A punching apparatus comprises a beating element (2) arranged for interacting with a punching tool (30) and movable inside a containing means (3) along and around a work axis (A), a first rotating actuator (4) coupled by transmission means (10) to the beating element (2) for moving the latter linearly along the work axis (A) between an internal operating position (R) and an external operating position (T) and driving the punching tool (30), a second rotating actuator (5) coupled to the beating element (2) and arranged for rotating the latter around the work axis (A), at least one tool holding unit (20) fixed to the containing means (3) that is rotatable around a respective rotation axis (B) and provided with at least one seat (21) suitable for slidably housing a respective punching tool (30); the beating element (2) comprises an operative end (8) provided with coupling means (9) arranged for coupling with further coupling means (22) of the tool holding unit (20) so as to rotate the latter around the respective rotation axis (B) and enable the punching tool (30) to be angularly oriented.