Cathedral of the Visitation and Saint John the Baptist

Dominating Piazza Duomo is the scenic Cathedral of Brindisi, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, built with the Roman columns of the Temple of Apollo and Diana and preceded by an acute-angled arch on which the Baroque bell tower stands.\n\nTraces of its original Romanesque appearance include the external apse dating from 1089–1132, rebuilt in 1746 after an earthquake had almost entirely destroyed the architectural structure.\n\nThe building has a Latin cross plan with three naves: here you can find precious mosaic remnants of the ancient floor made in 1178 with characteristic zoomorphic decorations. Inside is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, adorned with polychrome marble altars and majolica floors.\n\nOn the main altar is a valuable 18th-century silver antependium, while on either side of the altar are paintings depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Pelinus and the Preaching of Saint Leucio of Oronzo Tiso. Notable is the walnut choir, made in the late 16th century and recently restored.