.
Yes, the church features a lovely green patio with citrus trees and ancient tombstones, some dating back to the Roman era.
Most visitors find that 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient to explore the church and its patio, given its compact size.
While not always formally advertised, the ticket holders often provide excellent, passionate historical explanations if you ask.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the church for personal use, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially if there are ongoing services or events.
The circular interior with its columns, the marble lions at the entrance, and the charming patio with citrus trees offer great photographic opportunities.
While generally allowed, check for any specific signage or ask staff if you are unsure about restrictions, particularly regarding professional or commercial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical explanations might be a bit advanced, focusing on the 'knights going to Jerusalem' aspect can make it exciting. The patio with its fruit trees and old stones offers a pleasant space for a brief break. It's a good way to introduce children to medieval history in a tangible way.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the details: the arrangement of the columns, the partially preserved frescoes, and the ancient tombstones in the patio all tell stories of centuries past. Engaging with the ticket staff for their passionate explanations can unlock deeper insights into the temple's rich history.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Don't hesitate to ask for information from the staff; many visitors report receiving incredibly detailed and passionate historical accounts that enrich the experience significantly. It's an ideal place for a reflective pause during your exploration of Brindisi.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Templar Connection
The church's circular design is a key feature that draws parallels to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a significant pilgrimage site for Christians. This architectural choice underscores its importance as a place of spiritual preparation and reflection for those undertaking the Crusades. The intimate scale of the temple, despite its historical weight, allows for a personal connection to this past.
Some sources suggest that the church was built by a Norman king returning from a Crusade, further cementing its place in the history of the Crusades. The presence of ancient tombstones in the patio also hints at the long history of burials and veneration associated with the site.
Architectural Uniqueness
Beyond its circular form, the temple is adorned with marble lions that support the entrance pillars, adding a touch of regal and symbolic grandeur. Inside, visitors can discover faded frescoes on the walls, remnants of the church's artistic past that, though partially visible, offer a glimpse into medieval artistry and religious storytelling.
The patio garden provides a tranquil contrast to the historical weight of the interior. Here, visitors can admire mature citrus trees, often laden with fruit, and ancient tombstones, some of which date back to the Roman era, showcasing the layered history of the site.
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