Sightseeing in Gaeta - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city’s name, Gaeta, sounds very melodic and tender. Just like its name, Gaeta is a charming place that makes tourists want to know it better and return to this cozy settlement again. Colors of the Mediterranean and fresh sea breeze mixed with the scents of Neapolitan cuisine create a unique atmosphere in this Italian city. When taking a stroll on the narrow streets of Gaeta and looking at buildings painted in different colors, it is so easy to feel the soul of the region. Green trees and flowers in local parks reflect in the sea surface, and the coastal area becomes alive every evening with the sounds of fishing ships that return back home with their daily catch. Local people are very easygoing and friendly with tourists.

The first settlement on the site of modern Gaeta appeared here yet in the 8th century BC. When the territory of ancient Rome expanded to the borders of Gaeta, this region got a name - Latium Vetus. In the coming years, many nations, who lived in this area before the Roman Empire, left the Italian land. When the ruling Augustus made an administrative reform, Gaeta became a part of the Latium region. By the way, during the Roman Empire time, this settlement was a popular resort destination for emperors, other nobles, and rich patricians. When the Roman Empire lost its power, Gaeta was under the threat of attacks of barbarians and Saracens.

Thanks to its location, the city became a fortified area. Soon, fortress walls and a big castle appeared in Gaeta. They protected the city and its neighborhoods. In the middle of the 9th century, Gaeta became a free city. However, it could become autonomous only at the beginning of the 10th century when Giovanni I Gaetano became a duke. The city got its own codex of laws, and residents of Gaeta were granted rights. The city even started minting its own coins. Gaeta was developing quickly, turning into the most powerful seaside duchy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In modern times, Gaeta is home to an important landmark, the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata on Mount Orlando. The name of the sanctuary means “the Split Mountain” in Italian. On one part of this split mountain, tourists will find an important landmark of the region - Santuario della Santissima Trinità. The church was built in the 11th century. Unfortunately, the church didn’t keep its original look until modern times. It was changed during the restoration that took place in the 19th century. To the left of the building, there is a path that goes down to the grotto. If you look to the right, you will notice a corridor. The walls in this corridor have images of Jesus Christ and depict his Way of the Cross.

The lower level of the sanctuary was built in the 15th century when a big part of the rock fell down into the chine. This rock became the foundation for a small chapel in the memory of that awful day that Jesus Christ was crucified. On the surface of a nearby rock, it is still possible to see a palm print of a sailor from Turkey who didn’t believe in God. Near the entrance, there is still a hut where Saint Francesco Neri lived. Pilgrims from all over the world still come and visit this place to pray.

Do you like nature? In this case, visit the Monte Orlando Park that occupies an area of almost ninety hectares in the city. The park is situated in a magnificent place near the Gulf of Gaeta. This is a big and gorgeous green park that is divided into two parts. One part is a land-based one, and the other one is in the sea. The park is famous for its unusual flora including Mediterranean bushes. The fauna of this Italian park also deserves a mention. It is possible to see the wild hedgehog, green and yellow whipsnake, peregrine falcon, cormorant, and many other species of birds. Tourists visit this place to see the nature of this region and cycle on the comfortable paths of the park.

When you feel tired of exploring the city, you can relax and enjoy leisure pastime at one of the beaches in Gaeta. Serapo remains the most popular. It is very comfortable and pleasant to sunbathe here. Even tourists with children find this beach charming and convenient. The soft white sand is warm and clean. The water near the coast is shallow, and the bottom doesn’t have any sharp objects. If you enjoy active recreation, then you will be glad to know that there are gear rental offices where tourists can rent a canoe or hydrocycle. There are many bars and restaurants along the beach.

There are two main ways to get to Gaeta. One way is from the country’s capital – Rome. It is also possible to reach this city from Naples. If you choose the first variant, you need to buy a ticket for a train that goes from Rome to Formia. Upon arriving in this city, buy a bus ticket at any newsstand. A bus ride to Gaeta lasts twenty minutes. If you choose to travel from Naples, you will also need to buy a ticket for a train that goes to Formia. The rest of the way is the same.