Puglia - Brindisi in November Part 2

On our third day in Brindisi we decide on a walk to the Diga di Punta Riso which protects the harbour from the open sea. The first part of this expedition is delightful because we take the little ferry boat across the harbour to the other side. It's part of the public transport system and so costs just one euro per person each way. Our short boat trip delivers us near the little fishermen's village Villaggio Pescatori, at the start of Via Ammiraglio Milo which makes for a very pleasant walk along the waterside 

as far as the gardens surrounding the Monument to the sailor. The Monument to Italian Sailors is striking to say the least, is one of the symbols of Brindisi and is in the shape of an enormous rudder (or a seated cat, if you're not in the mood). It was built in 1932 to commemorate the sailors who died during the First World War. We are pleased to find it open, entry is free but you need to leave an identity document in the reception area while one of the custodians takes you up to the top. A lift goes most of the way but then there are three flights of stairs. The staircase inside is quite dizzying 

and there are pictures on the walls of different phases of the building work. The roof has a truly spectacular view over all of Brindisi and beyond.

The lady who accompanies us is very friendly and we chat a while about Brindisi and other things to see and do.

Back downstairs we can't proceed along the waterfront so head inland but get waylaid by a tiny matket, just a few stalls, but one is selling vintage clothes, so after a shortish stop we continue our journey a little more laden down.

The rest of the walk as far as the Diga is not along the water so is not particularly interesting, we could have taken a bus, but it seems boring to stand and wait so we carry on. It's about half an hour's walk. We continue on along the diga in the direction of the castle, some things we'd read on the Internet seemed to indicate one could go in. There's a man walking his dog inside the gated area but it really is definitely supposed to be closed to the public so we desist and carry on along the walkway. It's nice to be out towards the sea and there are a few fishermen about but you can't actually see the open sea because, of course, the high protective wall separates you from the open sea. And alas, the view in the distance is of chimneys of the industrial area of Brindisi and the smell of something gassy is wafting in our direction. Moreover, dark clouds are looming threateningly.

We turn back towards base, it's a long walk back but we are lucky because with a final sprint we catch a ferry about to leave and are home in time to cook the last of our supplies. Once again it's quite late by the time we venture out so the afternoon is dedicated to looking at a few shops, the working harbour area and the streets of the old centre followed by a trip to the fishmongers to stock up for the weekend.

The next day is Saturday and the forecast for Brindisi is wet and windy so we indulge in a longer train journey and pop up to Bari for the day, where the weather is breezy but sunny, to revise all our favourites from our stay in the spring.