All about Gaeta: climate, beaches, cuisine, attractions, entertainment, photos and reviews of tourists about Gaeta.
old town Gaeta considered the most popular resort in the Riviera de Ulisses. This rather hidden and charming place is nestled in the harbor of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the first settlements appeared here in the 8th century BC. It was also called hidden and impregnable because in the 1960s NATO naval groups were located here.
The famous hero of the Trojan battles, Aeneas, lived here. The city got its name from its nurse, Kaeta, who was buried in these places. Gaeta has seen various historical events, including the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, suffered from barbarian raids and persecution of the Saracens. Byzantine rulers dominated here, and the royal residence was also located in the city.
How to get to Gaeta
You can fly to the nearest airport in Naples, which is only 70 km from Gaeta. 110 km away from the city. Buses and trains run regularly from there to Gaeta.
Weather in Gaeta
Unique natural conditions Gaeta attract many tourists here. Quiet, quickly warming sea is distinguished by its cleanliness, and the swimming season here lasts from May to October. The city has quite sunny days, but there is practically no strong heat. The comfortable climate allows not only to relax on the beach, but also to attend excursions and engage in water sports sports.
Beaches
In addition to its historical sights, Gaeta is famous for its kilometers clean beaches. Coastal waters are rich in diverse fauna and flora, which attracts many divers. This area has acquired the status of a nature reserve, which is controlled by World Organization ecologists. The best beach holiday, according to the majority - it is in Gaeta. Nearby, in the city of Cassino, you can visit large water park Haway Park.
Cuisine and shopping in Gaeta
Of the local dishes, you should try "White Pizza", chicory salad, "Olive di Gaeta". Gaeta restaurants also offer Spagnoletta tomatoes, anchovies and salsiccia, an Italian sausage cooked in white wine with coriander.
Local shops sell jewelry, expensive costume jewelry, quality clothes, shoes and cosmetics. You can also buy various souvenirs.
Hotels
Gaeta hotels offer their vacationers a quality holiday with all amenities. At the hotel, prices per day start from 47 euros. The luxurious Hotel Mirasole International 4 * has comfortable rooms, but they will cost more - from 90 euros per night.
| Villa Irlanda Grand Hotel Via Lungomare Caboto 6, Gaeta | |
| A Casa Di Eta Via Flacca km 23,400, Gaeta | |
| Hotel Serapo Spiaggia Di Serapo, Gaeta | |
| B&B Il Vecchio E Il Mare Via Prima Calata San Giovanni 17, Gaeta | |
| Hotel Gajeta Lungomare Caboto 624, Gaeta | |
| La Bouganville Via Pio IX 32/34, Gaeta | |
| Hotel Mirasole International Via Firenze 5, Gaeta |
All hotels in Gaeta are free of charge.
Attractions Gaeta
Such a rich history could not pass without a trace for Gaeta. Here you can see the ruins of defensive fortifications and water supply devices from the Roman era. Also preserved in the city medieval fortress, on the territory of which there used to be a prison and a barracks. The harbor reliably protected the ancient fort from the sea.
Another ancient castle is believed to have been built in the 6th century. It includes two parts, one of which - Anjou, was built by the French. Another, newer Argonne building served as the residence of Charles V. At present, the castle building is reserved for the Nautical School.
Cathedral, built in the historical part of Gaeta in the 12th century, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Here, to this day, you can see a festive candle, on which images of the life of Jesus on earth are placed. The Cathedral of St. Francis is also noteworthy, the entrance to which is decorated with a statue of a monk who watches over the city and protects it from misfortune.
Next to the exquisite Cathedral of Annuziata is a rather interesting chapel, which the locals called the "Golden Grotto". This chapel was erected on a large stone that had broken away from Mount Orlando. This mountain is deeply revered and respected by all Christians.
Biblical traditions say that during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ famous mountains split into two parts, including Orlando. On a stone near the foot of the mountain, you can see a handprint. This place is sacred, and many pilgrims from all over the planet come here. In a small niche of the mountain, the monk Francesco Neri lived for many years, who was later canonized as a saint. Also on Mount Orlando, the tomb of the famous Roman consul Lucius Plancus was erected.
At the foot of the mountain begins Cape Monte Orlando, which is known for its beautiful natural park. Not only tourists, but also locals rest here. In fact, the cape is an island that connects a thin isthmus with the shore.
