The journey to Gallipoli takes you to the heel of the Italian "boot." The port city has around 20,000 inhabitants. Thanks to its charming location directly on the coast of the Gulf of Taranto, it is well-suited for a mix of city trip and beach vacation.
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The castle is surrounded on all sides by the sea and has a square base with four imposing towers. One of the towers is crowned with battlements and the others are decorated with inlays. A fifth tower, the "Rivellino," stands apart from the walls. Today, temporary exhibitions are held on the grounds of the Gallipoli castle. Stroll through the corridors with barrel and cross vaults and walk on the old walls while enjoying the magnificent view of the old town and the sea.
The Greek fountain of Gallipoli is often referred to as the oldest fountain in Italy. However, scientists still debate whether this is actually true. The scenes carved in stone tell stories of love and revenge. In the past, the Greek fountain served to quench the thirst of the city's population. Today, it is primarily a popular photo motif. From the Greek fountain, it is just a stone's throw to the fortress and the church of Santa Maria del Canneto.
At the end of a busy alley in Gallipoli lies the oil mill in a grotto. Presumably originating in Norman times, such underground mills were long widespread, as they provided good conditions for the production and storage of oil thanks to their constant temperature. In the small museum of the Hypogeum Oil Mill of Palazzo, visitors can immerse themselves in this Apulian tradition. The various production steps are explained in several languages. Some millstones used for the first pressing of the olives and several filling containers have been preserved.
The house of God with three naves is located in the center with its cobblestone streets. The magnificent cathedral is built from tuff stone blocks and adorned with generous decorations and statues, such as the statues of Sant'Agata, Santa Teresa D'Avila, or San Sebastiano. Inside, you will find a total of 12 altars in different forms, such as the high altar made of multicolored marble. Furthermore, the basilica houses countless paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Here you can admire works by Nicola Malinconico, Francesco Giordano, and many more.
The museum is often referred to as a cabinet of curiosities. No wonder, as the exhibition includes the private collection of Emanuele Barba, which contains, among other things, animal skeletons, weapons, coins, and minerals. Macabre are the fetuses and animals preserved in formaldehyde. Visitors can also admire paintings by the painter Giovanni Andrea Coppola, who lived and worked in Gallipoli in the 17th century. The museum is located on the old town island near the fortress and the Spiaggia della Purità with its crystal-clear water.
The imposing Baroque church towers over the picturesque fishing harbor. In this sleepy church, sailors once went before they set out to sea with their ships. You enter the church through a portal with round arches. The entrance is adorned with a Madonna statue. The interior impresses with its thin wooden ceiling, which features an image of the Virgin with a golden finish. Behind the main altar is an old depiction of the Madonna del Canneto. Equally impressive are the organ, famous paintings, and the San Nicola statue.