How to get to Gaeta, Italy
Gaeta is considered a charming southern town on the Tyrrhenian coast in Italy. There is everything for a comfortable and eventful holiday - kilometer-long sandy beaches, warm gentle sea, historical monuments and attractions, an amusement park in the vicinity of the resort, as well as wonderful nature in every sense. The place is considered truly reserved. It is also convenient that Gaeta can be reached relatively quickly, there are such large cities with their airports as Rome and Naples nearby.
Rome is located 142 km from Gaeta and is connected to it by road no. SR148. You can get there by car in just over 2 hours, passing through picturesque Italian towns such as Latina, Aprilia, Sperlonga and Terracina. Rent a car in Rome - in general, a very popular option for trips around the outskirts of the Italian capital. In order to rent a car for rent, it will be enough to present a passport, driver's license and a bank card to pay for services. You can book the desired class of car in advance through the services
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You can also get to Gaeta by public transport, however, a small change is required. Trains from Rome to Gaeta run every hour throughout the day. Travel time with a change will take about two hours. You can check the schedule for specific dates on the railway service .
Similar ways to get to Gaeta can be from Naples. The distance between the cities is about 95 km, they are connected by highways № A1 / E45 and SS7. Travel time by car will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. Car rental in Naples no less popular than in Rome, because the surroundings of the city are also very interesting. In addition to Gaeta, you can visit, for example, the Amalfi Coast, Vesuvius National Park, the ancient city of Pompeii, etc. , , and others.
There is also public transport from Naples to Gaeta, however, just like in the case of Rome, it will take a short transfer. The total travel time will be from 1.5 to 2 hours. You can clarify the schedule for specific dates on the railway service .
Jimmyweee / Promenade of Gaeta
Hotels in Gaeta, Italy
Gaeta is a popular summer destination, so there are quite a few places for accommodation for all tastes. Basically, these are apartments, bed and breakfast hotels, hotels of various star categories, guest houses and holiday homes. The price of the issue strongly depends on the class of the chosen place to stay. Staying in B&B hotels and apartments is generally cheaper than in 3 * and 4 * hotels. Not all accommodation in Gaeta is located on the first line of the beach, but this should not be of particular concern, since the town is small and you can walk to the beach in 5-10 minutes from anywhere.
Hotels in Gaeta are very diverse, you can find budget options like B&B, and you can also find options in a higher price range and with more services. Hotels located in close proximity to the sea and enjoying stable popularity among tourists include, for example:
- (first line to the beach, parking, garden, free wi-fi);
- (private beach, infinity pool, fitness room, free parking);
- (first line to the beach, free parking, free wi-fi, breakfasts included in the price);
- (private beach, spa area, restaurant, free parking).
Top rated apartments also include:
- (free parking, swimming pool, free wi-fi);
- (one bedroom house, free parking and wi-fi);
- (terrace, free parking and wi-fi) and other facilities.
You can check prices for all possible accommodation options in Gaeta on specialized search sites , Hotellook and others that allow you to compare all existing offers for the required dates.
Attractions Gaeta, Italy
Contrary to expectations, Gaeta can offer not only a comfortable beach holiday, but also a rich excursion. Gaeta is considered an ancient city and has been known since the times of Ancient Rome, it is not surprising that many historical sights of different eras have been preserved here. From the times of the Roman Empire, there are archaeological sites in Gaeta - ruins of defensive structures, fortresses and forts.
Another dominant monument in Gaeta, dating back to the early Middle Ages, is lock, which was built partly in the Angevin era of rule, partly under the Aragonese rulers. The castle has several towers that are visible from almost anywhere in the city. The castle itself is located on a hill, and it is worth climbing here if only because it offers the best views of Gaeta and the coast.
jimmyweee / Cathedral of Saint Erasmus in Gaeta Not far from the embankment, you can stumble upon another historical monument - Cathedral of Saint Erasmus... The cathedral was built in the 10-11th centuries and has a tower made in the Arab-Norman style, its construction dates back to the 12th century. The inside of the cathedral is no less delightful than the outside, with many artistic objects from the early Middle Ages preserved here. The religious buildings of Gaeta, also worthy of attention, include Annunziata Church, chapel of st francis and other objects.
