The Best View of the Castello Svevo in Brindisi? Take the Motorboat

The Swabian Castle in Brindisi isn't a typical tourist spot. You can't just buy a ticket and walk in. The Navy still uses it, so it's usually closed to the public. But its location on the inner harbor makes it one of the city's most fascinating buildings.

If you want to see it, don't drive there. The best way is to take the public boat across the harbor. The shuttle leaves every 30 minutes from the waterfront, and the ticket costs 1.20 euros. For just over a euro and a few minutes, you reach the other side in the Casale neighborhood. From there, you get the best view of the Swabian Castle and all of Brindisi's harbor, in my opinion. The boat runs all day, so you rarely wait long for the next trip. Locals use it daily to travel between Casale and the city center. So, you get to experience a bit of local life during the ride.

From Casale, the castle looks impressive. It's surrounded by water and port activities, which still drive the city's economy. In just a few minutes, from one spot, you can see almost everything Brindisi was and still is: the Roman Columns, the Swabian Castle, military ships in the inner harbor, the modern promenade, and boats coming and going.

If you're up for a walk along the port, head to the Sciabiche area. It's worth getting closer to the fortress walls. Walking from the promenade takes about 13 minutes. Here, the Swabian Castle shows a different side. Its towers and strong walls reflect on the water. It's also one of the nicest spots on Brindisi's promenade. At the castle's base, you'll find several places and great restaurants for an aperitif or dinner with a view of the port.

If you're short on time, I'd choose the motorboat without hesitation. It doesn't let you enter the Swabian Castle, but it offers the best view to admire it. Plus, it gives you one of the most stunning views of Brindisi.