Things to do in Gaeta, Italy
Perched over a cliff between two gulfs, Gaeta is an enchanting seaside village on the coastline between Rome and Naples, known as Ulysses’ Riviera. Renowned by Italians that love its clear waters during summertime, Gaeta has an impressive millennial history. Landing place since the tenth century before Christ, Gaeta was a prominent place in the ancient past. Beloved by ancient Roman patricians, unfortunately, there are only a few of the grandiose vestiges of this era. Among them, it’s the Mausoleum of Lucio Munazio Planco on Monte Orlando. Hiking the mount in the Parco Regionale Riviera di Ulisse to discover this and other beautiful gems is one of the best things to do in Gaeta, Italy. Additionally, with delicious olives, two castles, seven beaches, and myriads of churches travel to Gaeta is a perfect way to experience what Italy is. Different from the Amalfi Coast, Gaeta’s charm resides in its historical richness.
Gaeta, Italy
An endless series of cliffs covered by Mediterranean scrub over the sea blue waters is my first memory of Gaeta arriving from Rome. To me, that breathtaking natural panorama couldn’t beat any other glimpse over this central Italian village. But I was wrong. Approaching Gaeta from Formia, the neighboring town where the nearest train station is, gifts every visitor of the best view over the city. A magnificent panorama of Gaeta’s mandolin, how affectionately his habitants call Gaeta’s old town profile, left me speechless. Like the musical instrument shape, the old town lays down over a cliff with its vast and peaceful gulf at its foot. Gaeta is all in there, with its pale pink and pale ocher houses, between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea. A stop in Formia is one of the best things to do to capture Gaeta in all its charm.
Old town Gaeta
Under this name is the oldest part of Gaeta where ancient Roman era constructions were reused during the Middle Ages to built houses, churches, and even the castles. A stroll around the old town is one of the things to do in Gaeta to get a sense of the richness of this seaside town. Narrow streets and endless staircases connect the lower and the higher part of the village. Moreover, the entire area is dotted with stunning churches and dominated by the two castles. A must-see in the area is the former church of San Salvatore. Deconsecrated at the beginning of the 19th century and bombarded during WWII, it’s now restored and used as an exhibition space.
Good to know The official name of the old town is Sant’Erasmo neighborhood. The area is named in this way after Erasmo, the patron saint of Gaeta whose body is buried in the cathedral.
Visit the Cathedral of Gaeta
One of the most iconic sights in Gaeta is the tower bell of the cathedral. Built to commemorate the defeat of the Saracens near the Garigliano river in 915, the tower bell is made at his foot with archeological pieces of the Roman Era. Observing the fragments is hugely fascinating. Moreover, visiting the cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption ( Santa Maria Assunta), it is one of the must things to do in Gaeta. Even if the numerous reworks manipulated the original beauty of the basilica cattedrale, there are some exciting things to observe. Arguably the best part to admire is, left to the ambo, the column with the history of Jesus and S. Erasmus. Additionally, another must-see is the crypt with frescos by the Neapolitan Baroque School.
What Cathedral | Where Via Duomo, 24, 04024 Gaeta LT | When Oct.-May 10:30 am -12: 30 pm and 4:30 pm-6:30 pm; May-Sep. 10 am -12:30 pm and 5 pm-7:30 pm
Visit St. John by the sea
A visit to the church of St. John by the sea (San Giovanni a Mare) is one of the things to do in Gaeta. In detail, the church is one of the more charming places in the old town. Historically behind the ramparts, built to protect the city from sea invaders, it’s a rare architectonic example of Greek-Byzantine church with a central plan. Another dating element that ascribes the church to the 11th century is the iconic dome decorated with the inlay technique. Inside the building is divided into three naves supported by eight columns from Roman ruins. Besides the columns, other elements belong to the Roman era, like the altar made using a sarcophagus. Recently restored, St. John by the sea is decorated with frescos dating between the 13th and the 15th centuries.
What San Giovanni a Mare | Where Via Bausan, 26, Gaeta, Italy | When Holy mass on Fridays at 6:30 pm during summertime; at 5:30 pm during wintertime
Discover the Golden chapel in Saint Annunziata
Among the most beloved and beautiful churches in Gaeta, there is the Santuario della Santissima Annunziata.Originally built in 1321, the church along the sea was restored in 1621 after that the ramparts were built to protect the city during the previous century. A visit to this church it’s one of the best things to do in Gaeta, Italy as it preserves maybe the best art gem of the entire town. In detail, what attire locals likewise tourists, is the enchanting Chapel of the Immaculate Conception or golden chapel. Also known as grotto d’oro, it is decorated with a cycle of paintings by local artist Giovanni Francesco Criscuolo in 1531, inserted into glided frames. Remarkable, on the central wall, it is a painting of St. Mary Immaculate. The wooden coffered ceiling in gold and dark blue resembles the colors of the heavens.
