San Giovanni al Sepolcro, Romanesque church in Brindisi, Italy.
San Giovanni al Sepolcro is a round stone church in Brindisi supported by eight marble columns and featuring a lower crypt level beneath the main floor. The interior displays medieval frescoes on the walls and can be explored through guided visits to the different levels.
The church was built in the 11th century and quickly became an important stop for Crusaders traveling from European ports toward the Holy Land. Brindisi's role as a gateway to the Holy Land made this sanctuary a significant point on the journey for many pilgrims and soldiers.
The main portal displays carved stone details featuring biblical and mythological motifs that reflect the Romanesque style of Puglia. The facade design shows how Byzantine and Norman artistic traditions met and influenced each other in this region.
The church is visited through organized guided tours that make multiple levels accessible, including the lower areas. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to explore all sections without rushing.
Archaeological digs inside the church uncovered Roman remains, including floor sections from an ancient house from that period. These layers tell of millennia of different settlements that built upon each other at this location.
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