Gaeta is a city in one of the regions of Italy, which is famous for its large number of notable places. In addition, it has an optimal location, from where it is convenient to get both to the capital and to Naples. From Gaeta to Rome a little over 100 km, to Naples - even less. History buffs will certainly appreciate the museum city of Pompeii, which was subjected to the destructive power of Vesuvius. From Gaeta, they often go on excursions by sea and visit the Pontic Islands.
Gaeta is considered one of the most popular resorts on Tyrrhenian coast, because here is a typical Italian holiday. The resort offers vacationers interesting excursions, an excellent beach holiday, which will be appreciated even by the most fastidious tourists.
Gaeta is one of the most vibrant cities on the Riviera di Ulisse. Imagine a narrow peninsula, cut into the Tyrrhenian Sea like a high rocky cape, and along its edges, bays spread like wings. The northern bay is wide sandy beaches, which are adjacent to the resort area of Gaeta. South bay - port and houses local residents.
The historic center of Gaeta occupies the southern slope of the cliff and descends towards the port. The rocky part of the Gaetan Peninsula faces the beach part of the city.
Such a remarkable peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water, was not ignored by any of the peoples who found themselves in this place. Roman emperors and nobles spent sultry summers here - in Gaeta and its environs, during excavations, the ruins of Roman villas were found. Under the Angevin and Aragonese rule, a castle (Castello Angioino-Aragonese) appeared on top of the cliff. In the 9th century, a free republic emerged here, the Duchy of Gaeta, with its own flag and coin. This strong maritime trading state lasted three centuries: from 839 to 1140 - and competed at sea with such maritime republics like Amalfi and Pisa. Then it was swallowed up by the Kingdom of Naples.
The glorious maritime past continues to this day: a NATO naval base is now located in Gaeta. Get ready that while walking around the city you will from time to time stumble upon walls with ”Zona militare” signs.
The main attractions of Gaeta
The entire historical center of Gaeta is one big attraction, with its peculiar churches, a labyrinth of steep streets, houses, in which something Moorish, Norman, and Byzantine can be seen.
The old city of Gaeta has two dominants: Aragonese castle and gothic Cathedral of San Francesco. The castle looks very powerful from the nearby hill of Monte Orlando, and the Gothic cathedral forms a magnificent profile of the city when viewed from the waterfront.
The most unusual and famous sights of Gaeta are " shattered mountain" (Montagna Spaccata) and " Turk's Grotto» (La Grotta delTurco) - two huge crevices in the northern part of Mount Orlando. According to legend, the mountain split at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. At that moment, mountains trembled in different parts of the earth, and rocks cracked. Monte Orlando is one of those places.
Herself Mount Orlando covered with forest (Parco Monte Orlando), along which paths and trails are laid. Among the forest there are the remains of military fortifications, and the top of the mountain is crowned Mausoleum of Lucius Planck an associate of Caesar.
Map of Gaeta with attractions
Road from Terracina to Gaeta
On one of the days of my stay on the Riviera di Ulisse, I went from to Gaeta.
Buses from Terracina to Gaeta run infrequently, you need to look at the schedule on the website of the bus Cotral company— cotralspa.it. At the tobacconist next to bus stop I bought a day pass BIRG for 6 euros (since I was going to see Sperlonga the same day). With this ticket, you can ride all day within the 2nd zone of the Lazio region.
The bus was not long in coming. Among the few who wanted to, I climbed into the bus and set off along the coast in a southerly direction.
The road was not to say very beautiful. Mostly camping sites and wild sandy beaches stretched along the coast. Greenhouses, vineyards and cultivated fields often came across on the left side.
We passed Sperlonga, the tunnels began. After the next tunnel, we entered the resort area of Gaeta, passed the beaches and, having rounded the mountain, went down to the embankment to the port. There, near the city park, in Piazzale Caboto, the bus dropped off passengers traveling to Gaeta, stood for a while and went on to Formia.
To the right of the stop there is a city park with a monument to the victims of the war.
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
I decided to go to the Cathedral of San Francesco first of all - suddenly it is open. And then after all, a siesta is inevitably approaching.
Since the cathedral is visible from afar, it is not difficult to find the way to it, and besides, there are signs. From the stop - up and to the right.
