Molo Catene
- Type
- Monuments
- Area
- Casale
- Time
- about 30 min
- When
- during the day
The Molo Catene owes its name to a medieval defence system. In 1301, under Charles II of Anjou, two towers were built on either side of the Pigonati canal, linked by a chain: with a geared mechanism it was pulled taut to close the harbour, or left underwater. The same system was used in other ports, such as Trani.
The towers were pulled down in 1776 by Andrea Pigonati, the same man the canal is named after. The chain, however, survived: today it is kept in the entrance passage to the courtyard of the Swabian Castle.
Nearby
- Crypt of the Monumento al MarinaioBeneath the great rudder of the Monumento al Marinaio lies a quiet place many visitors don't expect: the crypt-shrine.
- Monumento al Marinaio d'ItaliaThe Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia is the rudder, about 53 metres high, that you can see from all over the harbour.
- Porta RealePorta Reale stood here, the gate that closed the city off from the sea: the sea brought trade, but also the risk of invasion.
- Roman ColumnsThe Roman Columns are the symbol of Brindisi: you'll find them on the rise overlooking the port, where the Via Appia ended, the road…