Italian Monuments
Municipality of Brindisi, Former Youth Hostel
Region: Puglia
Province: Brindisi
Municipality: Brindisi
Address: Via Nicola Brandi 4
Coordinates: 40°38’40.66”N – 17°55’54.95” E
Property: Municipality of Brindisi
Tipology: Former Hostel
Period: 1950
Description
The Youth Hostel is located at the crossroad of Via Nicola Brandi and Via Ruggero de Simone, in a strategic point, between the connecting routes to Bari and the city center, a few steps from the Salento Airport. The hostel is located along the historical axis that first crossed the crusaders and then the pilgrims from the Church of Santa Maria del Casale to the sea, passing in front of the Church of Cristo del Passo, a path that is included among the historical routes.
The hostel, built in the late 1950s, is on two levels for a total covered area of 720 square meters and 1,900 square meters of external area.
The hostel had been keeping its original use from the early 60s until the end of the last century, being one of the most significant structures in the panorama of regional hospitality. It used to host young tourists who could enjoy green areas, a tennis court and even an Olympic swimming pool in close proximity.
Enhancement proposal
The structure is close to routes of international interest (via Traiana and Francigena) and national interest (via Appia and Cammino Materano), aiming to become a welcome center and connection point with the historical city towards the sea.
Currently the building is abandoned and in need of a conservation plan. In addition to the interventions relating to finishes and technological system, it is necessary to replace the roofing structure and to reclaim the external area, with a redevelopment of the planted areas.
The change of the functional program related to the design of accommodation-tourist facilities will need a review of the distribution system, and that of space allocations, according to dimensional and qualitative parameters.