Useful information about the church of Saint Annunziata
The chapel inspired pope Pius IX the idea of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The pontiff used to prey there during his exile, and from Gaeta, he wrote an encyclical in 1849. The dogma would have been promulgated many years later, in 1854. Belong to the complex of Saint Annunziata, a church with its sacristy and its adjacent gold chapel. Belong to the complex also the former hospital accessible by a lateral entrance. Through this entrance is it possible to access the Grotta d’oro even when the main church is closed.
What Grotta d’oro | Where Via Annunziata, 21, 04024 Gaeta, Italy | When Mon.-Sun. 10 am — 12:30 pm; Mon.-Wed. 4–7 pm; Thu 4–5:30 pm; Fri.-Sun 3–7 pm | Cost € 2
Climb to the Church of Saint Francis
With its Neo-gothic appearance, the church of Saint Francis dominates the landscape of Gaeta. Climbing the stairs that bring to the church is one of the things worth to do when in this lively town in central Italy. It’s from the façade of this place that you can enjoy one of the best views over the old town. Built to commemorate the visit of St. Francis of Assisi in Gaeta in 1222 under Charles II d’Ajou (1254–1309), and finished in the XIV century, the church was abandoned several centuries later. In 1848 Ferdinand II of Bourbon, King of the Two Sicilies restored the church encouraged by pope Pius IX. On the side of the richly decorated facade are the statues of the two kings.
Terra Santa di San Domenico
One of the most challenging things to do in Gaeta is probably visiting the Terra Santa di San Domenico. Open only one hour per week, this is one of the religious places in Gaeta with a past of abandon and degrade. In detail, the Holy land of Saint Dominicus was part of a more significant complex including a monastery and a church. The complex was home to the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary since 1622. To gain more space to bury their members, in 1747 the Confraternity built a chapel under the church. The Holy Land was used as a cemetery until 1808, and when visiting it, you can still notice over 70 skulls.
Good to know Photography inside is strictly prohibited.
Other churches in Gaeta
Gaeta is known as the city of 100 churches. Even if the number is hyperbolic, it gives the sense of the extraordinary quantity of Catholic temples within the village boundaries. Unfortunately many were destroyed or abandoned. One of the most charming abandoned churches is Saint Judas Thaddaeus ( San Giuda Taddeo)perched on a narrow street in the old town near San Francesco. In this area of Gaeta, there is also the former church of St. Lucy ( Santa Lucia) built in the VII century and supposedly the oldest church in Gaeta. Used as Royal chapel in 1387 by King Ladislao d’Anjou-Durazzo, the deconsecrated church is nowadays under renovation. To get a sense of the opulent splendor of these churches is the still-standing wall, decorated with a marble frame, of the church of San Biagio. Severely damaged during WWII, it was demolished during the 1950s when the city built its seafront (Lungomare Caboto).
Explore the Castello Angioino and its jail
Dominating the old town of Gaeta, the two castles lie over a surface of 151.771 sq ft (14.100 mq). Once connected, they are now reachable within a short walk, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in Gaeta. In the XIII century, the D’Ajou family transformed the older site, born as a fortalice in the 10th century, in a castle. Known as Castello angioino,it hosts one deconsecrated church and a private chapel used by king Francesco II Bourbon and queen Sofia in the 19th century. Mainly used as a military prison, it served to put from 1945 Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were deserting the mandatory military service. The prison closed in 1980 when by Italian law, people had the faculty to choose between military or civil service. Since then the castle was abandoned until the University of Cassino rented it.
Take a tour inside D’Anjou castle in Gaeta, Italy
Sadly the D’Ajou castle is famous for two incarcerated Nazis, guilty of two dreadful massacres in Italy. One was Walter Reder, the executioner of the massacre of Marzabotto who killed 3.000 civilians. The second was Herbert Kappler, instigator of the Ardeatine massacre in Rome and other terrible crimes. While visiting the castle, it is possible touring their prison cells. In detail, a collaboration between the University of Cassino and a local businessman makes it possible attending guided tours during weekends and upon request. Visiting the castle angioino is one of the things to do in Gaeta as it allows discovering local and Italian history. The tour takes 1 hour and a half circa, and the guides are very knowledgeable.