All lovers of natural attractions are recommended to visit Gaeta natural park Monte Orlando located on the cape of the same name, and Riviera di Ulissa nature reserve... Both places have beautiful sea and forest landscapes, which can be viewed by moving along special walking routes. The relief in the local parks is very diverse - these are rock formations, and sandy beaches, and woodlands, in addition, a huge number of rare birds and rare plant species grow in the reserve. Many people come to the reserve to go diving, because here, in the rocks, there are quite a few underwater caves and rock breaks, while the sea in Gaeta is the cleanest, which makes the conditions for diving ideal.
jimmyweee / Panorama of the old town, Gaeta sights
Gaeta is a large seaside town in the Italian region of Lazio, located 80 km north-west of Naples on the shores of the Gulf of Gaeta. The picturesque walled city is spread over a small rocky promontory. According to the latest census, it is home to about 22 thousand people. Since 1967, a NATO naval base has been located here.
The history of Gaeta goes back centuries. The first mentions of the city are found among the ancient Romans, who believed that it was founded by the ancient Greek hero Aeneas. They also explained the origin of the name Gaeta - Kaeta was the name of the nurse of the Trojan hero, according to legend, buried on the seaside. During the Roman Empire, Gaeta, with its beautiful landscapes and mild climate, was a popular holiday destination for patricians. At the same time, the first harbor was built here.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Gaeta remained subordinate to Constantinople for some time, then, in the 8th century, it became a powerful republic that rivaled Amalfi and Pisa, and from the beginning of the 10th century, the dukes loyal to the Pope gained power in the city. Even later, in 1140, the city became part of the Norman rulers of Sicily, who spent huge amounts of money to strengthen its port. In the 15th century, Gaeta even became the arena of a fierce struggle for the Neapolitan throne, and subsequently was repeatedly sieged by the Austrians, Spaniards and French. In 1861, the city became part of the united Italy.
Today Gaeta is a sea and fishing port and a recognized tourist resort.
Gaeta, like many other Italian cities, seems to consist of two cities - one, the old one, has retained its historical appearance and cultural and architectural monuments, and the second, by and large, does not differ from other modern megacities. In the very center of the old part of the city stands the Cathedral, the construction of which began in 1106 and ended almost two centuries later. Today it contains the relics of Saint Erasmus and the personal standard of Juan of Austria during the Battle of Lepanto. A 57-meter bell tower stands a little to the side - the most elegant example of architecture.
Of the other religious buildings, of which there are almost a hundred in Gaeta, it is worth visiting the Byzantine temple of San Giovanni a Mare of the 10th century, the Gothic church of Santissima Annunziata of the 14th century with its chapel "Golden Grotto", the Church of Sorresca, San Domenico, Santa Lucia and Santa Caterina d'Alesandria. And on Monte Orlando there is one of the sanctuaries of Christendom - the Santissima Trinita chapel.
The medieval Angevin-Aragonese fortress, probably built in the 6th or 7th century, deserves special attention - many dramatic events in the history of the city are associated with it. Preserved in Gaeta and monuments of ancient Roman architecture, for example, the mausoleum of Lucius Planck of the 1st century BC. and the mausoleum of Lucius Sempronius Atratinius. And on the steep slopes of Monte Orlando is the Medieval Quarter with characteristic buildings from the 11-13th centuries.
Nature lovers will love a visit to the Monte Orlando Natural Park, which is located on the cape of the same name and includes a part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The park is under the patronage of the international environmental organization WWF.
Gaeta is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, at a sufficient distance from major cities, which makes it an ideal destination for a beach holiday. The beaches around the city, such as Serapo or San Agostino, are famous for their golden sand and clear sea. And Gaeta itself is considered one of the best resorts on the Riviera di Ulisse. There are excellent opportunities for practicing a variety of water sports, from scuba diving to windsurfing.
