This weekend Ryan and I got to head into the main part of Brindisi to do some sightseeing/education. Maurizio gave us a map of all the places we should visit. As part of our work at the hostel, we should be able to instruct visitors on the main sights to see as well as where things are in the town. Maurizio said that often times we can go with hostel guests into the town and act as tour guides J

So, Ryan and I set off with our list of statues, churches, and castles. Brindisi was once under Roman rule so like Trier in Germany, there is a lot of Roman influenced architecture. This was definitely true of the Brindisi cathedral (duomo).

It was expected that Brindisi would have a nice cathedral, but when we arrived in Italy, castles were not the first thing that came to my mind. Churches yes, (and wow, there are a lot of them here), but castles, no. Canada really should have jumped on the castle bandwagon because they are some of the most beautiful structures we visit. Schloss Heidelburg was our first castle in Germany which was topped by Schloss Neuswanstein. We visited two castles in Scotland (Sterling and Edinburgh) and were then surprised to find a massive castle in the heart of Ghent, Belgium. I should have known that Brindisi would have one, especially due to its idyllic location on the water. The castle itself is Swabian (go Germany!) and although it is not that pretty, man what a view! It is situated right on the water of the port and so when you stand on the banks, you can see all of the boats cruising in and out on their way to Greece.

When Ryan and I returned to the hostel, I was glad that Brindisi was a small town. It will take me quite a few more visits to get my bearings and learn what I can about the buildings. I have a weird sense though that I will be the one to go to when it comes to finding the cheapest grocery store to get all of our North American classics...peanut butter for one...hard to come by. It's supposed to rain this week but hopefully the sun has decided to stay with Ryan and I.