Millennial History of Gaeta
Gaeta has passed through different epochs throughout its history. The first settlements date back to the 9th century BC, then moving from the influence of the Roman Age, becoming a vacation spot for various emperors, continuing with the Ducal Age, in which Gaeta became a maritime republic and, subsequently, an independent duchy even going so far as to mint its own coins: the famous Follaro, which remains a prestigious symbol of the city to this day.
The Duchy of Gaeta remained fully independent until the early 12th century, but in the years to come, it enjoyed numerous privileges. For seven centuries, it remained a united, independent, and sovereign kingdom, the only one in all of Europe to retain its territorial boundaries intact for such a long time, with Gaeta often serving as a "de facto" capital and a strategic border city with the Papal State.
The reason for the many monuments and architectural styles from different eras in the historic center of Gaeta, as well as in the equally fascinating area known as Medieval Gaeta, is probably linked to its location, equidistant between Rome and Naples, making it a borderland and, therefore, a strategic area for both the Papal State and the Kingdom of Naples. This characteristic has persisted through the years to this day.
The Numerous Historical and Artistic Attractions of Gaeta
Here is a list of the numerous historical and artistic attractions that span Gaeta's millennial history: the Angioino-Aragonese Castle, the municipal historic center, the Diocesan Museum, the Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus, the Mausoleum of Lucius Sempronius Atratinus, and the Roman Mausoleum known as the Maritime Sepulcher. Furthermore, there are Porta Carlo III, Palazzo Ladislao, the Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Art, and the Historical-Naturalistic Museum of Ferdinand II.
The offering in terms of sacred art is equally rich: in addition to the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation, which houses the famous Golden Chapel, there are the Cathedral of Saints Erasmus and Marcianus and the Church of San Francesco, which overlooks the city. It's also worth visiting the smaller churches like San Giovanni a Mare, San Giacomo, and Santa Lucia. Among museums, monuments, and sites of historical interest, there is truly an abundance of choices on what to see in Old Gaeta.
A separate note should be made for the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, also known as the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain, probably considered the city's primary attraction. Streams of pilgrims visit this site throughout the year, while non-believers simply visit it for its suggestiveness. Just to the left of the sacred structure, you'll find the descent to the famous Grotto of the Turk. Descending 300 steps, you reach sea level, where you can admire the cave's spectacularity with marvelous reflections, sometimes green and sometimes turquoise, depending on the sunlight. The Grotto is also highly appreciated by free climbing enthusiasts, who can often be seen on the steep walls not far from the site.