Everything about Gaet: climate, beaches, cuisine, attractions, entertainment, photos and reviews of tourists about Gaet.
Old town Gaeta considered the most popular resort in the Riviera de Ulysses. 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 nicknamed hidden and unapproachable 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 Kaete, 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. The Byzantine rulers ruled here, and the royal residence was also in the city.
How to get to Gaeta
You can fly to the nearest airport in Naples, which is only 70 km from Gaeta. removed from the city by 110 km. Buses and trains run regularly from there to Gaeta.
Weather in Gaet
Gaeta's unique natural conditions attract many tourists here. The calm, rapidly warming sea is distinguished by its purity, and the swimming season lasts here from May to October. The days are quite sunny in the city, but there is practically no intense heat. The comfortable climate allows not only relaxing on the beach, but also visiting excursions and doing water sports.
Beaches
In addition to its historical sights, Gaeta is famous for its kilometers of clean beaches. The coastal waters are rich in diverse fauna and flora, which attracts many divers here. This territory has acquired the status of a reserve, which is controlled by the World Organization of Ecologists. The best beach holiday, according to the majority, is in Gaet. Nearby, in the town of Cassino, you can visit the large Haway Park water park.
Gaeta's kitchen and shopping
Local dishes include White Pizza, chicory salad, and Olive di Gaeta. Gaeta's restaurants also offer Spagnoletta tomatoes, anchovies and salsiccia - an Italian sausage cooked in white wine with the addition of coriander.
Local shops sell jewelry, expensive jewelry, quality clothing, shoes and cosmetics. You can also purchase a variety of souvenirs.
Hotels
Gaeta hotels offer their vacationers a quality holiday with all the amenities. At the hotel, prices per day start at 47 euros. The luxurious Hotel Mirasole International 4 * has cozy 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 Gaeta hotels are at no additional cost.
Attractions Gaeta
Such a rich story 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 in the city, a medieval fortress has been preserved, on the territory of which a prison and barracks were previously located. The harbor was reliably protected by the old 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. Currently, the castle building is reserved for the Naval School.
The Cathedral, built in the historic 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 Jesus' life 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 misfortunes.
Next to the exquisite Cathedral of Annuciata there is a rather interesting chapel, which the locals called the "Golden Grotto". This chapel was erected on a large stone that broke away from Mount Orlando. This mountain is deeply revered and respected by all Christians.
Biblical traditions say that during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the famous mountains split into two parts, including Orlando. A handprint can be seen on a rock near the foot of the mountain. This place is sacred, and many pilgrims from all over the planet come here. The monk Francesco Neri lived in a small niche of the mountain for many years, who was later canonized. Also on Mount Orlando, a tomb was erected to the famous Roman consul Lucius Planck.
Cape Monte Orlando begins at the foot of the mountain, which is famous for its beautiful natural park. Not only tourists, but also locals rest here. In fact, the cape is an islet that connects a thin isthmus to the coast.
Gaeta is a city in one of the regions of Italy, which is famous for a large number of remarkable places. In addition, it has an optimal location, from where it is convenient to get to both the capital and Naples. From Gaeta to Rome a little over 100 km, to Naples - even less. History buffs will surely appreciate the city-museum of Pompeii, which has undergone the destructive power of Vesuvius. From Gaeta, they often go on excursions by sea and visit the Pontine Islands.
Gaeta is considered to be one of the most popular resorts on the Tyrrhenian coast for a typical Italian holiday. The resort offers tourists interesting excursions, excellent beach holidays, which will be appreciated by even the most fastidious tourists.