In 1222, Francis of Assisi traveled through Southern Italy and spent some time in Gaeta, where he proposed to found a Franciscan monastery. A small church and a monastic building were built. In 1285, the Neapolitan king Charles II of Anjou provided funds for the construction of a large Gothic cathedral. In 1850, at the expense of King Ferdinand II, the temple was renovated and strengthened.
On both sides of the entrance there are sculptures of the main sponsors: Charles II of Anjou stands on the left, Ferdinand II on the right.
From the square in front of the cathedral, a staircase descends down the slope in two sleeves. Between the arms of the stairs stands the sculpture of Religion (1853, sculptor Luigi Persico).
When I approached the church of St. Francis of Assisi, it was closed. There was a timetable on the grate.
The church is open on weekends and Friday evenings.
Opening hours in summer (May-September): 10.30 - 12.30 and 17.00 - 19.00.
In winter (October-April): 10.30 - 12.30 and 15.30 - 17.30.
After that, I thought: whether to return back to the historical center or go to the Shattered Mountain. I decided to go to Shattered Mountain and, as it turned out, I did the right thing: it turned out that there is also a siesta there, and I barely managed to get into the grotto.
Monte Orlando Park and the Mausoleum of Lucius Munazi Plancus
I turned on Maps.me, got directions from Tempio di S. Francesco d'Assisi before Santuario della Montagna Spaccata and went on her way.
From each turn of the serpentine, another delightful view of the Aragonese castle and the city lying at its foot opened up, and I mentally licked my lips at this delicious town, looking forward to getting to know its contents.
By the way, pay attention to the muted colors of the houses in Gaeta. Seaside towns in northern Italy often have bright colors (cheerful house facades come to mind). In the south, the predominant color is white (Amalfitana). And here, apparently, some kind of transitional type from the bright north to the white south.
Soon I entered the forest.
The trail took me to the top of the mountain, to the Mausoleum of Plancus (Mausoleum of Lucius Plancus Munazio).
This squat cylindrical structure - 29 m in diameter and 13 m in height - is one of the few Roman mausoleums that have survived to this day, which were awarded to people who worked gloriously for the good of the Roman Republic.
From the tablet, I learned that Lucius Munatius Plancus was a Roman military leader and politician. Born in Tivoli in 90 BC. and died in Gaeta in 22 BC. He lived a very active life: together with Caesar he crossed the Rubicon, fought in different parts of the Roman Empire from Gaul to Armenia and Parthia, founded Roman colonies, one of which later became Lyon, and the second - Basel (there is a statue of Planck on the town hall in Basel). He was proconsul of Asia. Under Emperor Augustus, he became a censor. In his declining years he built himself a villa in Gaeta and spent last years life.
The mausoleum, apparently, was magnificent, its walls were decorated with friezes from bas-reliefs, and from the entrance to the Mausoleum a staircase descended to the sea. Inside it, the corridor led in a circle to the rooms, from which the descent into the burial chamber began.
Little remains of its former splendor. We can only estimate the size of the mausoleum - indeed, the structure is impressive.
From the top of Mount Orlando, I began to descend north.
Church of Santissima Trinita. Turk's Grotto
Soon the path led me to the church of Santissima Trinita.
I went out behind her. And here is what its facade looks like.
The church was built in 930 by the Benedictines and rebuilt by the Franciscans in the 19th century. In the main altar there is a painting depicting the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary and Saint Erasmus (the patron saint of Gaeta). In the first chapel on the right is a statue of Saint Benedict. In the second chapel on the right is the Pieta of the sculptor G. Dupre.
Both outside and inside the church is very simple (as befits the order of the mendicant).
The famous Grotto of the Turk and the Broken Mountain are located on both sides of the church: on the left is the Grotto of the Turk, on the right is the Broken Mountain. And if the entrance to the Turk's Grotto is in plain sight, then the second entrance is very easy to miss, especially if you don't know that there are two crevices in this place.
So, after the church, I went to the entrance to the Grotto of the Turk and noticed the schedule there:
grotto opening hours: 9-11.45 and 15-17.45 (maybe the grotto is open a little longer in the high season, I was at the end of May). There were 20 minutes left before closing.
Grandpa was on duty at the entrance. I asked: "Quanto costa?" - He replied that the offer, they say, as much as they can. I had 50 cents of change, and I put them in a drawer and went down the stairs.
