Gaeta

Gaeta is a coastal town in Lazio, in the province of Latina, built on a headland overlooking the gulf that bears its name, roughly midway between Rome and Naples. Its historic centre, with narrow lanes, features an Angevin-Aragonese castle and the Cathedral of the Assumption with its distinctive bell tower. A notable landmark is the Montagna Spaccata, a split cliff housing the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, traditionally linked in local lore to a natural phenomenon connected with the earthquake described in religious accounts. The town has several beaches, including Serapo and Sant'Agostino, valued for their clear waters. Gaeta is also home to a significant port, historically associated with a naval military presence. On the culinary side, the town is known for tiella di Gaeta, a savoury filled pie, as well as for its olives, which carry a protected designation of origin. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, supports seaside tourism from May to September. Its proximity to Sperlonga, Formia and the Pontine Islands makes it a convenient base for exploring the southern Lazio coastline.