Gaeta is one of the most vibrant cities on the Riviera di Ulysses. Imagine a narrow peninsula, with a high rocky promontory, cut into the Tyrrhenian Sea, and along its edges, like wings, bays spread out. Northern Bay is a wide sandy beach, which is adjacent to the resort area of Gaeta. The southern bay is the port and the homes of 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 overlooked by any of the peoples who found themselves in this place. Roman emperors and nobili spent sultry summers here - in Gaeta and the surrounding area, the ruins of Roman villas were found during excavations. Under the Angevin and Aragonese reigns, a castle (Castello Angioino-Aragonese) appeared on the top of the cliff. In the 9th century, a free republic emerged here, the Duchy of Gaetan, with its own flag and coin. This strong maritime trading state existed for three centuries: from 839 to 1140 - and at sea rivaled such maritime republics as Amalfi and Pisa. Then he was swallowed up by the Kingdom of Naples.
A glorious maritime past continues to this day: now a NATO naval base is located in Gaeta. Get ready that while walking around the city you will occasionally stumble upon walls with signs "Zona militare".
The main attractions of Gaeta
The entire historic center of Gaeta is one big attraction, with its peculiar churches, a labyrinth of steep streets, houses, in which you can see something Moorish, then Norman, then Byzantine.
The old town of Gaeta has two dominants: Aragonese castle and gothic Cathedral of San Francesco... The castle looks very powerful from the neighboring 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 “ Broken Mountain"(Montagna Spaccata) and" Grotto of Turk"(La Grotta delTurco) - two huge crevices in the northern part of Mount Orlando. According to legend, the mountain split at the moment of the crucifixion of Christ. At that moment, mountains shuddered in different parts of the earth, and rocks cracked. Monte Orlando is one such place.
Itself 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 Lucia Planck, associate of Caesar.
Gaeta Map with Landmarks
The road from Terracina to Gaeta
One of the days of my stay on the Riviera di Ulysses, I went from to Gaeta.
Buses from Terracina to Gaeta run infrequently, the schedule should be viewed on the bus website of Cotral- cotralspa.it. I bought a day ticket at a tobacco kiosk next to the bus stop BIRG for 6 euros (since I was going to see Sperlonga on the same day). This ticket allows you to 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 got on a bus and set off along the coast in a southerly direction.
The road was not to say very beautiful. Mostly along the coast, there were campgrounds and wild sandy beaches. Greenhouses, vineyards and cultivated fields were often seen on the left side.
We passed Sperlonga and the tunnels began. After another tunnel, we drove into the resort area of Gaeta, passed the beaches and, rounding the mountain, went down to the embankment to the port. There, near the city park, at 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 St. Francis of Assisi
The first thing I decided to do was go to the Cathedral of San Francesco - it was suddenly open. Otherwise, the 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 to southern Italy and spent some time in Gaeta, where he proposed to establish a Franciscan monastery. A small church and a monastic building were built. In 1285, the King of Naples, Charles II of Anjou, allocated funds for the construction of a large Gothic cathedral. In 1850, at the expense of King Ferdinand II, the temple was renovated and fortified.
On both sides of the entrance there are sculptures of the main sponsors: on the left is Charles II of Anjou, on the right is Ferdinand II.
From the square in front of the cathedral, a staircase in two arms descends down the slope. Between the arms of the staircase there is a 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 bars.
The church is open on weekends and Friday nights.
Summer opening hours (May-September): 10.30 - 12.30 and 17.00 - 19.00.
In winter (October-April): 10.30 am - 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm.
After that, I wondered: should I go back to the historic center or go to the "Broken Mountain". I decided to go to the "Broken Mountain" and, as it turned out, did the right thing: it turned out that there was also a siesta there, and I barely managed to get into the grotto.
Monte Orlando Park and the Mausoleum of Lucius Munace Plank
I turned on Maps.me, got a route from Tempio di S. Francesco d'Assisi before Santuario della Montagna Spaccata and hit the road.
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 (remember the cheerful facades of houses). 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 Planck Mausoleum (Mausoleum of Lucius Plancus Munazio).
This squat cylindrical structure - 29 m in diameter and 13 m in height - is one of the few surviving Roman mausoleums, 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 at Gaeta in 22 BC. He lived a very active life: he crossed the Rubicon with Caesar, 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 the proconsul of Asia. Under Emperor Augustus, he became a censor. In his declining years, he built himself a villa in Gaeta and spent the last years of his life there.