The grotto is really impressive. Unfortunately, it was impossible to go down to the bottom, the passage to the lower stairs was closed.
This grotto was used by the Saracen pirates as a secret harbor.
After admiring the natural formation and the unusual color of the water in the cave, I asked a small company that also indulged in the contemplation of the grotto: “Where is the Turk’s five?” Because I had read before that there was a palm print on the rock. The name "Grotto del Turco" suggested that the trace from the hand of the Turk should be here. (How it happened: the pirates went down the crevice, and the Turk was told the story that during the crucifixion of Jesus this rock split. The Turk laughed at such an absurdity, but at the same moment the stone on which he was leaning at that moment became soft and took the form the palms of this man, so delicately nature pointed out to man that he was wrong).
“No,” my comrades in admiring the grotto answered, “the Turk's palm was imprinted in a neighboring grotto, on the Shattered Rock.”
Hearing this, I hurried upstairs, afraid that Shattered Mountain would also close for a siesta.
Split Mountain (Montagna Spaccata)
To the right of the Church of Santissima Trinita is an inconspicuous passage, behind which the "corridor of the Cross" begins.
On both sides of the corridor there are 14 small chapels with images of individual episodes of the Way of the Cross, made on ceramic tiles (year of creation - 1849).
The corridor smoothly descends and leads to the beginning of a deep crevice.
Steps are made between the walls of the crevice that lead down to the Chapel of the Crucifixion (La Cappella Crocifisso).
During the descent, look at the right wall of the rock - there will be a handprint. It is customary to put your palm into the print and make a wish.
The staircase leads to the entrance to the Chapel of the Crucifixion. This tiny chapel was built on a boulder that fell from above in the early 15th century and got stuck in a crevice 30 m above the sea surface.
Chapel built in such unique place, was greatly revered by believers. In 1848, Pope Pius IX visited here, who was so impressed by what he saw that on the following Easter he arranged a solemn service here, to which the royal court led by King Ferdinand II arrived from Naples (in fact, after this visit, the king gave money for restoration of the Franciscan church).
Inside the chapel is very modest. A wooden crucifix from the 15th century hangs in the altar. The governor of Gaeta, Enrico Pietro Pamperio (1721), is buried in front of the altar.
The dome of the chapel is crowned with a lantern.
The dome can be reached by a side staircase along the rocky wall.
On the edge of the dome there is a fenced observation deck, from where a crack in the rock is clearly visible.
In front of the entrance to the chapel in the rock wall there is a small cavity, which is called the "Bed of Philip Neri" (Letto di S. Filippo Neri).
Philip Neri, a famous church leader of the 16th century, nicknamed "the apostle of Rome" for his sermons, loved this place very much. In the Chapel of the Crucifixion, he spent long hours in prayer, so that he often stayed overnight to sleep on these stone "beds" at the entrance to the sanctuary.
At some point, I was alone in the crevice, the few visitors dispersed. When you are alone with such a place, there is some special feeling of deep dialogue and response. Didn't want to leave there.
Finally I went upstairs. Both the church and the Turk's Grotto were already locked.
Church of the Annunziata
So observation deck opened a view of the resort part of Gaeta, its wide sandy Serapo beach. There was not a soul on the beach, three people swam, despite the fact that in Terracina at that time the resort life was already in full swing (on the twentieth of May). The water temperature is 21-22 degrees.
A friend told me that after visiting Montagna Spaccata, they looked at these beaches, and went swimming without looking into the historical center. I suspect that many people do this in the summer - first of all they go to the Shattered Mountain - the strongest attraction of Gaeta, and then go to the beach, neglecting the Old Town.
Fortunately, when I was there, it was not hot, the beaches were empty, but the prospect of returning back to the city over the mountain again made me despondent. The trusty Maps.me consoled me by making a path around the mountain and promising me a 15 minute walk.
Indeed, on a good road, without climbing, I quickly went around the mountain. A wooded slope rose to the right, and the stone wall of the Zona militare stretched to the left.
The road (via della Breccia, then via Angioina) led me to the skeleton of the former small church of San Guida Taddeo.
The upper contour of the church is decorated with battlements.
A staircase left the church, along which I went down to via Annunziata and along it I had already reached the church of Annunziata (Santuario della Santissima Annunziata).
There is a square in front of the church that allows you to fully appreciate its discreet but harmonious facade.