What Castello angioino| Where Salita Castello, 04024 Gaeta, Italy | When Sat. and Sun. 10 am-1 pm and 3–6 pm; other openings available upon request by contacting gaetasportingclub[at]gmail[dot]com| Cost €10
The Aragonese castle and the Naval School Museum
To the left of Castello angioino there is another fascinating castle rich in history: the Aragonese castle ( castello Aragonese). Nowadays is named Caserma Mazzini to remember the most important personality put in prison here. This was the politician and activist for the unification of Italy Giuseppe Mazzini who was arrested after he tried an expedition to free Rome in 1870. He left Gaeta the following year. Since 1948 the castle is used as a barrack to host the navy department of the Fiscal Police. And a museum inside the castle celebrates the history of this naval unit of the Fiscal Police. From its institution in 1816, the exhibition covers through uniforms, documents, and other mementos the full story of this special corp. A vast area exhibits memorabilia from the naval school Turba used during WWI and originally belonged to Francesco II Bourbon under the name Zara.
What Aragonese castle| Where Salita Castello, 04024 Gaeta, Italy | When Openings available upon request by contacting atslacittadella[at]gmail[dot]com
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open (Matthew, 27:51–52)
Visit the Split Mountain
Among the things to do in Gaeta, a visit to the Split Mountain (Montagna Spaccata)is a must. Nowhere else in Gaeta religious faith, folklore and natural wonder reach these heights. According to the tradition, this mountain split when Jesus Christ died as mentioned in Matthew’s gospel. Later in 1434, a rock felt in between the fissure and a chapel was built over it. Moreover, before accessing the chapel, there is the so-called Turk’s hand ( mano del turco). The folklore states that when an infidel touched with its hand the rock, the mountain became soft, capturing the print of his five fingers. Popes and saints have been here to pray. Among them, the tradition mentions S. Philip Neri, said to have been sleeping on a rock.
Sanctuary of the SS. Trinity
Entering the high arch of the Santuario della Santissima Trinità a path, whose walls are decorated by scenes of the way of the cross, leads to the main fissure and the chapel. Built during the 11th century, the sanctuary, part of a bigger complex, is to the left of the main arch. In detail, the Benedictine monastery whose structure is still visible from the exterior was annexed to it. Around the sanctuary are walls and bastions built, under the kingdom of Charles V, between 1516 and 1538. The alcantarini monks, now part of the order of the Friar Minor, restored the church in the 19th century. From the sanctuary also known as Sanctuary of the Split Mountain ( Santuario della Montagna Spaccata) you can access the mountain ( Monte Orlando).
Useful information about the Santuario della Santissima Trinità
On the premises of the sanctuary, there was the villa owned by the Roman Consul Lucius Munatius Plancus ( Lucio Munazio Planco) whose mausoleum is still intact at the peak on the Monte Orlando. The main gate gives access to the Turk’s cave, to the split rock, to the Turk’s hand, and the sanctuary. The opening times slightly differ between summertime and wintertime.
What Sanctuary of the SS. Trinity | Where via della Trinità, Gaeta, Italy | When Visits Mon.-Sun. 9–11:45 am and 3–6pm (4:45 pm during wintertime); Holy Masses Mon.-Sat. 7:30 am and 6 pm (5 pm in winter); Sun. 10 am, 12 pm, 6 pm (5 pm in winter)
Grotta del turco
One of the most suggestive places in Gaeta is the Turk’s Cave or Grotta del Turco. Under this name is a natural cliff in the so-called Split Mountain ( Montagna Spaccata) a place surrounded by religious importance. The cave derives its name from the 9th century when pirates Saracens hidden themselves to attack the other boats passing through the promontory. Visiting this natural wonder is a must-do thing when in Gaeta. The cave is accessible descending 300 steps. Nowadays, the entire path is closed due to weather conditions and landslide hazards. However, it is still possible to admire the cave from a terrace at halfway.
Monte Orlando
If you are passionate about nature, archeology, and hiking Monte Orlando is one of the best things to do in Gaeta, Italy. This beautiful wooded hill raises 590,50 ft (180 mt) over the sea level and is a nature reserve. Part of the Regional Park of Ulysses’ Riviera, Monte Orlando is covered by Mediterranean shrub. Among carob, mirth, pistacia lentiscus trees, and fan palms the park is rich in archeological and historical sites. A walking path brings to discover the three armories ( polveriere) realized under the kingdom of Ferdinand I Bourbon between 1756 and 1760. While the Polveriera Carolina was partly destroyed after an explosion in 1939, Polveriera Ferdinando now hosts a museum of the regional park.
Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus
In the highest point of Monte Orlando stands out against the sky the funerary monument of Lucius Munatius Plancus. The Mausoleum, unfortunately, surrounded by a mass of repeaters, has an iconic circular shape, similar to the one adopted by Augusts for its tomb, St. Angel Castle in Rome. The structure was popular among roman patricians, like the tomb of Cecilia Metella (link to Rome off the beaten path) testifies. Lucius Munatius Plancus was an influent consul once near to Cesar, then to Marcus Antonius and lastly to Octavian. For this latest, Plancus proposed the title of Augustus. A Doric frieze on around the Mausoleum tells the story of the consul’s life with many references to his military career. The missed metopes were destroyed during WWII during a bombardment whose target was the near telegraph. Inside the Mausoleum hosts 4 cells for Plancus and its family member and is now decorated with ruins from other archeological sites in the area.
Useful information about Monte Orlando
Monte Orlando Park is closed to car traffic and along the walking paths, there is a cycling route. The peace of this place makes it ideal for a stroll in Gaeta’s beautiful nature. Moreover, along the walking trails are fitness equipment made of wood and panels suggesting exercises for different training levels. An ideal spot for a jog, the park of Monte Orlando also hosts a dog park on its premises. Besides the armeries and the archeological mausoleum, in Monte Orlando there are 24 stationings created at the end of the 19th century.
What Monte Orlando | When Mon.-Sun. 8 am-6 pm
Stroll around via Indipendenza in Gaeta
To discover the popular soul of this seaside village, you should take a stroll around via Indipendenza. The colors of the local vegetables sold on the street, the smell of the fresh laundry hanging on the alleys ( vicoli), make this walk a unique experience. Moreover, in this part of the city, named Elena after the queen of Italy, are the small shops of local artisans. Strolling around via Indipendenza is one of the best things to do in Gaeta as it gives an insight into the other side of the village. The city of sailors, farmers, and commoners is all in via Indipendenza and in its lateral alleys. A recent new mural celebrates the popular soul of this area in the first square that crosses the central, narrow street.
Gaeta and its tiella
Among the best things to do in Gaeta is a stroll trying the local food specialties. A good starting point is via Indipendenza. Here there is the old bakery Giordano that proudly says to have been the home of the original tiella. Similarly to an empanada but with a round shape and a bigger size, tiella has poor origins. In detail, fishers’ wives use to prepare this easy-to-keep dish for their men before sailing. Between the two layers of pizza, they stuffed what they had at home. Octopuses, or different types of vegetables, are still now the main ingredients that constitute the variations of this dish. If you decide to try tiella at Giordano, I recommend the onion one.
What Antico Forno Giordano | Where Via dell’Indipendenza, 39, 04024 Gaeta, Italy | When Mon.-Sat. 9 am -3 pm and 4–8:30 pm
Gaeta and its olives
Besides the navy base, Gaeta is also famous for its olives. With a dark burgundy color, small dimensions, and a bitter taste, these are the perfect ingredients to add to any mozzarella and tomato salad. Olives but also big lemons are typical produces from the area. Additionally, as a seaside town, Gaeta is also the place where you can buy some fresh fish. Going to the fish market is one of the things to do in Gaeta to experience the bond between the village and the sea. On the seafront, every day after 4:30 pm fishers and their families sell on stalls their daily catch.
Enjoy street art in Gaeta
Besides the charm of its historical places and the awe of nature, Gaeta is also an fantastic town for enjoying contemporary art. In detail, because of a project of urban renewal, Gaeta hosts since 2011 a festival of street art and admiring these wors is without any doubt one of the things to do in Gaeta. High-quality murals embellish the ancient popular area of the village. Thanks to Memorie Urbane, this is the name of the art project, even wandering around the industrial area of the seaside town is pleasant. Some works recall the heritage of Gaeta. For instance, this is the case of the murals of Andrea Ravo Mattoni reproducing a canvas of a local Baroque painter. Other works represent a first-time in the street art panorama, like the astonishing paintings around the cemetery’s walls.
What Memorie Urbane | Where Different places, but you can see a map of the works here
Enjoy the beach in Gaeta
One of the best things to do in Gaeta is to spend some time on the beach. The temperate weather makes it possible to stroll around the seashore even in wintertime. Additionally, with its seven beaches, Gaeta offers a wide choice of shores you can go to. The most popular is Serapo, the closest to the village, and for this reason, crowded in August. Stretching along a coastline, it extends from Monte Orlando to Fontania. In this latest neighborhood made of villas on cliffs is the same name small beach facing the Split Mountain. On the coastline near Pozzo del Diavolo is a popular snorkeling spot known as the beach of the 40 oars ( Spiaggia dei 40 remi) accessible only by boat or by swimming. More secluded than Serapo is the small shoreline known as Ariana beach with pristine waters. Nestled between two high cliffs after the Viola tower, make Ariana beach well sheltered by the winds.