The mausoleum, apparently, was magnificent, its walls were decorated with friezes with bas-reliefs, and a staircase descended from the entrance to the mausoleum to the sea. Inside it, a corridor led in a circle to the rooms from which the descent into the burial chamber began.
Little has survived from 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 to the north.
Church of Santissima Trinita. Grotto of Turk
Soon the path took me to the church of Santissima Trinita.
I went out to her from behind. And here's what its facade looks like.
The church was built in 930 by the Benedictine order and rebuilt by the Franciscans in the 19th century. In the main altar there is a painting depicting the Holy Trinity, Virgin Mary and Saint Erasmus (patron saint of Gaeta). In the first chapel on the right is the statue of St. Benedict. In the second chapel on the right - Pieta by the sculptor G. Dupre.
Both outside and inside the church is very simple (as befits the order of the beggars).
The famous Turk's Grotto and the Broken Mountain are located on both sides of the church: to the left is the Turk's Grotto, to the right is the Broken Mountain. And if the entrance to the Grotto of Turk is in plain sight, then the second entrance is very easy to miss, especially if you do not know that there are two crevices in this place.
So, after church, I went to the entrance to the Grotto of Turk and there I noticed the schedule:
opening hours of the grotto: 9-11.45 and 15-17.45 (perhaps in the high season the grotto is open a little longer, I was at the end of May). There were about 20 minutes left until closing.
Grandpa was on duty at the entrance. I asked: "Quanto costa?" - He replied that the offer, they say, as much as possible. Of the change, I had 50 cents, I put them in the drawer and went down the stairs.
The grotto is truly impressive. Unfortunately, it was impossible to go down to the bottom, the passage to the lower staircase was closed.
This grotto was used by the Saracen pirates as a secret harbor.
After admiring the natural formation and the extraordinary color of the water in the cave, I asked a small group that also indulged in contemplation of the grotto: “Where are 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 trail of the Turk's hand should be right here. (How it was: 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 shape the palms of this man. So delicately nature indicated to the man that he was wrong).
"No," my comrades in admiring the grotto answered, "the Turk's palm was imprinted in the neighboring grotto, on the Broken Rock."
Hearing this, I hurried upstairs, fearing that the "Shattered Mountain" would now also be closed for a siesta.
Broken Mountain (Montagna Spaccata)
To the right of the Church of Santissima Trinita is an inconspicuous passage, behind which begins the "Way of the Cross".
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 (created in 1849).
The corridor descends smoothly 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 in the print and make a wish.
A staircase leads to the entrance to the Crucifixion Chapel. This tiny chapel was built on a boulder that fell from above at the beginning of the 15th century and got stuck in a crevice at a height of 30 m from the sea surface.
The chapel, built in such a unique place, was highly revered by the 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 arrived from Naples, headed by King Ferdinand II (in fact, after this visit, the king gave money for restoration of the Franciscan church).
The inside of 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 skylight.
The dome can be reached by a side staircase along the rock wall.
At 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 rocky wall, there is a small cavity called the "Letto di S. Filippo Neri" (Letto di S. Filippo Neri).
Philip Neri, a famous church figure of the 16th century, nicknamed for his sermons "the Apostle of Rome", loved this place very much. In the Chapel of the Crucifixion, he spent long hours in prayer, so he often stayed overnight to sleep on these stone "beds" at the entrance to the sanctuary.
At some point, I was left alone in the crevice, a few visitors dispersed. When you are alone with such a place, there is a special feeling of deep dialogue and response. I didn't want to leave there.
Finally I went upstairs. Both the church and the Grotto of the Turk were already locked.
Annunziata Church
The observation deck overlooked the resort part of Gaeta, on its wide sandy Serapo beach... On the beach - not a soul, three people were swimming, despite the fact that at that time the resort life was already in full swing in Terracina (the twenties 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 for a swim, without looking into the historic center. I suspect that many people do this in the summer - first of all they go to the Broken Mountain - the most powerful attraction of Gaeta, and then go to the beach, neglecting the Old City.