The church was founded in 1320 and consecrated in 1354. It preserved carved wooden choirs, beautiful organs and an altar. Under the church is the so-called Golden Chapel(the second name is the Golden Grotto) - a small chapel, the vault of which is decorated with gilded caissons, and the walls are decorated with paintings.
Unfortunately the church was closed. The schedule of services hung on the wall:
in winter - on weekdays at 17.30, on holidays and weekends - at 11.30 and 18.00.
in summer - on weekdays at 18.30, on holidays and weekends at 19.00.
Whether it opens in addition to services was not indicated.
Via Annunziata leads to the embankment, where there is a small square with intricately trimmed trees and flower beds.
Here's what you can do with an ordinary willow
How to cut an olive
Vases made of natural materials
Here, the Gothic Cathedral of San Francesco dominates the area.
The square turns into a fenced park, from which I started my walk around Gaeta in the morning.
Walk through the historic center of Gaeta
Behind the park and the bus stop is a building that unconsciously reminded me of shopping arcades in ancient Russian cities. This was probably the main shopping area of Gaeta - better place you can’t imagine: near the port, on a flat area at the foot of the hill.
Behind the "shopping malls" one could see high building Diocesan Museum (Diocesano). The museum is open on Fridays and weekends 9.30 – 12.30 and 17.00 – 20.00. And I had no chance of getting into the museum.
Above the museum, a rock wall began, and the next level of houses was already on this rock.
The street passing under the rock wall was called via Duomo, and it really led me to the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and Saints Erasmus and Marciano (Basilica Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo e dei Santi Erasmo e Marciano).
St. Erasmus (Elm) is considered the patron saint of sailors (the phenomenon “the fires of St. Elmo” is named after him), and he was also chosen as the patron saint of Gaeta.
He lived near Gaeta, in Formia. In the same place, in 303, he was martyred by the Saracens: his insides were wound on a winch and pulled out of the body. Subsequently, the Saracens ravaged Formia, and the Christians transferred the relics of St. Erasmus to Gaeta.
The church was built in the 11th century, but was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. The facade looks rather modest. I did not get inside - a siesta. According to reviews, inside the church there are beautiful mosaic floors, a pulpit decorated with mosaics, a high, marble “Easter candle” with bas-reliefs, the chapels are decorated with polychrome marble inlays. Under the cathedral is a large crypt, painted with frescoes.
On the other side of the Duomo is the 12th century bell tower. Magnificent is its pommel with small turrets at the corners.
Another notable church is located on the waterfront - the Church of St. John the Baptist on the Sea (San Giovanni Evangelista a Mare). It was built in the late 11th - early 12th centuries. Its walls were covered with frescoes. In the Baroque era, it was “embellished” in fashion, but at the beginning of the last century, it was decided to return it to its original design. The baroque "layering" was removed, and now the church appears before us in a form close to the original.
The main facade of the church is very simple.
It must be said that the view of the city from the sea is wonderful - mainly due to the Franciscan church hovering over the city, with which the Annunziata church below rhymes perfectly.
In the houses built along the waterfront, one can feel the Neapolitan influence. Such a house would look quite organically on the streets of Naples.
I went to one of the coastal fish cafes for a bite to eat. A mix of seafood and small fried fish and a glass of wine cost 9 euros. Everything is very tasty and fresh.
At about 2 pm my bus arrived and I went to the next city - Sperlonga.
The bus route ran through the center of the resort of Gaeta, through the 19 May Square, where the Gaeta City Hall is located - a modern brick building with a high tower.
Then we went to the sea and drove along the beaches. In addition to the long sandy beach Serapo, in Gaeta there are also beaches in narrow rocky coves and a fairly long and well-maintained Ariana beach through two capes north of Serano beach. Between the beaches of Serapo and Ariana - about 2.5 km.
How to get to Gaeta
The nearest train station to Gaeta is Formia-Gaeta. From Rome the train is coming an hour and a half, the ticket costs 8.20 euros. From Naples, the train takes an hour and fifteen, the ticket costs 5.20 euros.
At the station, you need to take a free bus that will take you to the port. Buses run frequently and take 5 minutes. Then you have to wait for the bus to Gaeta. Drive 20 minutes. A bus ticket for 1.1 euros must be pre-purchased at the railway station in the bar.
