History-lovers and the curious should certainly include San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple into their Brindisi itinerary. The ancient structure holds frescoes that date back to as early as the 12th century, with explanation boards set up in both Italian and English. Roman structures' remains can be seen in the basement.

Originally, there were two twin Roman Columns of Brindisi, but after the collapse of one of the two columns in 1528, the monument remained mutilated. The surviving column is among the most remarkable historical sites of Brindisi. It represents the point where the Appian way — the road between Rome and Brindisi in that period — ended, as well as the place where the travellers left to the East back in the Roman times. From there, a splendid view of the port of the city is revealed.

Around 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Brindisi, the town of Francavilla Fontana is known for the numerous palatial mansions built by local aristocrats during the Baroque period. The most striking of these, the Palazzo Imperiale on Via Municipale now houses municipal offices. The town also boasts a treasury of Baroque churches, notably the Chiesa Matrice, dating back to 1759, which houses the allegedly miracle-working icon of the Madonna della Fontana, patron saint of the town.

Perched atop the stark white cliffs of Pamukkale lies Hierapolis — an ancient city that's as rich in history as it is in thermal springs. Once a Phrygian cult centre and later a flourishing Greek city, Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, an array of atmospheric ruins, and the famed Sacred Pool, a thermally heated delight where you can immerse yourself amidst submerged Roman columns, scattered by an ancient earthquake. Just a stone's throw away, the terraces of Pamukkale steal the show. These gleaming white formations, made of travertine — a sedimentary rock deposited by the mineral-rich hot waters — give the town its name, meaning 'Cotton Castle'. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to a steamy 100°C, these hot springs have been creating an expanding landscape of terraces for centuries, as calcium carbonate from the waters crystallises into the soft gel of travertine. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a unique fusion of cultural history and natural wonder that should not be missed.