Fortunately, during my time it was not hot, the beaches were empty, but the prospect of returning across the mountain to the city again made me disheartened. The faithful Maps.me consoled me by making a path around the mountain and promising me 15 minutes of walking.
Indeed, on a good road, without climbing, I quickly walked around the mountain. On the right hand, a wooded slope rose, on the left, the stone wall of the Zona militare stretched.
The road (via della Breccia, then via Angioina) took me to the skeleton of the former small church of San Guida Taddeo.
The upper contour of the church is decorated with battlements.
From the church there was a staircase, along which I went down to via Annunziata and along it I 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 façade.
The church was founded in 1320 and consecrated in 1354. It has 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 - with paintings.
Unfortunately, the church was closed. The service schedule 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 specified.
Via Annunziata leads to the embankment, where there is a small square with intricately cut trees and flower beds.
Here's what you can do with ordinary willow
And here is how the olive was cut
Natural vases
Here, the Gothic Cathedral of San Francesco dominates the area.
The square turns into a fenced-in park, from which I began my walk around Gaeta in the morning.
Walk in the historic center of Gaeta
Behind the park and the bus stop there is a building that unconsciously reminded me of the stalls in old Russian cities. This was probably the main trading area of Gaeta - you could not think of a better place: near the port, on a flat area at the foot of the hill.
The high building of the diocesan museum (Diocesano) was visible behind the "shopping rows". 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 rocky wall began, and the next level of houses was already on this rock.
The street under the rock wall was called Via Duomo, and it really took 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).
Saint Erasmus (Elm) is considered the patron saint of sailors (the phenomenon of “the fires of Saint Elmo” is named after him), and he is also chosen by the patron saint of Gaeta.
He lived near Gaeta, in Formia. In the same place in 303 he was martyred by the Saracens: his entrails were wound on a winch and pulled out of his body. Subsequently, the Saracens destroyed Formia, and the Christians transferred the relics of Saint Erasmus to Gaeta.
The church was built in the 11th century, but was rebuilt in the 17-18th centuries. The facade looks rather modest. I didn't get inside - siesta. According to reviews, inside the church there are beautiful mosaic floors, a pulpit decorated with mosaics, a tall marble "Easter candle" with bas-reliefs, chapels decorated with polychrome marble inlays. There is a large frescoed crypt under the cathedral.
On the other side of the Duomo there is a 12th century bell tower. Its pommel is magnificent 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. Baroque "layers" have been removed, and now the church appears before us in a form close to the original.
The main facade of the church is very simple.
I must say that the view of the city from the sea opens up wonderful - mainly thanks to the Franciscan temple hovering over the city, with which the Annunziata church below rhymes perfectly.
The houses lined up along the waterfront have a Neapolitan influence. Such a house would look quite organic on the streets of Naples.
I went to one of the coastal fish cafes for a snack. Mixed seafood and small fried fish and a glass of wine cost 9 euros. Everything is delicious 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 city hall of Gaeta is located - a modern brick building with a high tower.
Then we drove out to the sea and drove along the beaches. In addition to the long sandy beach of Serapo, Gaeta also has beaches in narrow rocky coves and a fairly long and well-maintained beach of Ariana, two capes north of the beach of Serano. Between the beaches of Serapo and Ariana - about 2.5 km.
How to get to Gaeta
The closest railway station to Gaeta is Formia-Gaeta. From Rome, the train takes an hour and a half, the ticket costs 8.20 euros. From Naples, the train runs for an hour 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 often, it takes 5 minutes to go. Then you have to wait for the bus to Gaeta. Drive 20 minutes. A bus ticket for 1.1 euros must be purchased in advance at the railway station in the bar.
Promo codes
When buying a tour for
-a discount of 300 rubles. for tours from 20,000 rubles. - by promotional code AF300putevye
-a discount of 500 rubles. for tours from 40,000 rubles. - by promotional code AF500putevye
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