Promo codes
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Sights of Gaeta. The most important and interesting sights of Gaeta - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
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All All Museums Nature Religion
Any Free entry
Ah, this Italian Gaeta, covered with age-old legends, dazzling with Mediterranean colors, filled with the aromas of the sea, flowers and Neapolitan cuisine! Here, every stone keeps the spirit of ancient Italy, so walking along the seaside promenade or winding along the narrow cobbled streets, you feel with all your heart that you are involved in history. Despite the destruction that the city underwent in the 20th century. (particularly negatively affected the architectural appearance of Gaeta II World War), many historical monuments world importance. Others have been carefully restored, and over time the city has taken on its modern, tourist-friendly appearance. Today, the sights of Gaeta are ready to tell about their glorious past to all tourists who came to the Riviera di Ulisse. To do this, you just need to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, carefully look and listen.
Today, the sights of Gaeta are ready to tell about their glorious past to all tourists who came to the Riviera di Ulisse.
Religious monuments
As in any pious Italian city, here they are apparently invisible! The Sanctuary of Santissima Annunziata, the temple of San Francesco, the Cathedral of St. Erasmus and Marciano, the temple of Santissima Trinita, the churches of St. Domenic, St. Paul the Apostle, St. Charles ... The main among the Roman Catholic churches of Gaeta is the Cathedral of St. Erasmo. The very first church on this site was built already in the 7th century, then the cathedral was rebuilt several times, and modern building in the neo-Gothic style appeared as a result of the reconstruction of the 18th century. Near the cathedral there is a bell tower of the 12th century, soaring to a height of 57 m.
Inside the church are stored ancient Roman sarcophagi discovered during excavations at Minturno.
In the very center of the city rises the ancient Byzantine church of San Giovanni a Mare. Despite the rather modest appearance and conciseness of architectural forms, the temple makes a good impression. In addition, fragments of frescoes of the 15th century have been preserved inside, and the exterior is enlivened by the bell tower and the original dome with hanging arches and mosaics.
Special attention deserves the temple of Santissima Trinita on the "split" mountain, covered with mystical legends and real stories. The church is located near the crevice, allegedly formed at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A beautiful religious legend still attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.
Other attractions
Gaeta Castle (or Aragonese Castle) is a witness to ancient events associated with the period of the Gothic wars. Over the centuries of its existence, the citadel has changed several guises, serving as a military fort, having been a royal residence and even a soldier's barracks.
Now the walls of the castle house the Maritime School of the Financial Police.
Available in Gaeta and own nature reserve- Monte Orlando Park, located on the protected area of the cape of the same name. Tourists from free time Rent a bike or simply walk along the many hiking trails of Mount Orlando while admiring the sea views. At the top of Monte Orlando is the mausoleum of the ancient Roman politician Lucius Plancus, who chose Gaeta to spend a quiet old age. This is a cyclopean building dating back to 22 BC. e., almost untouched by ruthless time. Near the mausoleum you can visit unusual monument- an underground military battery built at the end of the 19th century.
Those interested in museum and church culture can visit the Diocesan Museum, located in the Palazzo de Vio. His collection includes a large number of exhibits on religious themes from closed and destroyed churches, including church utensils and paintings by local masters.
best free entry
Church of San Francesco in Gaeta
Gaeta, Chiesa di San Francesco
The imposing and formidable silhouette of the Gothic church of San Francesco is so strongly associated with Gaeta that without its profile it is impossible to imagine a view of the city. The Church of San Francesco deservedly won the right to be a symbol of the city and one of its most attractive sights.
Between themselves, the beaches are separated by rocky capes with watchtowers, here and there there are secluded bays and creeks. For many years local beaches awarded the highest category "Blue Flag" from the Italian "League for the Protection of the Environment".
Historically, the city was formed from the houses of fishermen and farmers. Its main street, Via Indipendenza, is full of old craft shops. New houses are located between the quarter of Sant'Erasmo and the old town.
The layout of Gaeta is typical medieval city, built around the Angevin-Aragonese castle ("Castello Angioino-Aragonese"), consisting of two buildings surrounded by cylindrical and conical towers. The San Erasmo quarter is an alternation of narrow streets, tunnels, a Norman bell tower and fortress walls.
