Excursion Gaeta walking tour tour at Gaeta

Discover the historic heart of Gaeta during this scenic half-day walking tour.

Historical Gates and Medieval Center

Depart the tender pier on foot and begin your walking tour at the gates of Gaeta, including the one opened by Carlo III in 1737 and two others constructed by Carlo V in 1538. Enter the old quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow alleys, medieval portals, towers, and small squares that reflect centuries of history.

Church of the SS. Annunziata & Cappella d’Oro

Pause at the Church of the Annunziata, a Gothic monument renewed with Baroque decorations in 1621. Its façade, designed by A. Lazzari, features a clock and bell gable, while the original Gothic portal remains from the early structure. The church also houses the celebrated Cappella d’Oro, renowned for its golden coffered ceiling and Renaissance frescoes, including Scipione Pulzone’s Immacolata Concezione. Pope Pius IX prayed here, inspiring the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Cathedral of San Erasmo

Continue to the Cathedral, originally built between the 10th and 11th centuries and consecrated in 1106 by Pope Pasquale II. The church, located at the base of the medieval quarter, is admired for its remarkable architecture and distinctive bell tower.

Angevin-Aragonese Castle

Proceed uphill to admire the imposing Angevin-Aragonese Castle. Dating back to the Ducal period, the fortress was later developed through the Norman, Suevian, Angevin, and Aragonese eras. Once a royal residence, it recalls centuries of noble and military history.

Church of San Francesco

Conclude your walk at the neo-Gothic Church of San Francesco, built after 1850 on the site of a 13th-century convent in honor of Pope Pius IX during his exile in Gaeta before walking back to the tender pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Historical Gates of Gaeta, Historic Center.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.5 miles (about 4 kilometers), at times over uneven, cobblestone surfaces and uphill pathways, with a few steps to negotiate. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Access to churches and monuments cannot be guaranteed if services, ceremonies, or other events are taking place. Public restrooms are available at selected stops and may require a small local fee. The tour sequence may vary.