The visit
Stop 02 · Sala della Colonna · Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna
The original in the Sala della Colonna
In the Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna complex, the Sala della Colonna houses the original capital of the column above the harbour. The one in the square is a copy: here you can study the sculpture close up and discover why it was moved indoors.
Explore the storiesStop 02 · Neptune tells Brindisi's story
An evocative account by a digital character, not a historical witness. Play the video when you choose; it does not start automatically.
Automatic captions are available in the video's five languages.
Stop 02
Each story has audio and a complete text. Choose a title or scroll through the page.
STORY 01
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The column above the harbour now carries copies of its capital, upper block and last shaft drum.
The three original elements are kept in the Sala della Colonna, beside Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna.
Comune di Brindisi, Note storiche sulla città di Brindisi; catalogo della mostra
STORY 02
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Four larger figures and eight tritons blowing shells appear on the capital.
Sources suggest Neptune, Amphitrite, Oceanus and Tethys for the main figures; these identifications remain interpretations.
STORY 03
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From 2 to 7 October 1995, the column was dismantled one piece at a time.
A crane on the quay lifted the elements; a barge carried them by sea to the plant where they would be examined and restored.
La Colonna romana di Brindisi. Smontaggio, restauro, rimontaggio. Catalogo della mostra
STORY 04
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In 1998, the elements were restored and studied, including with three-dimensional surveys.
On 21 July 2003 the column was reassembled with copies of its three most exposed elements; the originals reached the Sala della Colonna in September 2007.
La Colonna romana di Brindisi. Smontaggio, restauro, rimontaggio. Catalogo della mostra
The exhibition catalogue documents the dismantling, restoration, reassembly and display of the Roman Column. It is already available in the Appia Immersiva archive.
Sources are listed with each story. Check access to the sites locally.