When you say Gallipoli, you say many things all at once: first of all, sea, beaches, entertainment. And then also history, culture, architecture, traditions, hospitality, unique beauty: all this is encapsulated in the old town, perched on the island joined to the mainland by an ancient 17th-century bridge. Find out what your vacation in the old town of Gallipoli can belike.
The etymology of the place name comes from the Greek "kalè polis," meaning "beautiful city." On the edge of Corso Roma, the city's liveliest commercial center with numerous businesses, we come to the bridge built in the 17th century that joins the port, the new town and the old town of Gallipoli.
Before entering the swarm of narrow streets to discover the enchanting old town, one must stop at the quay of the Seno del Canneto to admire the Greek fountain, from the Renaissance period with a Lecce Baroque pediment.
Nearby is the chapel of Santa Cristina, the saint venerated by fishermen and all Gallipolians, and behind it, large and imposing, the sanctuary church of Madonna del Canneto. The city of Gallipoli dedicates lavish celebrations to Santa Cristina every year, with a traditional cuccagna at sea.
Beyond the bridge, on the left, stretching for long with the Rivellino on the Seno di Ponente, is the Angevin castle dating from 1552. Between the bridge and the manor that seems almost to float, in the sea, in addition to the boats, a graceful modern ironwork dedicated to the sea urchin, a delicacy for Salento docs, stands out from the water's surface.
In the castle's old moat, to the right of the stone bridge that replaces the old drawbridge that existed before 1600, toward the historic center of Gallipoli, one need only look down to immerse oneself in the veracity of the fish market. Here you can also sample appetizers and seafood freshly opened by local fishermen.
Along the walls of the historic center surrounding the island, sprout the bastions, now perfect as balconies overlooking the sea from which to enjoy postcard views. Actually, these that today are easy panoramic walls to admire the horizon, in the past were up to 2 meters high to prevent attacks from the Ionian Sea.
The old town of Gallipoli is framed by the sea, by fishermen's boats, by a long promenade where the houses of the Gallipolians, the little fish restaurants, and the little bars overlook it, and where trickle after trickle of narrow streets leads into the labyrinth to fully experience the vacations in the old town of Gallipoli.
Among the things to see in Gallipoli, wikipedia and any other travel guide offer a long list of stops, all of which are not to be missed, in the old city of Gallipoli. These include, along the ramparts and walls of Gallipoli, in order, the Church of San Francesco da Paola with the convent next to it, with its simple facade.
In succession is the Church of Santa Maria della Purità, the oldest sacred hostel in the old city of Gallipoli. It dates back to the second half of the 17th century. The church belongs to the confraternity of the longshoremen, one of the most active and ancient confraternities. One of the most evocative processions of Holy Week departs from this church: that of the Desolata, held from 3 a.m. on Holy Saturday.
Holy Week is one of the most evocative times to experience in low season vacations in the old city of Gallipoli. A handkerchief of sand opens up at the foot of the Church of the Purità: the beautiful little beach of the "puritate" so beloved by Gallipolians, where one can bathe from April until October, being sheltered from the winds and sunny until sunset.
From the little beach you can also see theIsland of St. Andrew on which stands the 45-meter-high lighthouse, which shows the way to sailors. You can get there only and exclusively with guides organized by authorized associations, as the island is home to archaeological excavations. Also very interesting as a destination for bird migrations.
The island, and next to Scoglio del Campo, are included in the Pizzo - Isola di Sant'Andrea regional park, which reaches by sea to Gallipoli's Baia Verde, the most famous sea in the area along with Punta della Suina and Lido Conchiglie. Continuing the walkway on the ramparts in central Gallipoli, one encounters the church of St. Francis of Assisi.
The church holds numerous works of art and for this reason is nicknamed the Gallipoli Pantheon. Along the circumnavigation of the old city of Gallipoli, one can also admire the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Church of the Crucifix from which the procession of the mysteries leaves at 6 p.m. on Good Friday, the Church of the Rosary and the Church of the Souls.
In the innermost part of the old town of Gallipoli, you should definitely not miss the heart of the center of Gallipoli where there is the church of Sant'Agata, a true picture gallery inside, and a splendid example of Salento Baroque, whose facade was designed by master stonemason Giuseppe Zimbalo.
If you reside here, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit a real underground oil mill where oil was produced, which this town exported for centuries as far as northern Europe.
These are the key stops to visit if you are spending your vacation in the old town of Gallipoli. For a totally relaxing stay, it is recommended to book a vacation home that is suitable for all kinds of needs and allows you to enjoy all the beauty of the city to the fullest. It is absolutely worth it.