Churches and holy places
There are many churches of great cultural and historical value in the city: the Cathedral of San Erasmo, inside which a collection of paintings of the 17th century is kept; the Norman bell tower, the Church of Santissima Annunziata with the "golden cave" adjoining it, San Giovanni a Mare, Sorresca, San Francesco, San Domenico.
Church of Santissima Annunziata and Cathedral of San Francesco
In the immediate vicinity of the quarter is the sanctuary (church) of Santissima Trinita, erected on top of Monte Orlando, which is part of the regional park "Riviera Ulysses". Having climbed here, be sure to look into the “Turkish cave” and the “split mountain”, which attract numerous Christian pilgrims.
The Gulf of Gaeta is surrounded from above by the slopes of the Monti Aurunci, gradually turning into hills. The coast is interspersed with rocky peninsulas, and near Gaeta itself it is literally dotted with coves, coves and picturesque cliffs.
Gaeta is a great place for yachting. For mooring and parking, you can use the marina "Baze Nautica Flavio Gioia".
shattered mountain
The Split Mountain in Gaeta is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena. west coast Italy. Legend has it that it split when Jesus Christ died. Inside a long crack is a staircase of 270 steps leading to the Crucifixion Chapel, built in the 16th century.
Kitchen
Olives from Gaeta
© duepuntozeronews.it/
Local olives are known far beyond the province and are considered its gastronomic heritage. They are grown in small communities: Formia, Itri, Minturno, Fondi and Spigno Saturnia. The local subspecies "itrana" is excellent for both table olives and olive oil production. This type of olive is distributed throughout Lazio and Latina, where it is grown mainly in the uplands. They ripen late, harvested no earlier than March-April, when they acquire a red-black color. The shape of the fruit is slightly oblong, the taste is wine.
Tiella
© ilforno.typepad.com
Tiella is a dish from the kitchen of fishermen, it probably owes its name to the dishes in which it was cooked. This cake was great to take with you to the sea, as it does not spoil for several days.
This is a closed pizza stuffed with olives, fish (anchovies, sardines, octopus, squid), vegetables. Another filling option is cheese (ricotta or marzolina) and vegetables, as well as tomatoes and onions.
How to get there
By plane
Gaeta is located about 120 kilometers from Rome. The nearest airports are Fiumicino and Ciampino.
By train
Trains from Rome and Naples stop at Gaeta Station, as well as some express trains from Milan, Bologna, Florence or Trieste and Venice. The schedule can be checked on the website of the Italian railways www.trenitalia.it
By car
From Rome, you need to take the big ring road ("Gran Raccordo Anulare") towards the south (Naples), and then along the SS 148 "Pontina".
Gaeta is a beautiful city located between Naples and Rome on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its population is a little over 22,000 people. The climate is mild Mediterranean. Razgar holiday season starts from May and lasts until October. At this time, a large number of tourists come here, as the city is one of the best in the Riviera de Willis.
Gaeta - very old City with an ancient unique history. It was named after the nurse of the ancient Greek hero Aeneas. Violent battles unfolded for it for several centuries - it was owned by barbarians, Saracens, Angevins and Aragonese. And only in 1861 the city becomes free and passes to the united Italy.
Like many other cities in Italy, Gaeta is divided into parts: old and new town. In the old part there are a large number of monuments, cathedrals, churches, castles and many other historical values.
Here is the majestic church of St. Francis built in 1222. It impresses with its size and beauty. Outside the temple are sculptures of famous Italians and French. Located near the temple ancient fortress, which has been well preserved since the reign of the Angevins and Aragonese. In the center of the old town is the Cathedral with a very beautiful bell tower. It was built in the X-XI centuries.
No less beautiful is the castle of Gaeta of the 6th century, which was a military fort, as well as a prison and barracks. Definitely worth a visit natural Park Monte Orlando. It is located on Mount Orlando. This favorite place recreation of local residents and tourists, as it is insanely beautiful.
In addition to a huge number of attractions, the city has beautiful many kilometers of beaches - one of the best and cleanest in Italy and equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Among them are the beach of Serapo and Ariana. The sea is so clean and rich in flora and fauna that it attracts divers from all over the world.
There are a large number of cafes and restaurants here. From local cuisine the most famous dish is "White Pizza", it is cooked without tomatoes. Also very tasty pickled olives, anchovies and salads. A very large selection of desserts.
Holidays in Gaeta will forever remain a fabulous adventure!
