According to the legend, Brindisi was founded by Bruntus the son of Hercules.

Scientist, however, believe that the name of the city derives from the messapian word "brendon" that is deer's head, referring to the branching-shaped of the port around which the old town stands.

The city's history is crossed with that one of the port, which has been, for the geographical position and physical characteristics, anytime the heart of connections with Greece, the Balkans, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The Port of Brindisi is made up three harbour basins.

Passing between the dam of Punta Riso and the small islandof Traversa one can access to the Outer Harbour (3,000,000 square meters), which is mainly used for the unloading of industrial products.

Between the dam of Forte a Mare and the dam of Costa Morena there is the access to the Middle Harbour (1,200,000 square meters).

By Pigolati Channel finally there is the access to the two long arms that make up the Inner Port (727,000 square meters) divided between the "Eastern Inlet" and "Western Inlet".

Overall, the port of Brindisi has 21 commercial docks, for a linear extension of over 3,700 meters.

The road and rail links connects Brindisi to the Ionian and Tyrrhenian regions and to the northern Italy following the Bari-Bologna-Milan main route.