Gaeta: A hidden gem between Rome and Naples

There used to be a wall that protected the city from outside invaders. Some of these defensive walls are still a part of the town scenery. The historic center of Gaeta is a picturesque, genuine, and an ancient portrait of the Italy that people always imagine and read about. It is a charming and interesting town with plenty to explore. Before arriving to Gaeta coming from Sperlonga (north) there is a sequence of large beaches well known by the locals:

   2/2  


  Small mews in historic centre

Sant'Agostino, San Vito, Arenauta, Ariana, Quaranta Remi, Fontania, Serapo; the mythical Greek hero Aeneas landed on Serapo, the largest and closest large beach to the town centre. And here, in Gaeta, another legendary hero, the Greek Aeneas buried his nurse Caieta who, according to Virgil’s Aeneid, gave the name to the town.

The largest of Gaeta’s beaches, Sant’Agostino, offer another surprise: the rocky walls of Mount Moneta (m 359), that dominating the bay of Sant'Agostino, are well known to the free climbers. The beaches offer their best in the spring time till June-July and early in September, when there are only few local visitors.

He was Lucius Munatius Plancus the founder of Lyon (Lugdanum) and Basel (Raurica). The mausoleum was Planco’s tomb and in spite of hundred wars, sieges and invasions it is the only in the world that has managed to be still almost intact having endured twenty centuries of history. Here we start our journey in this magic territory, right in the middle of the Land of Aeneas and Ulysses.

Driving after Sant’Agostino, all the other beaches follow along the Via Flacca when getting closer to the town. The traveler who wants to move easily in Gaeta needs to learn soon the names of the most important districts. Gaeta is divided into two main urban areas: Medieval Gaeta (inside the ancient walls) embracing the historic complex of Sant'Erasmo; Gaeta del Borgo (outside the walls) made up of more recent urban settlements.

Gaeta was for long time the second capital of the Kingdom of Naples and the presence of monarchs since the early mediaeval time gave the sparkle for the creation of many important churches and buildings, giving a peculiar historical and artistic mark to the town. Both the areas have the narrow and picturesque old streets typical of the Italian mediaeval age, a real joy to discover all the lively streets among the mouth-watering aroma of fresh fried fish, ragu’ (a special tomato sauce for pasta) and strong, fresh espresso coffee.