Arenauta, San Vito, and St. Augustine beaches
Along the coastline after the Ariana beach, a defensive fortification signals the beginning of the Arenauta beach. This is the Scissure tower built, like the viola Tower, during the Kingdom of Naples to prevent the Saracens incursions. Among all the beaches in Gaeta, the Arenauta beach still preserves the wildness of the coastline. The problematic access — only possible through private and expensive descents — make it a more exclusive beach. The only free way to access it is by descending 300 steps through the so-called spiaggia dei 300 gradini. Next to it is a small bay known as spiaggia di San Vito accessible only by entering one of the three hotels that face it. On the contrary St. Agostino beach, stretching along the street is dotted by bars and restaurants and offers many free accesses.
The Devil’s cave or Pozzo del Diavolo
In the neighborhood of Fontania, only accessible on foot is the Devil’s cave ( Pozzo del Diavolo). This natural marvelous, more enjoyable by seeing an aerial photo than in person, is a vertical cave opening into the sea through a 164 ft (50 mt) fault. Admiring the sea from the well is highly dangerous. Despite it, many consider visiting this attraction as one of the best things to do in Gaeta for the romantic views enjoyable from the cliff. Unfortunately, the narrow wild path to access it is not well kept, and a kind of illegal dump seems to exist in the area. The best way to enjoy the Devil’s cave is by swimming or by using a small boat.
Festivals in Gaeta, Italy
Gaeta is a seaside village, and this legacy endures in one of the most heartfelt ceremonies, a procession over the sea. Every year, on the second Sunday in August, takes place the Madonna of Porto Salvo. Fishers by boats cruise the gulf facing the old village carrying the statue of the Madonna on their ships. Embellished with silk dresses and gold the icon is celebrated as the patron of sailors. In detail, according to a legend, in 1655 the statue appeared to castaways salving them during a sea storm. Other religious festivals take place around Easter time. During the month preceding Easter, every Friday takes place a Way of the Cross at the Sanctuary of the SS. Trinity. Furthermore, every Holy Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday) happens a torchlight procession through Monte Orlando until the statue of S. Maria Ausiliatrice.
Gaeta navy base
While English is not widely spoken by locals, strolling around Gaeta, you can easily bump into American speakers. The reason is simple. Since 1967, after leaving France, the U.S. sixth fleet is based in Gaeta, Italy. As a military US port, for safety reasons, the base cannot be visited nor photographed. However, while admiring the Gulf of Gaeta, it is common to see the US navy ship anchored in the Navy Base.
Day trips for Gaeta, Italy
Gaeta is on the coastline between Rome and Naples and you can visit these cities by train after a one hour circa journey. However, you don’t need to go very far to discover some hidden beauties in the area. Archeological sites, naturalistic wonders, and charming villages are close by. Here are some of the best day trips you can take while in Gaeta.
- Ninfa’s garden is considered the most romantic in the world. The remains of an old Middle Age village are the perfect background for this painting-like park.
- The Roman Cistern in Formia dates back to the 1st BC, and it is similar for dimension and evocative atmosphere to the Yerbatan Saray in Instanbul, Turkey.
- White paint brushed little houses with blue doors contributes to the charm of Sperlonga. A visit to the beach villa of Roman Emperor Tiberius is a must.
How to get to Gaeta, Italy
- By plane The closest airport is Naples International airport, 1 hour and a half away by car from Gaeta. Another option would be flying to Rome to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. From there it takes 2 hours to get to Gaeta by car.
- By boat If you decide to arrive in Gaeta by boat, you can dock your yacht at the Base Nautica Flavio Gioia
- By train It takes approximately 1 hour to get to Gaeta by train from Naples and 1 hour and a half from Rome. However, the train station is not located in Gaeta, but in the nearby Formia which is 15 minutes away by car.
Good to know If you decide to arrive in Gaeta by plane or by train you will then need to arrange a private taxi or rent a car to get there.
How to get to Gaeta from Rome
You can reach Gaeta from Rome either by train or by car. If you arrive by car, you can decide between two main roads. One option is by using a toll road toward Napoli exiting in Frosinone. Otherwise, you can use the country road via Pontina/SS148. In both cases, you will then have to follow the directions for Terracina, without entering this village, and to Sperlonga and Gaeta.
