Gaeta

Gaeta

The origins of the city are related to a legend: in fact, according to the tradition, its name comes from Aeneas’ wet-nurse, while Strabo, historian and geographer, affirmed that the particular rounded basin of the Gulf of Gaeta is called Kajatas by Lacon sailormen.
In Roman Age, Gaeta is a vacation place for rich and aristocratic families, according to the ruins discovered in the land. In Middle Age, the city becomes a Duchy where the local rulers take the name of Ipata. The city has commercial relationships in the whole Mediterranean area using its own coin, Follaro, for about three centuries. In XII century Gaeta is converted into Norman kingdom and, involved in political affairs between Rome and Naples, the city connects its history to the new Neapolitan kingdom. When Gaeta becomes part of Anjou kingdom, Carlo D’Angiò, in 1279, develops the first part of the castle that overlooks the Old Town.

Alfonso D’Aragona, in 1436, builds the second part the castle. In 1500 Gaeta is under Spanish domination and Carlo V D’Asburgo erects defensive works useful to face the gunpowder. The city is now considered “the key of Neapolitan Kingdom” and earns honor, privilege, but also siege and destruction. Between 1848 and 1849 Gaeta is the city in which Pope Pius IX and his court repair during the Roman Republic. Certainly the most important event of Gaeta is the siege in 1860-1, when the city becomes the last bulwark of the Bourbon Kingdom, hosting King Francesco II, his wife Sofia and all the court. On February 13, 1861 Gaeta falls, and consequently it is possible to come to the Unity of Italy. Nowadays Gaeta is a touristic city. It has a huge artistic heritage;

a lively gastronomy represented by the famous olive of Gaeta, the “Tiella”, the daily fish market, a notorious natural setting of cliffs that attracts thousands of free-climber; the Regional Park Riviera di Ulisse with the mausoleum of Lucio Munatio Planco; a breathtaking seashore composed by seven different beaches, as well as the sea that is awarded every year by the Blue Flag.

to reach Gaeta

by train from Rome or Naples, stop at the Formia-Gaeta railway station, then you can. Trenitalia web site

1) take a Cotral bus for Gaeta for 1 euro and here the timetable links,

2) Take a taxi from the railway station or we can book for you a private taxi service that will take you until to the house and room you have rent. In both cases, the price is 20/25 euros.

by car or motorbike from Rome

1) A1 highway direction Naples, Frosinone exit and follow the terracina direction, then Appia and Flacca for Gaeta until the crossroad with a semafore for Gaeta centre/Serapo beach.

2) Pontina road for Latina terracina and then Flacca for Gaeta until the crossroad with semafore for Gaeta centre/Serapo beach.

by car or motorbike from Naples

1) A1 highway direction Rome until Cassino, then the state highway for Formia and go ahead until Gaeta.

2) Appia or Domiziana roads until Garigliano bridge, then highway until Formia and going ahead to Gaeta.

Cervone Gaeta local bus service timetable Cervone website

N.B. D = Direct line Piazza Traniello – M. Tortona – P.zza Traniello

During the school period, the12.15 bus and the 13.15 one will be delaied with 12.20 and 13.20

Holiday timetable

N.B. D = Direct line Piazza Traniello – M. Tortona – P.zza Traniello
The timetable can change depending on the traffic conditions